C-section vs VBAC.....

mooncusp22 · January 2016

Has anyone done a VBAC? This is a decision I am facing (have a lot of time decide obviously), just like to hear success stories. My 1st was a C-section (she was breech). A part of me wants to go through labor to have the "womanly experience" but a part of me is nervous about the small danger of VBAC.

amandazap · January 2016

I had a csection with ds 1/2015. I am deciding to do another c-section because I am scared of complications from the previous surgery. I just had that "womanly experience" conversation with a co-worker (who had 3 vaginal deliveries) and she said "You don't get awards for having a baby come out of your vagina and it doesn't make you a better mother." She also mentioned how bad her episiotomies were. (my c-section heal time seemed like a breeze and only hurt the first few days). She really put it in perspective for me. My OB has said he would prefer another csection for fear of the uterus rupturing.

bearsandbeets7 · January 2016

My first was a c section, I was planning on trying a VBAC but my doctor isn't giving me a choice. I have to have another c section.

annalla · January 2016

I had my son by csection 5 years ago and he was my first baby, I would like to have a vbac, but don't know if that's a good thing or bad I see my ob on 19 of jan.

imakeeff0rts · January 2016

I'm planning on at least attempting a VBAC, and it took a lot of calling and a lot of frustration to find a practice that's supportive of VBAC.
Keep in mind that multiple C-section come with their fair share of risks, as well. Personally, I'm choosing VBAC because of the recovery time. Also, like you, I want the experience. Obviously if it's determined that a c-section is necessary, that's what will happen and I won't fight it - but I at least want the chance.

There's a VBAC board (under pregnancy, I think) with a ton of success stories, as well as some stories of failed VBACs which I think are important to read as well.

This is a very personal decision, and I think that if there's even a remote chance that you want to try, it is absolutely imperative that you find a provider that's supportive, or you're going to be facing a lot of difficulty. Also look into your states laws about midwives attending VBACs. For example, in my state, a midwife can attend a VBAC, but certain practices and hospitals don't allow them to. However, birth centers (some, at least), are open to VBACs.

haboobjob · January 2016

Similar situation here... Breech baby starting at 20 weeks so I had to have a c-section (even though I went into labor). I know my OB is open to VBAC, as we discussed it when we first found out she was breech, but I'm a little nervous. I plan on discussing the options with her next week at my first appointment but I'm leaning towards a repeat c-section. Idk though. I guess I have another 9 or so months to think it over.

ry8907 · January 2016

I had an emergency c-section 6 years ago with my son. He had a short cord so he wasn't able to move down more. I would like to do a VBAC this time but I don't have an appointment until Monday. I'm hoping they will let me try. Like others have said if I have to have another c-section I won't mind but I'd like to try. But it is a different state/doctor so we will see.

KUGirl09 · January 2016

Following for advice too. The doctor told me that my son was very large, and he didn't descend, and I wouldn't dilate past a 4 because his head was stuck on my pelvis. After being in labor for 14 hours, they said his heartbeat was getting pretty elevated, so they did a c-section. I really felt like I could have tried a lot longer, and have been frustrated with that experience, so I want to try again. I told my husband that I want to at least suffer through a minimum of 1 hour of HARD pain contractions before the epidural this time. My family really pressured me to get the epi fast with #1, and I feel like that's what paused the dilation, not necessarily my sons big head. They say that means I could be a good candidate for a VBAC. I need to do some serious research though. My new doc says he will do VBAC's, but you have to be a good candidate. I meet with him in a month, so my fingers are crossed that he will say I am.

icyshimmerpowder · January 2016

My DD was transverse, so I had a c-section with her. The hospital where I'm giving birth is the most pro-VBAC in my city, so my midwife is on board. I have a bicornuate uterus, though, so she's going to talk to the OBs about whether that makes any kind of difference. Based on things I've read, even if I do have to have a repeat c-section, I'd like to go into labor first rather than schedule something

imakeeff0rts · January 2016

@KUGirl09
For DS, I was induced. I had cholestasis and pre-e. I was 36w6d (if I remember correctly), and he hadn't even dropped yet. I went into L&D at a .5, 0% effaced, and after the cervidil, I was 1.5, 0% effaced, and after 10 hours of pit, I was still at a 1.5,and 0.
I had 2 doses of stadol, no episode (even though I was begging for it). Ultinately, failure to progress lead to my c-section. So we have somewhat of a similar story.

My recommendation to you would be to not have your family in the room if they can't be supportive of your decisions. That is going to be your downfall.

Additionally, look in to hiring a doula. They're versed in pain management techniques, but more importantly a doula is there to advocate for you. So, if a family member tries to push you into something you do not want, they'll have no problems telling them to stfu or gtfo. They'll also be able to ask questions you may not think to ask your doctor's and nurses.

I mean, it in no way means that you'll avoid a c-section, but those two things will give you the best chance. Just out of curosity, who was pressuring you into an epi?

kriley602774 · January 2016

I had a csection for my first because he was breech and I was considering my options at first. After talking to a friend who had a vaginal delivery, at this point my mindset is that I have nothing to prove by trying a vaginal delivery. I always have wanted to experience labor, but it is what it is. I'm just going to go for repeat section. Pretty sure my doctor is happy with that too lol.

Sekerambo · January 2016

I will absolutely try for a vbac, even though I thought my c-sec was a breeze. If you are a good candidate the risks of a vbac are lower than the risks of a repeat c-sec. I am hoping for three children but will stop at two if I can't vbac. The risks go up with every c-sec and I won't chance a third. I also know of many c-sec babies who have ended up having respiratory issues, my daughter included. Luckily, my daughter only had to be on oxygen for a few hours but a friend's daughter ended up being sent to a nicu in a different hospital. My friend wasn't able to go with her daughter (they would have had to pay out of pocket for transport) so they ended up separated for the first three days of her daughter's life.

cg0112358 · January 2016

Lurker here...

I had a c/s in Aug10 (baby was breech), a failed VBAC turned c/s in Aug13, and a successful VBA2C in Aug15. My first c/s recovery was hell and my 2nd a breeze. I did have an episiotomy with my VBA2C but recovery was hands down easier than either c/s recovery. If you are interested at all you should look into it. Your chances of being able to VBAC ate very good and ACOG actually recommends it. It can be tough finding a supportive OB, though. If you have any questions let me know

imakeeff0rts · January 2016

@cg0112358
Would you mind sharing your story if you already haven't? If you have, just point me to where it is.

mooncusp22 · January 2016

Thanks all! My doctor is supportive of whatever direction I decide to go if all things are looking good for a VBAC. With DD1, I never even went into labor- I don't even know what a contraction feels like! I was under a specialists care with weekly ultrasounds, I had low amniotic fluid. At my 37 week appointment my fluid was dangerously low and had her the next day.

Also because I had her so early I had a VERY difficult time breastfeeding. I tired it and I was getting no milk out. I just pumped and would get .5-3oz a time and supplement with formula. I felt like a failure. I didn't have contractions, didn't deliver my own baby and could barely get her enough breastmilk which was something very important to me. Took me awhile to get over it (plus throw in PPD!).

I had an easy C-section experience and recovery- not that it's an easy experience but I thought it would be worse. But, the complications of a VBAC are scaring me more then the complications of a C-section. But then I think "Am I taking the easy way out?".

amandazap · January 2016

@mooncusp22 what do you mean by "taking the easy way out?"

HuntingLillies · January 2016

I had a c-section with my first and will have a c-section again. I found the recovery to be a lot easier to handle than being 9 months pregnant.

Toricharline · January 2016

I think if a VBAC is what you want, you should go for it. Repeat c-sections have more risks really, so I would just research VBAC birth stories and facts. If it's something you're really considering, you owe it to yourself to at least look into it more. I think it's awesome that you are considering it. Recovery time isn't the only thing to consider either. Vaginal births (that occur on their own) are healthier and safer for most babies as well. And it can also factor in to a better breastfeeding relationship. But by all means, if you feel safer doing a c-section, there is nothing wrong with that either. Just make an educated, informed decision, and I hope you get what you want! Good luck mama!

Toricharline · January 2016

I also want to add that if it's what you end up deciding to do, you're going to have to work for it a little as well with prior complications with your first pregnancy. Stay active during pregnancy, and take good care of yourself. Eat well and drink lots of water. You got this!

Toricharline · January 2016

I also want to add that if it's what you end up deciding to do, you're going to have to work for it a little as well with prior complications with your first pregnancy. Stay active during pregnancy, and take good care of yourself. Eat well and drink lots of water. You got this!

Toricharline · January 2016

I also want to add that if it's what you end up deciding to do, you're going to have to work for it a little as well with prior complications with your first pregnancy. Stay active during pregnancy, and take good care of yourself. Eat well and drink lots of water. You got this!

Toricharline · January 2016

ETA it posted twice for some reason

imakeeff0rts · January 2016

amandazap said:

@mooncusp22 what do you mean by "taking the easy way out?"

^This.
@mooncusp22 , when is major abdominal surgery "the easy way out"? At what point during your recovery did it feel "easy" to you? Not trying to be rude, but genuinely curious.

Absolutely NOTHING about birthing a child is easy, no matter how it happens. Vaginal births aren't easy, and neither are c-sections. Sure, you're not doing the pushing, but recovery isn't exactly a breeze, either.

ETA: It personally offends me when people say that CS mamas "took the easy way out". No. Just no to all of that. I think that most of us here would feel like we did not, in fact, take an "easy way out" and faced our own challenges that may or may not have been linked to the CS.

amandazap · January 2016

@imakeeff0rts yes!!!! I'm not trying to start a VBAC/csection war of martyrs here but I haaaaaate statements like that. I'm sure @mooncusp22 didn't mean it like it was typed but you have to be careful when you have moms from every birthing world, so to speak. My birthing story was almost tragic and I was trying to birth naturally but things happen. This topic is such a personal decision and I think the best thing to do is research the pros and cons and also speak to your OB.

mooncusp22 · January 2016

@imakeeff0rts I definitely didn't mean to stir anything. Having had a C-section I know it wasn't easy. I meant more on VBAC vs C-section that while both have their risks, after talking with my doctor it seemed there were less risks with a C-section. When I finally had kids (I was 34 with my first and will be 37 with this 2nd- another high risk because of my age

( - I always planned on having a natural birth!! lol So, my plans were completely thrown in another direction while I had no control. Again, personally I had hard time accepting that I couldn't have a vaginal delivery and had no choice in the matter. I didn't get to do skin to skin, I saw DD1 for a brief second when they placed her wrapped near my face after delivery, then they had to take her away for 5hours into prenatal (she had low blood sugar). Waiting in the recovery room was the longest 5hrs of my life. And then as I said above because she had to be delivered early I couldn't produce breastmilk. I 100% was deadest on breastfeeding....and I couldn't do that. I just felt like a failure. And I know I shouldn't have and as long as she is healthy, etc. Which is OF COURSE #1. It was just hard to accept that every plan I had didn't seem to pan out.
Now I feel like I have a 2nd chance with baby #2 and I am worried about complications- smaller then a repeat C but could be tragic for me and baby. No one is pushing me into any decisions, but my DH and my parents votes are C-section again. Ultimate the decision is mine but I am not ready to make that decision yet.

imakeeff0rts · January 2016

@mooncusp22
I totally get where you're coming from feeling like a failure. I really, really tried to have a vaginal birth, but I didn't progress at all in 10 hours and it became sketchy to leave him in, so section it was.
I also had a difficult time breastfeeding. I pumped for a month because I had excruciating pain. It was awful. I struggled with my supply for 7 months, and when he was 7 months old, I dried up. My doctor thinks it might have been related to my PPD, but there's really no way to know. I always wondered if the c section had any part of that.
People say no, but I have a nagging feeling that it did which is why I'm choosing VBAC this time around. I don't even know if I'm a candidate yet (my previous doctor told me yes, but new medical issues have been discovered that may work against me), so we'll see.
Whatever you choose to do, I hope that you have a much better experience this time around.

Sekerambo · January 2016

There is no easy way out when it comes to giving birth. One just comes with a longer recovery time. I also had a very difficult time breastfeeding and am fairly certain it had to do with not seeing my daughter for the first while because of her breathing problems (common with c-secs). We were able to work through them (still nursing at almost 21 months) but it was weeks/months of latching issues, pain and it was definitely a struggle. If you are interested in a vbac then definitely do your research. The views on them are definitely changing but so many doctors are still behind the times. The mayo clinic's website has a great page on vbac's and the risk on both sides. No matter what you decide make sure you have a doctor that will support your decision completely. The last thing you need is a doctor who says their supportive but then pushes you into something you don't want, either way. If you decide on a c-sec look into a "gentle c-section." It is a newer idea that allows for a c-section to be a little more natural of an experience, instead of feeling so medical. It would allow you to put the baby right to your chest, which can definitely help when it comes to breastfeeding. For this baby I am choosing to drive 40 miles to make sure I get the birth experience I want. I also picked a larger hospital that can deal with any issues that may arise.

Twinsand5 · January 2016

If it's an option to vbac do it!!! I have had 5 vbacs. I've had natural, epidural, one that I got the epidural at 9 cm. I've had natural tears and episiotomies. My c section was not difficult but the vbacs were amazing even the few I had that I recovered a little slower than my c section. The vbacs were totally worth the experience.

aadamson12 · January 2016

I had a c-section with my first daughter 4 years ago and then a VBAC 2 years ago with my second daughter. My c-section was for failure to progress (my water broke but labor never really started). I was bound and determine to have a VBAC the second time around! My doctor was great and everything went smoothly. I 100% would recommend trying for a VBAC if it is safe for you to do so!!

cg0112358 · January 2016

imakeeff0rts said:

@cg0112358
Would you mind sharing your story if you already haven't? If you have, just point me to where it is.

Sure! For the record, I had pre-eclampsia issues with all 3 but my pre-eclampsia is not typical since it doesn't seem to cause any issues. I had high BP and large amounts of protein my urine but perfect bloodwork.

DS1 (Aug2010): I was induced at 39+1 due to developing pre-eclampsia, OB noticed DS was breech when he broke my water so I went straight to a c/s. My recovery was horrible and it was weeks before I could move without being in tears.

DD1 (Aug2013): I started showing signs of pre-eclampsia at 32w and was induced at 40w when my protein jumped over 1000 mg to almost 3000 mg (pre-e is normally diagnosed if protein is over 300 mg). I was induced with Pitocin, laboring for 12 hours followed by 2 hours of pushing. DD starting going into distress towards the end. I was rushed to the OR for an emergency c/s when her heart rate was lost entirely.

DD2 (Aug2015): I started having pre-e issues around 24 weeks but unlike other times it seemed to resolve itself in the 3rd trimester with my protein dropping down to normal levels. Given that I was a VBA2C the only way I could VBAC was if I went into labor on my own, given how my body handled Pitocin I think that was probably for the best. I fully expected to go late and had a c/s date set for 40+3 but had hoped to renegotiate at 40 weeks.

At 37 weeks I was closed and firm and, the following Tuesday, at my 38 week appointment, I was only a loose 1 and softening slightly. The next day I went home with some contractions but figured they were BH since they weren’t painful but did cause me to feel nauseated. I got in bed right when I got home and pretty much stayed there until the next morning. I realized I was having true contractions the next morning (38+5) but figured since I was still 9 days away from my DD that it was early labor which can last for days/weeks. I decided to stay home to rest but sent DH to work. A few hours later I was unable to sleep through the contractions so I called my OB. An hour later I called back then decided to drive in since it’s a 45 minute trip and his office was right across from the hospital. After getting to his office I was directed to the hospital. When I checked in at 10 am I was at 4 cm and in active labor. I am glad my admitting nurse was not my permanent nurse. She asked about my plans and I told her I was planning to have a VBA2C. She said, “no, sweetie, you’re gonna have a c/s.” I told her that was between myself and my OB and she replied that it was dangerous. I told her that ACOG still recommended VBA2C and that was my plan. Thankfully the nurse who was with me the whole time was fully on board. I labored for awhile with no meds but it was pretty painful. When my OB showed up he recommended an epidural, given the amount of pain I was in I gave in. The epidural helped me save my strength while my body progressed. I was progressing pretty quickly but I was strep B + and they were trying to get both doses administered before I delivered. Towards the end I was starting to feel more pre I was 10 cm and ready to push around 3:30. DD2 was born at 3:57 pm that afternoon, I was up and walking around within the hour and was discharged the next night. I did have an episiotomy but recovery was so much easier than even my easy c/s recovery. It is interesting to me that of the two c/s, my recovery was much easier with the emergency c/s that occurred after 12 hours of labor. My first c/s, while unplanned, was not emergent. I didn’t feel a single contraction and the recovery was horrible.

cg0112358 · January 2016

imakeeff0rts said:

@mooncusp22 I totally get where you're coming from feeling like a failure. I really, really tried to have a vaginal birth, but I didn't progress at all in 10 hours and it became sketchy to leave him in, so section it was. I also had a difficult time breastfeeding. I pumped for a month because I had excruciating pain. It was awful. I struggled with my supply for 7 months, and when he was 7 months old, I dried up. My doctor thinks it might have been related to my PPD, but there's really no way to know. I always wondered if the c section had any part of that. People say no, but I have a nagging feeling that it did which is why I'm choosing VBAC this time around. I don't even know if I'm a candidate yet (my previous doctor told me yes, but new medical issues have been discovered that may work against me), so we'll see. Whatever you choose to do, I hope that you have a much better experience this time around.

fwiw, I believe that the trauma of an unexpected c/s coupled with the stress of a newborn can cause supply issues. With my first c/s, unplanned but not emergent--DS was breech, I was unable to get DS to latch and struggled with supply so I EPd for 6 months (only producing 10-12 oz a day even though I pumped 8-10x a day for 20-30 min). My 2nd deliver was a failed VBAC that resulted in an emergency c/s. Even though the delivery was more difficult I was able to BF much more easily. I believe that knowing I was at risk for a c/s combined with knowing what to expect of life with a newborn left me with much less stress than with my previous delivery. I BF for 1 year. I am now on #3 and even though I had a successful VBAC with this one BF has been a little harder than it was previously. DD1 was aggressive and efficient while DD2 is a lazy nurser. Their nursing style plays a part as well. Anyway, hopefully you are able to VBAC and BF this LO. Good luck!

KUGirl09 · January 2016

imakeeff0rts said:

@KUGirl09 For DS, I was induced. I had cholestasis and pre-e. I was 36w6d (if I remember correctly), and he hadn't even dropped yet. I went into L&D at a .5, 0% effaced, and after the cervidil, I was 1.5, 0% effaced, and after 10 hours of pit, I was still at a 1.5,and 0. I had 2 doses of stadol, no episode (even though I was begging for it). Ultinately, failure to progress lead to my c-section. So we have somewhat of a similar story. My recommendation to you would be to not have your family in the room if they can't be supportive of your decisions. That is going to be your downfall. Additionally, look in to hiring a doula. They're versed in pain management techniques, but more importantly a doula is there to advocate for you. So, if a family member tries to push you into something you do not want, they'll have no problems telling them to stfu or gtfo. They'll also be able to ask questions you may not think to ask your doctor's and nurses. I mean, it in no way means that you'll avoid a c-section, but those two things will give you the best chance. Just out of curosity, who was pressuring you into an epi?

Thanks @imakeeff0rts ! My mom was the one who kept saying that I should just get the epi. I think this time I'll just have my husband there for most of it. It would be hard to keep my mom away, but at least this time, I am more sure of myself. I will certainly have a conversation with her letting her know my wishes.

Unfortunately, since I live in Rural KS, there are no doula's in my region. I was pretty excited that the hospital actually had a birthing tub to be honest! My last one only had a birthing ball. LOL! I'd love to have a doula, so I'll keep looking to see if maybe someone might have moved here recently, but I'm guessing my chances are slim to none.

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