Hi moms. I was wondering if anyone out there has had more than three c-sections and how it went? This baby will be my 3rd c-section...no choice the high risk OB said b/c of my past two don't even think about VBAC. She also said it's bad to have more than three and to think about a tubal ligation. I don't think I'm ready to not have any more children, plus being pregnant and hormonal it's hard to decide something so final.
THANK you moms! And thank you so much for the various resources. I'm doing research on it. It does seem like some OB's are more into just having a c-section, more convenient for them etc. I am lookign through my health insurance directory to find a doc to get a 2nd opinion. I'd love to have a "natural' child birth. I feel prepared with this pregnancy and better capapble and in a better place emotionally.
Hi, Pam:
Write my daughter and ask her this question. She is
a midwife in TN.
____@____.com
Good luck
D.
My OB says that I can have as many c-sections as I want, depending on how my body heals, the thickness of the scar tissue, etc. He told me that last week, he performed a woman's eighth c-section and there were no complications.
I don't think you should get your tubes tied, I agree with you that's too final.
In December I will have my third c-section. I won't be tying my tubes and I plan to have a fourth before I'm done.
My sister had 4 c-sections and she was told she can have as many as she wants. She has also been offered a trial of labor every single time, though she declined and just scheduled her last two.
Your OB sounds a bit out of the loop on this subject...I'd suggest you get a second opinion before making any final decisions.
Good luck!
My mom's doctor told her that in 1978 and so she got her tubes tied. She has regretted it ever since. Not only because she couldn't have more kids, but then she got tubal ligation syndrome (I would look it up before having a tubal even if you aren't having more kids). In the end she had a hysterectomy at age 36 from it.
If you aren't ready to stop having kids, then don't do something so permanent. The doctor doesn't know how well your body will heal, but she may just have a general rule about 3....I don't know. Good luck though, you're right, its too hormonal to decide now, or in the delivery room.
Well I will have my 4th in Sept. It all depends on how you heal . My doc has seen ones with 8 c sections who did great and ones with only 2 who were advised not to have any more. They should have a "c section history " in your file and that's what your doctors advice should be based on. My husband and I feel led to not have anymore after this, just because I will turn 33 right before my 4 th c-section and we just do not want to risk it.
Also I have a friend who just had a v-back after 2 c-sections , some doctors (you will have to search )will let you try ,if it has been around 4 years since your last one.
You can have a VBAC after 2 or more c-sections. I suggest that you check out ICAN (http://www.childbirth.org/section/VBACindex.html) and learn more. Also, see if there is an ICAN chapter in your state or area--they can recommend docs that accept (and truly support) VBACs.
I _strongly_ recommend you contact the Internation Cesarean Awareness Network in your area (www.icanofnova.org) to arm yourself with resources about VBA2C (vaginal birth after 2 Cesareans). It can be done, but you'll probably need to find a different care provider, which is probably a good idea considering the advice you're getting from your current OB. While in some cases (other conditions, the reasons for and type of surgery done in the previous 2, etc), a VBAC isn't possible or even recommended, I'd at least get a second opinion. WHY IS IT THE OB's BUSINESS HOW MANY KIDS YOU HAVE???? I suspect that at least one reason why the OB is so hot to do a C/S is to make it easier to do the tubal at that time. It absolutely is not something any woman should be pressured into, especially not by a 3rd party. The OB is your _consultant_, not your partner, and certainly not your boss. Sorry--I'm a childbirth educator and it's frustrating to hear from my students how OBs sometimes strongarm their patients without giving anything close to informed consent. PLEASE consider at least getting a second opinion, and even consider changing practices to one who is willing to work FOR you--willing to give you advice, but then sit back and give you the freedom to make up your own mind after weighing all the risks and benefits to you in your situation.
I have had three and in no way did my doctor tell me that I couldn't have another. I am planning on having another. No problems in the least. Good luck!
I have heard the 3 c-section rule...you don't have to get your tubes tied whether you want more kids or not. I know one mom that had 4 c-sections, so it is possible.
I agree with all of these responses so far, and add that I am Really surprised that your doc would have advised you to have such a permanent, and important, procedure done such as tubal ligation. You aren't even sure if you are done having kids yet!
That's the first reason not to have it done! How many ladies here have considered permanent sterilization and talked with your doc/midwife about it, only to be convinced to try more long term options like an IUD before you go through with an irreversible procedure? I have, and I am pretty darn sure that 3 is enough, yet, I was still talked down from the permanent. ;) (maybe I'm not as done as I think I am ;) )
I would seriously consider getting a second opinion from someone who deems them self as a proponent of VBAC. If they say no because of high risk, then fine, but if they encourage you to try based on a reasonable assessment of your history and your existing health, then I say go for it. All the while knowing that if your delivery ends in Csection, there really should be no reason not to be able to have more babies.
Whatever your birth plan is, and ends up being, the end result is a healthy, wonderful baby. I call that a success!
Best of Luck!
KATIE
