A quick history. DD was born at 40 weeks and 4 days. I was in labor for 36 hours before I finally needed an urgent c-section. Baby would not drop and after they broke my water they had some trouble with her heart rate. So, now I'm due in May and have been totally set on a VBAC, even though my CS was no big deal ( recovery was fairly easy and minimal pain). I do have to say after my CS I felt really....beat up? Doctor said that was due to the long labor. Well apparently doctors have a magic calculator that gives them your odds for a successful VBAC. My doctor likes you to be in the 60-80% range ( or better), of course I'm only rated in the 50's. So she said it was basically my call, she would support me either way but to be very aware that if I went ahead with a VBAC there was a real possibility I would need another c-section. All the sudden VBAC is not sounding so great. I have no wish to go thru with another long labor just to need major surgery again. Now with a toddler at home I can't help but think how much more convenient it would be to schedule the surgery ( as far as child care goes). I guess I would like some stories of ladies who tried and failed with a VBAC? and ladies who just chose the RCS? I hear the second time around is easier. I guess I'm just feeling a little guilty for starting to consider switching to a RCS, since I was so set on a VBAC.
Re: All this time I was set on a VBAC....
The c/s (and recovery) was absolutely the worst experience of my life. So, when I got pregnant with DD2 I absolutely wanted a vbac. I found a doctor that would support me. She would let me go to 42 weeks but would not induce unless my cervix was favorable (previous induction, it was not). If no progress by 41 weeks, I would have to schedule the rcs no later than 42.
I spent most of the pregnancy really hoping for that vbac but doing lots of research on rcs as well. I realized that if I did end up with a planned rcs it would likely not be nearly as terrible. At my 40 week appt I had no cervical progress and hadn't been having any contractions. My doctor was ok with waiting another week to see what happened. After taking a day to think (and talk to DH) about it I decided I wanted to schedule the rcs.
I had my rcs 3 days later and it could not have been a better experience. The procedure was so much more laid back. I actually got to be fully present and enjoy DD2's birth. I went in to it well rested and my body healed fabulously. I never experienced anything I would describe as pain. The worst part was discomfort from gas. Totally different experience and I wouldn't change a thing. This time, vba2c is not a thought I would even entertain.
For me rcs was, without a doubt, the best decision. That said, this is 100% your choice that only you can make. I wish you luck with making the decision that is best for you and hope your birth experience is a positive one.
Never tried for a VBAC with baby #2. He was 9.8 pounds and I was never in labor with him. The planned Csec was such a different experience. I was up and walking in 4 hours vs the 12-15 hours with my first.
This baby will be a RCS and our last. That is another consideration, how many are you planning on having? The more csecs you have, the more scar tissue as well so they recommend a limited number. I was lucky that i had no scar tissue when they opened me up for my second but they don't really know until they get you open. I feel no guilt or shame with my csecs. An 11 pounder....there is just no coming back from that...
But then my rational side has started saying, why bother with a VBAC? We don't want a ton of kids, my recovery wasn't bad the first time around, ideally we'd be able to plan easier for childcare. I know there are many risk and benefits to both sides. I appricate the stories they help give me some real life perspective.
Both my recoveries were a complete breeze, but the second one was even easier and faster than the first. Maybe because I was already toughened up, had that experience before. Loved both mine and loved being able to plan for help and child care having a toddler at home already.
I think is's 100% true that a planned one vs one following active labor is completely different stuff.
I wanted a VBAC sooo badly. I cried over it and fought for it for 9 months. I finally at 39 wks I scheduled a repeat Csection for 40wk4d with the only Dr who seemed supportive of my VBAC. When that morning came, I cried all the way to the hospital. When they hooked me up, I was contracting every 2 min regularly so the Dr agreed to a gentle induction. She broke my water and I went from 1cm to 6cm in 5hrs. We all thought it was going to happen and everyone was very exciting about me getting past that 4cm mark. Well 8hrs later I was still 6cm and contracting well on my own so they could not use pitocin. I ended up agreeing to a Csection at that point.
I do not regret for one minute attempting a VBAC and I am so thankful my Dr let me attempt. I would love to go into labor on my own for baby #3 just because I have never had spontaneous labor but I am 99.9% this one will be a RCS.
TTC#1 for 19 months with PCOS and MFI IUI#3 + injectables = BFP!!!! Beta#1-134(13dpiui) Beta #2-392(15dpiui)
#1 born December 2011
TTC#2 - Beta #1 -51@10dpo Beta#2 -1353 @16dpo
#2 born May 2013
TTC # 3 June 2014 BFP 12-1-14
#3 born August 2015
#4!!!!!!! due June 2017
GSx1 - 05/13/2013
GSx2 for T&B - EDD 6/21/2015 - They're having a GIRL!
My first c-section was planned due to DS1 being breech. Recovery was so, SO easy but given that we have always thought we would have three children, I wanted a VBAC so that I could avoid three c-sections.
With DS2, my water broke two days before my due date and my midwives and doctors were incredibly optimistic that I'd be able to have a vaginal birth. After arriving at the hospital we learned he had flipped to breech. So RCS it was!
I do not for one second regret trying for a VBAC and I know that the way it all went down was for the best.
Mom to Carter (6), and Calianne (1).
Proud VBAC, natural birth, breastfeeding, cloth diapering momma!