Repeat C-section help/VBAC Frustrations (Long)

I had an emergency c-sec with my first and I had a scheduled one with my second. It was harder to go in the operating room because I knew what to expect. It sucked. but the recovery was so much better and faster. I still can't believe it. With my first I felt very drugged and sleepy and sore. With my second I told the dr about that and he switched my medications after birth. So much better I was more aware of everything and I wasn't as sore. And since it was scheduled we had it planned that the grandparents would take my first son while I was in the hospital. A scheduled c-section is a lot easier than an emergency one. Good Luck!

I had a very difficult delivery with my second child - he should have been a c/s - he was stuck in my pelvis and was 9# 10 oz and 24" long - I had extensive tearing and was in tons of pain after - it was a long difficult delivery. Fast forward 4 years - my 3rd child was an emergency c/s b/c she flipped breech while I was laboring - the recovery from that c/s was 10X better than my vaginal birth of my son. (BTW - My first child was an easy, easy vag delivery...)

I work as an OB nurse - and I see so many women try for a VBAC and fail - it depends on the reason for your c/s in the first place - failure to progress, fetal distress... sonograms can be off on weight by -/+ a pound or more - they thought my son was only going to be 8 1/2 pounds - he was more than a pound heavier than that - so that is not the only indicator for a repeat c/s ...

Please know that you can have a great recovery post c/s - it is mindset, getting moving and managing your pain.

Best of luck to you...

M.,
I am guessing you labored with your first delivery. IF you labored too long that is probably the reason for the hemorrhaging. I have had two C and no hemorrhaging.....

I do not recommend having the baby earlier or inducing....just because the baby is measuring large does not mean the lungs are fully developed. With a VBAC it is recommended to labor unmedicated, if you induce that will be MUCH more difficult.

The only thing I can advise is to PRAY. Truly. Be specific, ask God for confirmation on what to do. This baby is God's too and ask Him to protect the child and you. As for the depression.....I have struggled with some things of the sort after my babies....it is hormone related. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Chalmers in Frisco. He can help level all of that off naturally. I wish I had learned of him much sooner. I feel like myself 'pre-babies' again. Boy, I did not think I would see the day I could say that.

Pray Girl.....dig into God's word for confirmation. The Psalms are great for encouraging you...for some reason I am thinking of Psalms 46....

Let us know how everything goes.....will be praying for you both.

Hi M.,

I had an unplanned c-section the first time. The second time I wanted a c-section, but wanted to go into labor (so I would deliver when the baby was ready). I had no problems. Also, I have never had an issue with a c-section. Part of that may be because as a speech-language pathologist I have read numerous files regarding children who suffered perinatal (during birth) events that, unfortunately, brought them to my care.

You may want to discuss the bleeding issues with your doctor, to put your mind at ease about that situation. You are forutnate to have a friend who is willing to stay and help you. Honestly, even though I had a 2 year old when I had my second c-section, it really seemed easier. I guess because I knew what to expect, understood the healing process first hand, and was thrilled with the result of a healthy baby.

Please relax (I know, that's a crazy bit of advice for a pregnant woman!!!) -- that will help your baby so much. I was glad to read your understanding of the importance of bringing a healthy baby into this world (and maintaining your own health). If you are still unsure, why not seek out another professional opinion by a doctor who shares your doctor's specialty?

All the best,
S.

I hope you discussed your fears about C-section with your doctor. He might be able to help with that.

I had a C-section for my 2nd and last child.
I had no hemoraghing. Ask your doctor why that happened and if it is likely to happen again.

I had problems nursing. (Ask your doctor about all that to see if anything could be changed.)

Sorry that your husband's company can't let him off for such an important thing. Presume he told them it will be a C-section. Presume you asked if the C-section could be done just a tad earlier.

I didn't have depression and I wouldn't think that could be tied to a C-section. Talk to your doctor to see what happens to cause that and how to prevent or relieve it if it does.

I remember being told I needed help for 2 weeks. So, if your hubby can't be there, have you gone down the list of family (parents either side), siblings, cousins, that could pitch in. Then friends even if it is 8a-4p 2 days a week for each one. If you have trouble asking for help, ask your husband to ask for you. Don't let your fears overcome your abilities to work this out.

Lastly, if you can afford it, there is also help you can pay for. It can be through an agency that hires out caregivers. It can be a babysitter willing to also do chores and fix your meals. If you don't go through an agency, check references and don't hire anyone who hasn't got them for people they've helped before! It needs to be enough so that you know that a reference isn't their buddy or sister.

I've had 3 C-sections, my first being emergency. My Dr. told me I could deliver naturally the next time. I moved here from another state and could not find a Dr. that would let me do V-back the second time, or the third. I think it is too much of a liability for OB Doctors to allow a V-bac.
I came to accept that with my 3rd. I realized that I would rather have my child born alive and be alive myself, than to fight over "how" they would come into the world.

Hi M.,

My first born was vaginal and my next two were c-sections. I NEVER wanted a c-section but like you, was growing a very large baby with my second and at my 39 weeks sono, he was measuring 10lbs 2oz. The sonogram doc is who advised me how much safer it would be to go ahead with the C and also warned me of shoulder dystocia and after hearing what can happen with delivering such a large baby, I opted for the C. With my first C, recovery was extremely hard, even with it being planned. My baby boy weighed in at 10/3 so the sono measurements were very accurate as they were with all of my pregnancies so I wouldn't doubt the accuracy of a sonogram. With my 3rd baby, my OB was all for me wanting to do a VBAC but out of my own fears I went for the repeat C even though I was still terrified of recovery. Well fortunately the recovery was a breeze. I also was doubtful it would be easier the second time around but it really was. However, just because the pain is easier doesn't mean you won't need help because you still will. I liked the idea the other mom said of scheduling your C for a week sooner than what your OB has now so that way your husband can be around more to help. Yes you have friends to help but IMO, no ones as helpful as having your hubby around....at least to help you get through your hospital stay. I would also advise you to stay the full 5 days your hospital allows with C recovery. Even though you may be feeling better, you will have your hands MORE than full back at home so get your rest as much as possible at the hospital and take advantage of all the great help from the nurses while you can. With my 3rd baby, recovery at the hospital almost felt like a vacation! : ) It was so nice only having to take care of the one baby, having food served to you, your room cleaned, and of course the good meds you get from the hospital. : )
Don't worry, you will be fine and everything will work out how it's suppose to. If you want to try for a VBAC, ask your OB about inducing you about a week or two before your actual due date and then you might not have as much trouble with delivery. If you've done it once, I'm sure your body can do it again but if you have doctors advising you it's not safe, then they probably are right. However, only you can make the decision for yourself and don't be scared to speak up about what YOU want and have them work something out with you. Good luck in whatever decision you make and congrats on your new baby!

Much of my family is in the medical field, and I can tell you that the concerns with VBAC ARE REAL. IT is simply not worth the risk, thus the reason that the majority of doctors won't perform it, the majority of hospitals won't allow a doctor to perform it under their roof. If on top of that there are other concerns (like it seems there are), c-section is absolutely the safest route to go. Repeat sections are always easier... do not be afraid. We all want vaginal, perfectly romantic births-- but that isn't reality. Listen to your DOCS-- they are smart, informed, and they know best. You have mulitple opinions-- most docs and nurses will tell you stay away from VBAC-- esp. if there are any other concerns with the pregnancy.

I can tell you that i've had 2 sections, my hubby is a nurse, and would not even allow me to think or contemplate a VBAC-- he feels that strongly. That should tell you something.

You'll be fine. Listen to the doc!

PS: My neighbor had a vaginal with a large baby, experienced shoulder dys, and the child has been in therapy since... she is now 9 and still doesn't have full use of her arm. It was scary for her, and she happily had the section the second time.

PPS; being cut open isn't as bad as what can go wrong with a VBAC, esp. with a large baby-- ruptured uterus?? BAD.

PPPS: I am so scared irrationally of another section that even though I want more kids, i've put it off and put it off. You are lucky that the decision is made for you. I let my fears get the best of me. I can sit here and tell you "it is okay", but I can't listen to myself. The irony! Don't give into the fear. Safety first!