Looking for Any Advice or Comments on Vbacs

Congratulations on your upcoming birth!

Remember that every pregnancy (like every child) is different and the reason for not dilating the first time may not exist this time.

You don't say how long you were in labor the first time or what constituted an "emergency" c-section. Was it for failure to progress or was there an actual emergency? I have been a doula at the births of 333 babies and have only seen one actual "emergency" c-section in 12 years!

The risks associated with a c-section are GREATER than the risks associated with a VBAC, as long as your labor is not induced. Your body was able to grow a perfect baby -- there's no reason to think it doesn't know how to give birth!

Trust your body to know what to do ... but it doesn't hurt to help it along in any way you can, like seeing a pre-natal chiropractor (I can recommend several if you're in the Los Angeles area), see an acupuncturist, walk, swim, and stay well hydrated so you don't have another long labor :)

Happy Birthing!!!

Hi E.,
Congratulations on your upcoming birth. I would strongly recommend you use a doula. If you google Doulas of North America you might get some hits. My doula doesn't do it anymore or else I would give you her number. I labored at home with my daughter. I had the support of my husband, mother, doula and training doula. I walked, vomited, got in the shower and all that good labor stuff:) But when I arrived at the hospital I was just shy of nine centimeters. Unfortunately my daughter got stuck in the birth canal and a c-section was necessary. I had very bad back labor. So I would say get the expertise and gentle nurturing of a doula. She/he is one step removed from the situation so they will always be one step ahead of the game. Keep in mind that your second child will probably slide out a lot easier than the first. At least, that's what my friends with two or three kids have told me:) Also, repeat c-sections are just as unhealthy as a vbac despite what an ob/gyn may say. Also, in c-sections involving moving organs that normally shouldn't be moved. I had an emergency c-section too and the recovery wasn't pleasant to say the least. Obviously if there are extenuating medical circumstances I would get the c-section but it sounds like you can do a VBAC. Good luck and best wishes to you!

I have a 17 year old and an 8 year old. My 17 year old was an emergecy ceserean because of fetal distress during an induced labor. My son was a natural vaginal birth almost 10 years later. I too was very worried about a natural birth after having a c-section, but I have to be honest with you, the healing afterwards is no comparison. I was 19 when I had my daughter, and having a c-section was really hard. God forbid you cough or sneeze because it felt as if your insides would come falling out...I was 28 when I had my son and even though I had to be cut a little for him to come out, it was a breeze in comparison...Yes you are a little sore and have a little difficulty sitting correctly, but you can cough and sneeze and do many other things without terrible pains...I think that the less you stress, the better it will be. Try not to be so worried and let it naturally come. They induced my labor with him as well, but vaginally with gel, not IV and maybe that made the difference too. It is perfectly normal to be worried since this is like a first time birth for you, but you will be okay... Good Luck!!

Hi
Maybe your situation is a little different than mine, but for me....I really wanted to try a vbac...but when I asked my obgyn her opinion....she was fully willing to do it, but said that if she were to give advice to her own sister or daughter that she would not do it...she said that once you have seen it go bad that you don't want that to happen to anyone....My first was an emergency c-section also..although I was fully dialated, I pushed for two hours and he was not coming out...I was too small and he was too big...It was a good thing I chose not to do the vbac because my daughter was bigger at birth than my son, she was 9.67 pounds.....I do know at least two women who have had successful vbacs...but I was not willing to take that risk...good luck and best wishes to you!!

Hi E.
I to had a emergency c-section at the birth of my first child. My second pregnancy I was told I could go natual as well. I was torn cause I already new what to except with the c-section and a bit chicken more than anything to go natural. Well, my doctor was right and I had a very normal vaginal delivery and now having both ways I would be vaginal first. But, you know you will always have the back-up there for you if needed. Trust mother nature!

Hi E.,

I am a successful VBAC. It's funny because I didn't realize that a VBAC was such a big deal until after it happened!! My first daughter was a long delivery ending up with a c-section. My second daughter was a piece of cake!! Before I went into labor with the second, my Dr. asked me if I wanted to try and deliver vaginally..of course I said "yes." Things went smooth and I only had to push three times. I think that the reason everything went well was because I had a great and calming Dr. He made it out like it was no big deal and I could do it. I know this gave me the confidence to do it no problem or worries. Of course, if I had problems, I knew that I would end up with another c-section. After I delivered and went back to my room is when I was told by the nurses, "YOU HAD A VBAC!" OH MY GOD!!! Up until then, I had no idea that it was such a big deal!! Anyway, things did go well and I have two beautiful teen-age daughters now!! If I had to do it again, I would in a heart beat!! Good luck to you and much blessings!!

C. C. (42 year old, SAHM, married 16 years with two beautiful blessings!)

Hi E.!
I, too, had an emergency C-Section with my son after 37 hours of unproductive everything that could go wrong went wrong labor. When we became pregnant the second time around I was determined to have a VBAC. My doctor also said all the same things to me about if and when and how far she would let me go before sending me off to the operating room. We chose to hire a doula. You may want to see if the hospital you are delivering at has them or ask your doctor to recommend one for you to call and ask questions too. For me, it made all the difference in the world. Our doula was like a full time, private nurse who focused only one me and kept turning me from side to side and my labored progressed!! And I slept through most of my labor thanks to her!! As for fears...let me tell you I cried every time the nurses told me I was another centimeter along and boy when they brought in the "tools" and turned on the lights I was over the moon! Watching my daughter come into the world was the most amazing moment of my life. And I was so proud of myself!! The nurses and doctors will pay very close attention to you given the situation. Just to have that chance- believe me, it is so worth it to try. You will not regret it! Good Luck to you!!
L. H.