Vbac - Oklahoma City,OK

Check out vbac.com.

Particularly, you will find a lot of great info at http://www.vbac.com/chapter38.html

Some hospitals don't even accommodate vbac (even though a 2nd [3rd, etc.] cesarean has been found to be more dangerous than vbac!). Women in our area have to do home births assisted by non-licensed midwives. Now, this sounds much worse than it is. Many midwives forego licensure specifically because they are passionate about empowering mothers to experience vaginal birth after going through cesarean in the past. These non-licensed midwives are every bit as experienced, skillful and knowledgeable as any midwife.

Then, about pain management at home, instead of going the epidural route (which can lead to cesarean - watch The Business of Being Born from Blockbuster or on Netflix to see what I mean), you can use hypnosis! You will be fully alert and aware, and feel everything, but you won't feel pain, or as much pain.

I used Natal Hypnotherapy CDs for my second birth in June, and it was phenomenal. I was in transition and walking around smiling, laughing, and hosting our midwives ("are you guys hungry?"). By contrast, for my first birth (I'm a birth mother), I had an epidural, and it was miserable. I still had a lot of pain. It did nothing for my back labor, and then I couldn't get on my hands and knees because they were afraid I didn't have enough control over my legs. Then, nursing my son before he was adopted out was impossible because he was too drugged to get it, and also kept falling asleep.

If you use hypnosis, it will be a lot gentler on your uterus. You will likely dilate slowly, without even knowing it, over the course of days or a week. When you go into active labor, it's so easy. (And this is a common experience for mothers who use hypnosis. It wasn't just a happy fluke in my case.) It's a great way to do a VBAC, if VBAC is what you decide.

Good luck with everything!

L.

PS I just came back to edit my response because actually, I think the best thing I can recommend for you to experience the best possible pregnancy and birth for you, within the confines of reality and life taking its own twists, of course, is being armed with lots of information. Go to the library, search through Amazon.com, read, read, read. Hear it from the experts, look at the statistics, and read why they say what they do - because all of us - friends, family, Mamasource women - we only have our own experiences and anecdotes to offer, and what *we've* read, which comes to you in snippets from our memories, imperfect as they are, to share with you. Learn all that you can so that you will come away from this new journey knowing you got the best possible experience and the best start for your baby.

I'm excited for you. Have fun!

M., I spoke with my doc about this after my csection and she told me that the only doctors in the OKC area taht she is aware of that do vbacs are at OU medical. So that may also be something that you should check out.

I had a V-bac with the fifth child. Every child was vaginal except the fourth, she was an emergency c-section. My doctor, Dr. Patricia Daily, at the South Tulsa woman's clinic, said she does not do V-bacs unless your children are at least 18 months apart. My 4th and 5th were 19 months apart. A lot of doctors won't do V-bacs because of the liability issue. My went just fine, except my doctor said if she delivered any more of my children, I would take the epidural, LOL. She said I was a tad too loud. Good luck, and hubby can sit in a chair if he can't handle it. My husband was the opposite, he didn't want to see me cut open! Oh, and tell him a good doctor can sew you up just like brand new ( if that's what he's worried about)!LOL!

It is important that you find out whether or not there is a doctor in your area that will support a VBAC in your situation. The risks of subsequent c-sections are higher than risks associated with VBAC, as long as mom and baby are both healthy. I would recommend that you work with a nutritionist now (before you get pregnant) to lessen your risk of developing HELLP syndrome again. You can go to www.blueribbonbaby.org for a great healthy pregnancy diet, that has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and HELLP. You might also consider hiring a doula to help with information and support during your pregnancy and birth. Finding out where your husband's "issues" lie will be important as well, and a good doula can help you both work through those. Major abdominal surgery should be reserved for those truly needing it. The only thing "easier" about it is being able to schedule the day it happens. Everything else about it is harder.

Doctors advise against VBACs these days because of the risk of tearing, so your doctor may want to schedule a C-section. That said, my second child beat the C-section date, so I had a VBAC, and it was great, compared to the C-section.

You will have to find an OU doc. One of the other ladies recommended it, but it's my understanding that you won't find docs elsewhere because the insurance carriers are no longer covering it, so regular docs can't do them any longer. OU docs however, are covered by the state, which is self insured and whose liability is limited by the governmental tort claims act. You should definitely ask around a little more, I've not spent a ton of time on it b/c I've never need the info for myself, but it's my understanding that this is the only option.

I am a 41 year mother of 4 my oldest who is 9 years old was delivered vaginally after hours in labor but it went fairly easily. With my second son I went in to labor a week early but once we got in and I was being prepped for another vaginal delivery he started stressing, heart rate dropping very low every contraction so I was rushed in to an emergency section which was a good thing because the umbilical cord had rapped around by precious one's neck. When it came to my #3 child, this one was a girl, it had been 3.5 years since the cection and I really wanted to have a vaginal delivery, but my doctor thought otherwise and told me that even though it had been a long enough time that I could still rupture when trying to push. He gave me plenty of examples and horror stories and I could not do anything but agree with him because I did not want to put my child's life or my other children's and my husband future in danger. You see I felt like that if I could deliver my daughter safey through section and if any thing happen to me that my husband and my children could go on without me but I knew if I had put my daughter's life in danger I could not go on. Baby number 4 was both a surprise and a joy but I never considered a section I went right in and started talking delivery dates for her. I wanted to be twilighted with both of them but my platelet count in both situations would not allow me to. Oh, but when I woke up what a blessing. All of my children are healthy and I am still here with my wonderful husband loving them, living for them and being the best mom I can be. I know my response is lenghthy but I have wonderful blessings to share. Do what you think is best and God bless you, I am praying for you.

check out http://www.ican-online.org/ That site was a great help to me. I had a vbac almost 2 years ago after 2 c-sections. I had 64 hours of labor (only a couple hours were hard) and I would do it all over again over a c-sec any day! also check out http://www.spinningbabies.com/

Good luck.

Oh yeah, what helped my husband come around to the idea was facts. lots of facts. about how it was safer for me and baby.

J.

M.,

My first child was a vaginal delivery and then my second was a c-section. I can tell you from experience that the recovery from the vaginal birth is much shorter! I tried for vbac with my third, but unfortunately had some complications during delivery that required a c-section. The good news is that the 2nd c-section is not nearly as difficult as the first. So, if for whatever reason you end up with another c-section, it is not likely to be as difficult as the first. Most of the women that I have talked to who had multiple c-sections had the same experience. All that said, I'd take a vaginal delivery any day over a c-section!

I haven't had a vbac but had a vaginal delivery with my first and am now pregnant with my second with a c/s planned. I had an episiotomy with my first and ended up tearing again a week later (sorry about all the details here) due to a hard bowel movement which reopened my episiotomy. I had to have 3 corrective surgeries and I'm still not fully recovered and might not ever be. The reason I'm telling you this is because my complications could have been prevented. Having a vaginal birth was an amazing experience and I wish I could again, knowing what I know now. Along with finding a supportive dr. and educating yourself, I want to encourage you to see a physical therapist who specializes in women. I was unaware that there were physical therapists specifically for the "pelvic floor" but there are and this could be very helpful to you. A PT can help to prepare you for a vaginal delivery with special excercies and stretches. The lady I went to after my surgery told me she helped many women before delivery and never once had a patient tear or need an episiotomy. Also, after delivery, you will likely be on pain killers which can cause constipation. Make sure you do your best to stay regular- take fiber supplements, etc- and don't leave the hospital until you've had a bm. These are little things that will help your body heal quickly and you won't regret your decision for a vbac. Good luck!
PS Its up to you- not your husband!

M.,

This is VERY near and dear to my own heart!! I hope this doesn't end up being a novel :).

First, VBAC is not illegal in any state. You have the right to refuse a c-section. That said, fighting in labor is NOT the most fun thing. Your best bet is to search (search NOW) for a supportive provider.

Second, as someone said, PLEASE check out www.ican-online.org for information! They have white papers that would answer about any question that you have. If you can find a group local to you, that is great! If not, please get in touch with the closest group and at least talk to them.

Another great source for facts is www.vbacfacts.com.

I had HELLP with my first pregnancy at the end. I had a c/s, as well. With my 2nd I tried for a VBAC, found a very supportive hospital, an OB who turned out to be NOT so supportive and ended up with another c/s after laboring to 8 cm on my own at home. My husband didn't completely get it until he saw how much it really meant to me, until he saw the 2nd OB cause the problem that caused me to have a c/s the 2nd time. I also didn't find ICAN until AFTER the 2nd c/s. Now my husband is completely in favor of me having a homebirth. 100% and I can't wait!!!!! Of course, have to be pregnant first... ;)

Please read and research etc as much as you can now - surround yourself with supportive people - perhaps if you don't have a local ICAN group you might have a natural birth group or La Leche League group who can put you in touch with people supportive!!

HUGS in your journey - it has just begun!! Please feel free to send me a private message if you want to chat or want more information...

First check with your state's policy on VBACs. Not all allow it (I know it is stupid). Also, make sure you choose an OB or midwife who is willing as well. It is difficult to find many who aren't c-section happy (docs get paid more for surgery). Your husband is a man and has no understanding of the woman's body. It will NOT be easier to have another c-section. I've had both vaginal and c-section delivery and I will go vaginal-no drugs over a c-section any day. The birth is a better experience and the healing is a better experience.

I can't give you an answer about c sections, since I have never had one. I have 3 children, two in there 20's and one that is 7 years old. I never considered having a c section, especially after the first child. I was 40 when I had my last one. All natural, The recovery time is much faster. I was up and walking to the bathroom that evening. Good luck with your decision. My children were not small babies, ranging from 8lbs 4oz all the way up to 9lbs 15oz. Hopefully you are able to have a vbac. If not just remember that it is the out come that matters. Good Luck!

If u wanna try for a vbac-get a dr. who will support u. I did that-well-i tried. Ist baby was c-section after finding out she was frank breech and water broke. Never had any labor-straight to c-section. She was 8lbs.1 1/2 oz. 22 in. long. Guess she wouldn't have turned. She was not born early-right on time. So... 2nd baby i was ready to try vbac. Had to get a dr. and hospital in the nearest bigger city. Better equipped hospital. Baby came almost a month early. Water broke on Fri. nite-2:00 a.m.- after no dialation- had pitocin and bad back labor (baby was sunny-side up) for hours. I ONLY got dialated to a 1 1/2 by Sunday morning ! After all that pain- had to get a Csection anyway. Baby born healthy at 9:00 Sun morn. By then I didnt care! After going home- I did feel somewhat of a failure- but as time went by realized I was thankful. That was 20 years ago and now I'm thankful even more. Its not how they get here thats important. Its that you have them.
J.

Hello! I have three children, I have delivered both vaginally and c-section and a c-sec will NOT be easier!! Much more painful recovery. Here's hoping you will get to experience a vaginal birth....with an epidural it is actually pretty fun!

I had a VBAC 10 years ago. The recovery was MUCH easier than with my C-section, even though I had an episiotomy. My son was born less than an hour after I got to the hospital. It was a wonderful experience. Oh yeah, and because it went so fast, I didn't have anything for pain. I think of my two deliveries as polar opposites. If your doctor thinks you can do it, I think you should go for it!

A.

Hi! I'm new to this site and just happened to stumble across it and I LOVE it! I am currently a sahm to my 2 very active little ones, and going to nursing so I can return to my favorite job...just as an RN now (which happens to be in Labor & Delivery). I was a CNA in L&D and Pediatrics for 2 yrs up until I had my first child, so I was lucky to get to work with a ton of great Peds and OB/GYNs. The doctor I used with both was Dr. Timothy Bell with Eastside OB/GYN in Ft. Smith. He has THE BEST bedside manner of any doctor I have EVER had to deliver babies with. My choice was so easy. I recommend a lot of doctors at St. Edward, but Dr. Bell is my all-time favorite. He truly cares for every single one of his patients and it shows. Oh, and he's very into supporting your birth plan as much as possible, so if a VBAC is what you want he'll definitely make it happen if possible. He was going to let my husband actually deliver our son the rest of the way once his head came out! LOL

I understand all to well wanting to have a vbac instead of another c-section. My first child was 11 lbs. 8 oz. Due to complications she ended up going into distress and I had to have a c-section. I was so disappointed. The pain was horrible and recovery was so slow.
I wanted a vbac when we decided to have our second child. However, a friend of the family had a tragic experience that changed my mind. She was delivering vbac when her uterus ruptured where the incision was. The doctors were unable to save the baby.
Not long after that happened I got pregnant & my doctor didn't recommend vbac at all. He felt it was too risky. I think it is a liability issue also. I recommend you talk with your doctor & weigh all the pro's & con's. I did have to endure more pain having c-sections than vaginally, but I now have 4 healthy children (all by c-section). The one thing I can say is each c-section got easier & easier. My 1st was by far the worst for pain & longer recovery. By the time I had my 4th baby, I knew what to expect & recovered fairly quickly.

I don't have any info on vbacs but I wanted to pass on a great resource on PE & HELLP. So many nice, helpful ladies who have BTDT with pregnancies after PE or HELLP. They were invaluable to me with my last PE pregnancy.

And, as much as we'd like for there to be a diet to help prevent PE or HELLP there isn't anything. Good medical care & being aware of the early signs and symptoms is your best bet to avoid issues in a 2nd pregnancy.

http://preeclampsia.org/forum/

My husband had a child with his first wife & was in the room with her when she had a c-section. When I got pregnant with our first he wanted me to have one cause "it's so easy". I refused. He was in the room when I had Corey & he now says it was much more special & personal. He was able to really be apart of it & actually help with the birth of his child. For the longest time he said he didnt think he could even watch that but when they said they could see the head... he couldnt not watch! We have had another baby since then & he never mentioned a c-section. hope this helps!