How was your experience with VBAC?

I had my first child c- section then my next 2 VBAC then had a planned c-section I trully enjoyed both c- sections more than the vbacks. Good luck with everything.

My sis in law and a c-section with her first. She then had a v-bac with her second - he was 10 lbs 14 oz. She loved it! :)

My sister-in-law had a c-sec after an extremely long labor for her first; they said that baby would never have come out normally. However, she had a VBAC home birth for her 2nd. I was there. They were prepared to go to the hospital if necessary, but everything went fine. After all the pushing, my sister-in-law said "never again! C-sec was so much easier!" but after the third day, she said, "it really was MUCH better to do the VBAC" because she had already recovered, instead of the month plus that the c-sec required.
You can do it. Good luck!

I have had 1 C-section with my first and then the rest of my 5 children have been VBAC. I think for each pregnancy the risks of having a VBAC were the same but I still had to discuss with my dr and make sure that it was the right thing for us. With the first after the c-section I had a epidural because we were extra concerned that the scar and previous incision wouldn't hold (it did) and after that I choose not to have any drugs or epidurals. My dr also said that I would have to go into labor on my own with each child. Being induced makes it very hard for your incision site from the c-section to hold because your uterus starts contracting at 60 MPH rather than slow. But with each pregnancy and delivery I still had to go through the process of signing the papers to tell them that I didn't want to have a c-section UNLESS it was absolutely necessary. I would recommend having a VBAC, but only if you and your dr are sure that it is the best option for you. This is your body and your baby, but you don't want to have regrets because of the outcome of your delivery. You should be willing to do whatever it takes to have a healthy baby---even if it means a longer recovery because of a c-section. I count myself blessed because I have been able to have 5 children after a c-section, but if at any time my dr would have said---not this time because the baby would be compromised if I continued, I would have said yes to the c-section. I hope that this helps you make the right decision for your family. Good luck and congrats on the new baby.
J.--SAHM of 6

You've gotten a lot of great advice. VBAC'S really are a safe option. Check out www.ican-online.org it is the International Cesarean Awareness Network. They have all kinds of great info regarding VBAC's and you should be able to find a local group to get more info from as well.
Good Luck,
S.

Dear L.,
I had a VBAC and was very happy with my experience. Most VBAC's are very successful and there is less than a 1% chance that something will go wrong. Many doctors would rather perform a C-section as it is easier for them. They can schedule it. I had planned on going naturally with my first, however due to cirumstances beyond my control she had to be delivered via C-section. So, after doing a lot of research I decided to do a VBAC with my second and I am so glad I did. IT was a wonderful experience. The labor was very painful. I was in labor for a little over 50 hours, so finally after about 42 hours I decided to go with an epideral. This helped a lot and a littl over 8 hours later I had a beautiful, healthy baby girl. The pushing part went great! For me, it was the easiest part of the entire process. I only pushed for about 20 - 30 minutes and with the epideral it was not really painful. I could feel some pain and pressure, but not true pain. I know not everyone has this experience,but I was just so glad I went with the VBAC. It felt right. You doctor will most likely want to give you a IV pic, in case he does have to medicate you quickly if he has to do a C section, or she may even want you to have some type of medication, but the two of you can work out the details you feel comfortable with. Anyway, I was so glad I had the experience. Even with all the pain of the labor it was more than worth it! Good luck!

I had two VBACs. My first baby was breech, which they say is the best reason for having VBACs on future pregnancies. My doctor said since I never experienced labor, I might have a normal or short delivery since it was my 2nd and 3rd children. (The labor process is usually shorter on subsequent babies.) Everything went just fabulous. I was up and walking right away. I was able to hold the baby, I had energy, etc. I much prefer the VBAC to another C. My friend just had her second C, and she said she should have done the VBAC instead.

My Dr. said they don't allow VBACs anymore. I'm surprised you get to consider doing one? You must have a very supportive doctor.

I just want to add another positive VBAC experience. My first son was born c-section after 2 days of labor, hours of pushing and no progress - he never even reached zero station. My OB was out of town, and one of his partners, who I never met before, attended the birth.

When my OB (Dr. John Baer) returned, he assured me that there was no reason that I should not be able to have a natural delivery the next time.

My youngest son was born VBAC with Dr. Baer after an 8 hour labor and was a wonderful and empowering experience for me.

If you want to read my birth stories:
http://the-scott-family.com/zander/pregnancy/birthstory.html
http://the-scott-family.com/zevan/birthstory.html

Hello L.,
my name is P. and currently 22 weeks pregnant with my third baby. im also starting over after 10 years my youngest daughter is 10 and mind you very excited with having a baby brother. well just like you my first daughter was born c-section after 8 hours of labor. she was fine weighing in at 7lbs 12 1/2 oz and 21 1/2 inches long. she was great but the recover was killer. took me good 4 monthes to get back to normal but the expericence i'd do over and over againg. Really with the 2nd, dr wanted to keep her small so she induced labor at 38 weeks. after 6 hours of labor and 3 pushes later out popped this tiny little beautiful girl. weighin in at 6lbs 6oz. and only 18 in. long. i was crazy how good i felt. i did get a spinal headache from the epidural and keep trowing up but i got through it. my big concern is to have a 2nd c-section with the third. but there is a reason that you are able to do vbac the second time, God knows you will need the extra energy with two. don't fear either way, women have been doing it for years. eaiser said than done i know, but i had to go through it and did great. Good luck and congratualtions!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A V-VAC is just a vaginal birth after c-section. It is pett much the same as a regular vaginal birth. I di this with my daughter. Theonly differences betweenthis and a regular one is hat the dr. is require to stay within a certain distance of you. There are greater risks with a V-VAC and becaue of these risks most hospitals even require that your regular dr. deliver you. It is really the risks that make it different. You need to research thoses risks so that you can decide if it is worth it or not. However, if your water has brken they only have so much time to get thaty baby out before problems occur. Make sure you discuss with a nurse/dr. the risks of V-VAC and the risks of keeping that child in after the water has broke. I could be wrong, but I think it is a short period of time before it starts to do more damage tan good to the baby.

i never dilated with my first baby and the amniotic fluid level dropped too fast for me to be induced. i tried vbac with my second, but only dilated 1 cm before the fluid level dropped too low. as much as i hated the 2 c-sections and the recovery from them, for my third baby i chose to have a c-section at 39 weeks. it turned out to be good that i hadn't tried for vbac again because she was in a breach position. there's no telling how your labor and delivery will go if you try vbac, but for me it was important to try for it with my second baby. i felt like i was missing out on something by not delivering vaginally. but by the time i was pregnant with my 3rd and i knew what my body would most likely do, i didn't mind so much anymore that i would never have the experience of delivering vaginally. the way i looked at it was that if i'd lived in a time before c-sections, i would have died in childbirth. so i guess the gratitude for a procedure that allows me to have my beautiful children overcame the frustration of missing out on the vaginal birth experience, despite my dislike of the c-section experience.

I don't have personal experience with this, but just wanted to offer words of encouragement to you to go for it and hang in there. I don't know your particular medical condition so I can't say if it's safe or ideal, but as a medical writer, I can tell you that the medical community really pushes C-sections on many women without good cause. For many, VBAC is completely safe and there is no need for another C section. So I hope you trust your instincts and judgement, and can have good communication with your doctors in order to make the decision that is right for you and your baby. Don't give in to a C section just because it's the popular convention right now. Good luck to you -- best to your family.

First child was c/s due to being breech- I was not a good canidate for vaginal breech delivery.

Second was VBAC- it was such a wonderful expereince and a big baby 8lb 14 oz
My Dr and hospital that I used was 50 miles away from where I live since my small town does not support VBAC as an option.

Third was C/S due to placenta privia, low fluid and cord around the neck twice and when I started bleeding they took me back ASAP for a C/S.

I feel C/S are a great option when there is a reason......

Really, it all depends on why you had to have a C-section in the first place. I had a natural birth, then C-Section because of twins and mis-positioning of one of them, then a VBAC. But I had already had a natural birth and had no problem with the VBAC. My sister-in-law had a C-Section with her first after a long labor and a lot of pushing and he just wouldn't come out because his head was too big. Then she had a VBAC with her second, who was actually an ounce bigger, just had a smaller head that would fit through her pelvic opening that time. So, if you had a C-Section because the baby was too big, it sounds like this time you could probably have a successful natural birth. If it was for lack of labor progression, or some other reason, you may end up trying for a natural birth this time and ending up with a C-Section anyway. The good thing is that usually with VBACs they have you deliver in an operating room just in case they need to do an emergency repeat C-Section, and it's very prepared and safe. Anyway. I would definitely recommend trying if you're up for it. My natural births were way easier for me to recover than my C-Section. Although I have friends who swear by C-section after doing at least one of each. Not my thing, though. Good luck and congrats!

I don't have any experience but I have done a lot of reading as a Bradley teacher. I'd recommend the book The VBAC Companion: The Expectant Mother’s Guide to Vaginal Birth after Cesarean by Diana Korte. Also, make sure your birth attendant and place are going to be absolutely supportive.

I am a mom who has had three VBACs. It is possible. It is far safer for baby and you than another cesarean. The ICAN website has lots of good information.
http://www.ican-online.org/vbac/vaginal-birth-after-cesar...
Sorry to hear you are on bedrest. The good news is that your body is always making more water for baby. Drink lots of water. Eat or take Vit C. Red raspberry leaf (tea or capsules)can be helpful.
Good luck
Hugs,
Pam

you really need to discuss this w/your dr since you've already got complications. I had a normal pregnancy w/both - 1st was an "emergency" c-section as he was transverse position (head is sideways). Second was a VBAC. If you were having a normal pregancy, I'd say go VBAC no question - recovery was 3 days versus 3+ months, daughter had no issues while son had to be on oxygen for a day - life was just MUCH better. There are some risks w/VBAC that are greater than if no C-section has occurred. HOWEVER - a C-Section is a MAJOR abdominal surgery and has a TON of risks associated w/it for both mom and baby. I was so PO'd that I had to sign off on these horrible sounding forms to do a VBAC but if I'd done a schedule C-section, the forms made it sound minor - the lawyers have really gotten to the docs. Sorry - a subject near and dear to my heart. but, again, w/your complications you've got to discuss this w/your doc - just ask lots of questions about risks to you and baby.

I responded to someone else's question about VBAC experiences a while back so I'll just copy and paste that here. I just want to add having a doctor experienced with VBACs really makes a difference! Good luck with your decision.

I have had 6 children. My first was a c-section with the other 5 as VBACs. I had to sign a form stating I knew of the risks of a VBAC each time. My first VBAC I had 36 hours labor, 2 hours of pushing, started hemorrhaging, ended up with 65 stitches and had to wear a catheter for almost a week after the fact. And as bad as that sounds, I would have rather gone through that again than to have another c-section! I still felt better after the first VBAC than after the c-section! The 2 VBACs I recovered the fastest from were the two I went all natural - NO DRUGS!!! There is PAIN, extreme pain, but the recovery time was sooooo worth it!!! To be able to function as a mostly normal person after delivery is truly priceless, especially if you have other children! (as a side note: the only one of my 6 babies to get really sick the first year of life was the one delivered by c-section - he was hospitalized with viral bronchitis at 3 months.)

My SIL had a VBAC. She had complications with her 2nd pregnancy, and had a scheduled C-section, but had her 3rd naturally. She had no problems and preferred vaginal birthing.
When i took my birthing classes in Pueblo 3 years ago, VBAC's were not an option - as in, the hospital did not allow them. Hopefully different in your area!
Good luck!

My son was born emergency C-section, then I had my daughter VBAC. After about 5 hours of labor, I decided to get an epidural, and the rest was smooth sailing. I actually enjoyed giving birth to our daughter. I felt like I was actually part of the process. With our son, it was all in the doc's hands and I couldn't see a thing. With our daughter, my nurses were great! They watched the monitor and told me when to push. Since I was feeling great I couldn't tell when I needed to anymore. In my case, our daughter's head was down and ready to come out, but my body wasn't working fast enough for her. They gave me Pitossin (sp) and in no time my body responded and her little head was coming out. It was a great moment that my husband and I will never forget. We talk about it from time to time. We also had a great doctor who we both loved. If I had the choice, I would definitely go VBAC again. I just felt like I was giving birth and they weren't taking my baby out of me like during a C-section. I liked being an active part of it all. The only difference in recovery is that I had a different area with stitches that I had to keep clean and take care of. I didn't care for having to practically wear a diaper for a day or so, but that was a small price to pay for the experience of pushing my little girl out of my body. Congrats and good luck!

Hi L.! I really encourage you to go for that VBAC! The benefits outway the risks, and even if you do end up with another cesarean, studies have proven that any time being able to labor naturally is better than none. I am a birth doula who lives very close to Brighton and would love to help you! I would even offer a reduced rate because I am building my experience with VBAC clients. Having a doula will also increase your chances of being able to deliver vaginally. Please contact me if you have more questions!

I'm a huge advocate for VBAC, as long as your dr thinks your body can handle it. I had my first son as an emergency C-sect as his heart rate dipped so low after a long night of pitocin induced contractions and very little dilating going on. He was fine (2 weeks over due) and needed an oxygen blow by. I waited 3 years to get pregnant again and wanted desperately to have a natural birth. I took all the classes and even hired a doula. I discussed the VBAC with my doc and she told me that my pelvic floor was tilted up so the end of the canal was hard for the baby to get through. I still wanted to stry. I made it to an 8 with no drugs then the baby's heart rate was in distress and I still ended up with a C-section, but I tried and I recommend you do the same if you can and you want the experience! I had all the midwives and doulas in the hall cheering me on and telling me I could do it and how proud they were of me for trying!

It sounds like we had similar experiences. After 55 hours of labor and complications with my first, I finally had a c-section. I was so disappointed. My baby was the first concern, but I had so desperately wanted a natural childbirth. I had a VBAC with my second. I had waited almost two years before getting pregnant a second time to give my body the best chance of being physically ready to give birth again. Having a VBAC is going to depend on many issues such as how long after your c-section you became pregnant to weigh out the chances of rupture. Also, educate yourself as much as you can. I read almost everything, but the best thing I did was to take classes on The Bradley Method...which even if you don't want a totally natural childbirth is one of the most informative styles of childbirth classes out there. They even have a special section on VBACs, health/medical possibilities and issues, potential problems, and questions to ask to assess the path you and your partner feel are correct. It is SO important to be educated on the issue and to have a supportive partner that can be your advocate while you are in labor...it is so difficult while your body is laboring to be able to clearly assess a situation that can be so potentially frightful.

Write up a birthplan, including how you would like your labor to go, and that considers various possibilities...for example, natural ways to stimulate labor....if you do need medical assistance and/or medication, which medications do you wish to stay away from and for what reasons, if they need to stimulate labor, which methods do you want to stay away from, wuch as vaginal suppositories like Cytotec (NOT SAFE..and is not FDA approved to stimulate labor, but for other purposes) vs. pitocin drip...this also helps avoid confusion for the medical staff.

As a prior c-section, I was considered high risk, and every step of the way was treated like a moron in the hospital and told things that I knew weren't necessarily best for me and my baby, but were for the convenience of the medical staff and the most likely to limit their liability.

Ultimately, I had complications with my second (which is NOT necessarily a given since you're prior c-section..but you have already had some issues arise), and so I had an epidural and pitocin, but I was still able to deliver vaginally. I was very proud about that, and that every step of the way, we were educated as to what was going on, so that we could make an informed decision on what we wanted to do. If we hadn't been, the hospital would have caused even more complications than they did, but, though I had medical help (the epidural and pitocin...which is why I believe in having babies in hospitals, unless you've already had at least 2 uncomplicated births....just my opinion) I had a vaginal birth, which was so rewarding and the best thing for my son.

There is a lot to consider, and I don't mean to scare you, because I am a HUGE advocate of VBACs. I think you can do it, and I hope that it works out for you. If it doesn't though, that's okay too...ultimately what matters is that you and your baby are healthy and safe! Best of luck to you!!

Hi L., congrats on baby number 2! I had my first via Csection - but it was because she was breech, not because of a difficult labor - so I would advise to be more cautious because you tried laboring last time. But talk to your MD, and see what they think. And if they don't have any specific risks, then stick with your desire for vaginal birth!
As for recovery - the nice thing about the vaginal was there were no restrictions as far as driving or lifting - but it didn't matter because the vaginal recovery hurt a lot more! Maybe it's just me, but I will say that I thought the incisional pain from the Csection was MUCH easier to tolerate than the vagial pain - I could hardly sit down! (Piece of advise: sit on your Boppy pillow! That's the only thing that got me through!)
But having said that, I am glad that I delivered my second vaginally - and if we have more, I will try to deliver vaginally again. Although it was a more painful recovery, it is just more natural, and ultimately better for mom and baby (unless there are certain risks, of course).
Talk to your doctor, and do what you know is best for you and the baby! Good luck, God bless,
S.

I am sorry that I do not have a VBAC experience to share. but I would suggest that you check with your doctor and your chosen hospital before you make a final decision. I know Longmont hospital will not allow VBACs at all. Atleast this was the case when my son was born 3 years ago.

Good Luck

Hi L.,

My first child was born at 32 weeks after premature rupture of membranes and did not tolerate the contractions well, so I had an emergency c-section. I was able to have a VBAC with my second child, which was a wonderful experience, but she was full term. I have a feeling it will depend on when your baby is born (the longer you can keep your baby in the better!) and they will want to monitor fairly closely how your baby reacts. 31 weeks is still pretty early and they will want to make sure the baby is not too stressed as he or she will have some catching up to do.

If you want to talk at all about my experience with a preemie or VBACs, please contact me, I would be happy to chat.

Best wishes,

J.

My experience was similar to yours. My first was an emergency c-section (no clear explanation as to why). My second, I went into labor at 34 weeks (I also had a premature contraction event at 30 weeks, which they were able to stop). I thought since baby would be small - I'd go with VBAC. Well, they broke my water, I dilated within 30 minutes from about a 3 all the way up and they lost the baby's heartrate - it was serious. My husband actually had gone home b/c they said it'd be a while - so it was another immediate and terrifying c-section. He is now a healthy 3-year-old (almost) and all turned out well, but I awoke from the csection truly wondering if my baby had survived. The dr on call did not tell me this, but later my doc said that a preemie is actually a BAD candidate for a vbac as they are not strong enough to assist in the birthing process. I had such a terrifying experience - I would not recommend it. Your circumstances might be different - but I did want to share.