VBAC vs. another C-Section

laineyb3 · August 2015

Had my first appt today and all went well! The biggest decision I have to make is whether or not to try for a vbac. My doctor will support me either way. Are there any other 2nd time mamas grappling with this issue? Any advice?

skruhmin · August 2015

Not in your shoes (so hope this doesn't overstep) but this coming from another mom community. I know of a few women who have successfully had VBACs and they went very well and had no complications. They're glad they did it. As long as your doctor is favorable, then seriously it really is up to you. Can I ask why you had a c-section?

lightrox · August 2015

I went for a VBAC with my second I did fully dilate and was pushing when his heart rate started to dip so I told my doctor to cut me open she wanted to monitor him and let me keep pushing but I felt something would have went wrong if I did it was just a gut feeling I had so I made the decision to have another c section. I was happy with my decision to try a VBAC even though I ended up with a c section. If you really want to go for it I say do it just be prepared like always everything doesn't always go as planned.

oceanchild · August 2015

Also not in your shoes, but will support whatever you choose! My here are my anecdotals: my SIL was the founder of her local ICAN chapter - she had a c/s with #1 and then 3 homebirths. Another dear friend just had a homebirth after 2 c/s (one was twins). Another attempted a VBA2C but ended up deciding on a c/s during labor for a very similar reason to lightrox. And another always chooses scheduled c/s. Here to support your birth

llybeck · August 2015

I am somewhat in the same position. My body just wasn't made for birthing babies and I ended up with a lot of complications so my OB strongly recommended I stick with another c-section. I am honestly all for that. My labor experience was pretty terrible with my first and I am relieved to be doing a c-section right from the start this time. I also labored for 20 hours before I ended up with the c-section and my recovery was still awesome. My OB said that it would probably be even easier this time because I wouldn't be laboring first.

That being said, it is totally up to you! I personally didn't feel like I "missed out" at all when it came to my first so I didn't have that desire to try for a VBAC but I know that is important for a lot of people. I would just say, like all pregnancies and births, just be prepared that things could change or not go as planned. If you do plan to try for a VBAC at least you know that you've been through a c-section before and if it comes to that again, it will be just fine! Either way you get a baby so you really can't lose!

Parker16772 · August 2015

I had a C-section with DS due to Pre-E. Basically the same as the previous poster. I didn't feel like I missed out on anything and I also had a super easy recovery so it will be a RCS for me. Honestly I have no desire to try to VBAC.

J234 · August 2015

My doctor was strongly suggesting a VBAC... but then she went into the scenarios... they won't do pitocin or anything to supplement the labor, they won't let me go past my due date, etc... So I'm thinking that my chances are small to be successful, but I'll try!

evemadalyn · August 2015

I am dealing with the same dilemma! My labor with my daughter was really tough! I was five days late and was induced due to low amniotic fluid...labored for over 17 hrs... Ended up developing an infection called chorioamnionitis... So while extremely dehydrated, since my hospital does not allow you to drink or eat...I was also throwing up and running a high temp... And I wouldn't dialate more than 6cm...so they did a csection and I barely got to see my daughter because she was rushed to nicu right away due to the infection! The whole experience was really rough on me... And the recovery was awful! I know I don't want to experience anything like that again, but I also would prefer natural birth over csection... I'm so confused ....

pumpkinhead4 · August 2015

I was in your position and chose to decide on a VBAC. I was hoping my
Pelvis shape would change throughout my 2nd pregnancy but it did not. I ended up having a planned csection and it was lovely. If your doc approved a VBAC I say try for it but
Be prepared for a csection if needed. My 2 cents

laineyb3 · August 2015

skruhmin said:

Not in your shoes (so hope this doesn't overstep) but this coming from another mom community. I know of a few women who have successfully had VBACs and they went very well and had no complications. They're glad they did it. As long as your doctor is favorable, then seriously it really is up to you. Can I ask why you had a c-section?

You're not overstepping! I appreciate any advice/info I can get

I had a c-section after a long and slow labor (24+ hours). I stopped dilating and then when I took Pitocin to try and move things along, the baby's heart rate dropped. It was pretty stressful up until we decided to do the c-section. Once that was decided, things moved along smoothly, and other than being exhausted, I didn't have any negatives from the surgery.

I don't have super strong feelings about "needing" to have a vaginal birth, but I do feel a little "incomplete" having not experienced that to the fullest. It also feels strange to schedule the birth. I'm fairly spiritual and it feels unnatural to dictate when the child will be born. With that being said though, it would be nice and easy to just put it on the calendar, pack my bag and go do it without the stress of labor! See, I'm all over the board here

Anyway, I really appreciate all of you sharing your opinions and stories with me in a nonjudgmental way! I'll continue to mull over all of the pros/cons for each option, and I'm sure you'll hear from me again. Thanks everybody!

oceanchild · August 2015

@{{hugs}} @evemadalyn ! I hope your birth experience is perfect this time, no matter what you decide

Smom901316 · August 2015

I had a csection after 18 hrs of labor , for me and my body we are not going to attempt a vbac. I have a heart condition so to labor that long and then have major abdominal surgery is just not ideal . I was so tired last time , I kissed my daughter and was asleep the second they took her for her bath and they were piecing me back together . I know what to expect recovery wise and the controlled situation is the right move for us.

As in ANY birth I hope you get your birth plan , but always be prepared to do what you need to in order to keep everyone safe.

Hugs on your journey !!

evemadalyn · September 2015

Thanks @oceanchild !

skruhmin · September 2015

I don't envy your decision, but whatever you decide. Have peace in it.

CCLow87 · September 2015

My DD was a VBAC baby and this one will hopefully be a HBAC baby! I always recommend looking at the ACOG guidelines when making a decision.

mrsB68 · September 2015

Can i ask where you are reading yoir pros and cons? Im wondering the same exact thing as you and keep going back and forth. My first was 28 hours of back labor and they tried 10 unsuccessful times to give an epi so it was a horrible experience. But in the end she and i are fine so i dont have any need to experience labor or a vaginal birth for thr experience of it. Im all about safety. I also had issues from the c section after so took extra time and lots of appointments to get me back to normal. As bad as it was, i wonder if 2nd time around may be different. Im totally torn so would love to hear your thoughts as you contemplate and try to decide! Also hpw far between births? Ill be about 23 months

adotgorman · September 2015

I had elective csection with my first pregnancy because of having multiples. I just felt it was the safer option. Because it was elective the first time, my doctor said I'm a good candidate for VBAC. I asked what the risks were and she said that the previous scar could tear open during labor, but the odds of that happening are much less than complications that come from having a csection. She said they will not induce labor with VBAC. I will try for VBAC but if a csection is needed I'll still be just as happy.

klantzer21 · September 2015

I have no choice my csect scar from 1st birth connected to my uterus via scar tissue (it was disconnected a few yrs ago) but if I try vbac I'll tear /:

laineyb3 · September 2015

mrsB68 said:
Can i ask where you are reading yoir pros and cons? Im wondering the same exact thing as you and keep going back and forth. My first was 28 hours of back labor and they tried 10 unsuccessful times to give an epi so it was a horrible experience. But in the end she and i are fine so i dont have any need to experience labor or a vaginal birth for thr experience of it. Im all about safety. I also had issues from the c section after so took extra time and lots of appointments to get me back to normal. As bad as it was, i wonder if 2nd time around may be different. Im totally torn so would love to hear your thoughts as you contemplate and try to decide! Also hpw far between births? Ill be about 23 months

It'll be about 29 months between births. I'm not exactly sure where I will look for pros and cons, but I'll keep you posted!

2-Step · September 2015

I debated this heavily with my second. My issue is that I have a very small pelvic opening and my pelvic bone is very low. Combine that with a baby with a head in the 99th percentile and things don't progress very well! I was in labor for 48 hours before they would admit me, then I was admitted and they broke my water, I progress to a 10 perfectly over the next few hours but ended up pushing for 4 hours and by the end I was so tired I could not move. I had the c-section and afterward passed out and had horrible back cramps so I didn't even get to breastfeed or hold my DS until a few hours afterwards. In the end I just didn't want to have to go through that again so I chose the c-section. It was so much better for my mental state and recovery was much much much easier. This time I don't have a choice because I've had 2 c-sections. I understand it is a really tough choice. My doctor told me that if it had been failure to progress or something like that he would say go for it, but since it was an anatomy issue he felt that it might end the same way. I also felt like I might be risking my baby. DS1 never had any heart rate issues throughout that long labor, but another baby might and I didn't want to be stressing about that either. Good luck with your decision. I do know people that have had very successful VBACs and even home birth VBACs so it does work for some!

Stormiewinter · September 2015

Good luck in your decision. I will be doing a repeat c section. Locally we don't have the option of VBAC and since I am at risk for developing complications (severe pre e with ds and emergency c section because he had the cord rapped twice around his neck) my doctor indicated I wouldn't be a good candidate if I tried to go elsewhere. I'm still not sure what I would decide if the option were there, but as I never was able to go into labour there is a piece of me that wishes I had that chance. Do what's best for you.

EmeraldSea · September 2015

I had a C bc of low amniotic fluid and breech baby at 35 weeks. Was told a VBAC is a possibility option. I'm going to monitor this pregnancy closely as the cause of the low fluid was unknown. I plan to discuss it with my doc later in my pregnancy. I'll be okay if I end up with another C but not scheduling it this early.

FauquierMomma · September 2015

laineyb3 said:

skruhmin said:

Not in your shoes (so hope this doesn't overstep) but this coming from another mom community. I know of a few women who have successfully had VBACs and they went very well and had no complications. They're glad they did it. As long as your doctor is favorable, then seriously it really is up to you. Can I ask why you had a c-section?

You're not overstepping! I appreciate any advice/info I can get

I had a c-section after a long and slow labor (24+ hours). I stopped dilating and then when I took Pitocin to try and move things along, the baby's heart rate dropped. It was pretty stressful up until we decided to do the c-section. Once that was decided, things moved along smoothly, and other than being exhausted, I didn't have any negatives from the surgery.

I don't have super strong feelings about "needing" to have a vaginal birth, but I do feel a little "incomplete" having not experienced that to the fullest. It also feels strange to schedule the birth. I'm fairly spiritual and it feels unnatural to dictate when the child will be born. With that being said though, it would be nice and easy to just put it on the calendar, pack my bag and go do it without the stress of labor! See, I'm all over the board here

Anyway, I really appreciate all of you sharing your opinions and stories with me in a nonjudgmental way! I'll continue to mull over all of the pros/cons for each option, and I'm sure you'll hear from me again. Thanks everybody!

I am in your same shoes... I'm trying the vbac route as well... This time I want a doula, I meet her on Monday

I wish you all the happy thoughts and well wishes, if you'd like I can let you know if I think having a doula will help this go round

meganmarie1087 · September 2015

I had a c section with first and pushed for a good 8 hours but he just wouldn't move. With my second I was all about the VBAC but ended up going into preterm labor and delivering stillborn. After that experience, I am opting for a c section as I think trying for a VBAC at full term after my previous experience would be too emotional. But to all those Mommas that are going to attempt, I wish you the best of luck!

pepperpowers · September 2015

My sister just successfully had a vbac after 2 c sections and highly encourages me to do the same our previous doctors always pushed us to have repeat c sections for fear of ripping but our bodies do amazing things and the recovery with a vaginal is easier. I'm excited to say for my third I am fighting for a vbac!

katekat8721 · September 2015

I just talked to my midwife and OB about this, it's been weighing heavily on my mind. The good news is, we don't have to decide right now!

I had a very smooth labor with my twins and everything went perfectly up until pushing. My baby A got stuck and her heart rate plummeted. I had to have an emergency c section. Because it was an emergency, I was all alone and it was scary. They wanted to put me under general but I refused because I was terrified I'd wake up and my babies would be in nicu without me. The worst part was that my two epidural did not work... and yes, I felt a lot of pain in surgery.

This time around I'm leaning very heavily towards a scheduled c section with a spinal! Fiest, it's more convenient. Second, I have more control over the situation and hopefully the spinal will actually block my pain. Mostly though, I'm terrified of going through "the trial of labor" and something going wrong and ending right back up on the surgery table alone and with meds that don't work.

There is no wrong answer you know. The baby will come out somehow and neither way is "wrong"!

mrsB68 · September 2015

So,ive been reading and trying to stuck to more well known sites. Along the way i did read that having a c section after trying doe vbac (if it doesnt work out) has more risks than if yoi just had the repeat csection. I need to learn more about this but curious if anyone else has heard or read this. Im still undecided with you!

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