VBAC Options

I was determined to have an at-home birth, but midwives (in my city) cannot practice in hospitals. I went to a midwife who was in practice (just not delivering) and she recommended using a midwife in another city (Jackson TN). You get all your check ups from them except the ultra-sound, and then you deliver your child in the hospital, but the midwife attends to you. The whole experience was wonderful--up until they realized that how my son was positioned, he just wasn't coming out naturally. I ended up having an emergency C-section...so I am glad that I was in the hospital. It is possible to have a VBAC--anywhere. However, I would really consider looking into the possibility of being in the hospital, with a midwife. If I had the baby at home as I had originally planned, I would have been dropped off at the hospital's emergency room.
BTW, midwives ARE covered under insurance. And all the midwives I dealt with were wonderful, actually listened, and didn’t “hurry” you through the check-ups.
Best of luck!

YES YES YES! You CAN have a VBAC at home! Especially since you have only had 1 c section then your chance of uterine rupture is very very slim. I highly encourage you to look into this and get some info from the wonderful midwives in the area. If you are having trouble finding a midwife contact me and I can point you in the right direction. I had my 5 month old at home and it is the most empowering experience ever. You will feel like a stronger woman when its over, and the love you will feel for your baby is like no other love you ever felt before. I highly encourage you to look into this.

And remember real labor is not anywhere near as painful as induced labor. The difference is like night and day. I went thru both kinds of labor. Also waterbirth is a big help in pain relief and so gentle on the baby. Once you step in your warm pool of water the pains decrease so much...its a huge help.

I am so proud of you for looking into this wonderful option. I strongly feel that a low risk pregnancy has no place in the hands of an OB. If your last pregnancy was uncomplicated chances are this one will be too, especially if you follow a good diet and work to keep yourself and baby healthy. Good luck to you!

My first child was a c-section baby. I was young and did not educate myself on what was going to happen. I fell into the main stream mind set that what the doctor says is good for you. Well, when I was pregnant with my second child I decided to change all that. I joined a group that supported VBACs. I drove over an hour to see a midwife in a different county. And yes I have a vaginal birth!!! I was long and hard but well worth it!! My husband was afraid so we had the VBAC in the hospital, but I had my midwife and NO DRUGS! I would not trade the pain of that experience for anything. Of course now my mind can not remember the amount of pain I was in. I wish you luck! Stick to you guns and interview midwifes until you find the one you are comfortable with and present them with a Birth Plan.

Penny
____@____.com

Yes, vbac is an option in a birth center and/or home. The trick is finding a provider willing to support you. (Or go unassisted - a whole other ball of wax.)

Sadly, no birth centers are really within a reasonable distance of Nashville. Seems like there's one in Waynesboro and another in Crossville? I may be making that up; it's been awhile since I checked.

But there are several midwives. http://www.tnmidwives.org/directory.html has a list. Seems like Tender Beginnings in Franklin had birthing suites. And I know the midwives in Hendersonville do vbacs, because it's in their "stats" on their website! So definately worth calling around.

As for insurance... mine is Cigna and they were willing to cover midwives 100% so long as they were in a "licenced facility." Which for me ended up being the midwife group at Vanderbilt hospital. (I didn't mention them earlier only because you're trying to avoid the hospital. But I got my normal natural vbac with them. http://vanderbiltnursemidwives.com) But I don't know about insurance and homebirths. Ask about that when you call around, too.

I'd also repeat your question here at the Nashville Birth Network yahoo group. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Nashvillebirthnetwor... Those ladies will probably have a lot of leads for you.

And if you haven't checked out ican-online.com yet, you should. Particularly consider getting onto their email list support group. It's high volume, but worth it.

As for getting your husband's support: May I suggest Bradley birth classes? Mine was on the fence until the classes began. He transformed into my biggest advocate, defending me to his family who thought I was crazy. I've even heard him educating other women on Pitocin and AROM. He's something else now! Our teacher was Bohdona Fasani, but there are a few in Nashville. And one student teacher in the Murfreesboro area who probably has a discounted rate, if money is an issue. http://bradleybirth.com/Main.aspx

Whew! That's a lot of links! You sound highly motivated and that will go a long way to a successful vbac. If I've left anything out or you have any questions, feel free to send me a message!

Blessings, L.

Edited to add: "I'd like another baby, but I'm not going to bother getting pregnant if I know for sure it'll end in a c-section."
Your feelings are your feelings. Let them be what they are, whether they're pc or not. Many many women have limited their family size because they hated their csection. You're not the first to have that thought, and you won't be the last.

Also, one more link for you. http://tinacassidy.blogspot.com/2008/01/our-new-baby.html A vbac home birth from one of the big shots of the birth scene.

It is possible to have a VBAC, I delivered my daughter this way approximately 2 years after my C-section. You do need to know what type of C-section you had. My doctor (who did the C-section) assured me that I could do a VBAC next time, but I'm not sure if I would have believed someone else after the fact. I was in labor for 12 hours before my C-section. I was in labor for about an hour before my daughter's vaginal birth. I could definitely tell the difference. Hers just progressed like clockwork! Someone needs to read your prior delivery record and see if they can determine the real reason for your C-section. Unfortunately, I would not recommend trying a home delivery. If there are any complications, you're on your own. I think what you really need to do is find a doctor who truly understands your fears, but is also willing to listen to what you want and follow your wishes. Good luck!

Yes, a VBAC home waterbirth is possible! I have A 92% VBAC success rate, 2% repeat C/S for failure to progress and a 3% total C/S rate, (which means a 1% primary C/S rate). With 0 ruptures, although that always is a slim possibility. Ask what your local practitioners rates are. Your best bet for avoiding a repete C/S is avoiding the hospital, or at least not letting them induce you, since induction significantly raised the chances of rupture. The largest VBAC baby I have delivered was my 11 lb, 5 oz granddaughter. Most of my clients don't have insurance, but of the ones that do, the home VBAC have always been covered. Check with your insurance company about that. To find a Health care practitioner willing to do VBAC's check with your local ICAN chapter, or the national office, if you can't find a local chapter. Check with your states midwifery group, or again if you can't find a local group, check with MANA, (Midwives Alliance of North America)or the Midwifery Today website.
While it is good (but frustrating!) to know that the C/S was for impatience, not intrincical medical necessity, it is important to get the operative report from your butcher, I mean doctor, to see what kind of incision was made and how it was sutured, as those details also play a part in determining your individual risks.
A word to all those who have warned you that home VBAC's are dangerous: while it's true that VBAC birth is more dangerous than birth with an unscarred uterus, there are many factors that make the subsequent births more or less safe. Indeed, SOME home VBAC's are safer than SOME hospital VBAC's, but MOST VBAC's are still safer than repeat major abdominal surgery!!!!! First, the major causes of fetal distress are artificially stimulated contractions, prematurity (which potential is increased by inductions & C/S's)The babies lungs start to increase surfactant, which helps the lungs expand & contract (fill & empty)smoothly, several days before birth. When labor is induced, or a C/S done, this surfactant is often deficiant. Plus, being born vaginally the babies is squeezed through the birth canal which is the natural way designed to empty the lungs of the fluid that is in them prenatally, so that they are ready to take their first breath. C/S babies statisticsally spend more time in NICU. The major cause of uterine rupture is also artificially stimulated contractions, so while if ALL OTHER FACTORS were equal, hospital birth would be safer, but in the absence of a patient, loving doctor (in a hosp. or birth center that alows it), respectful of not just your birth desires, but of the divinely natural plan of the birth process itself, you would be safer in the comfort of your own home with a skilled attendant, whether that be a MD,CNM,CPM,DEM, or DAD!

J.,

As a mother of two young children I feel that I must say this....your job as a parent is to do what ever is necessary to bring a healthy child into this world. It is not about you. Doctors do what they must to ensure that your baby will come into the world as healthy as possible. My question, and frustration, is why would you jeapardize this for your own desires (even if the chance is slight). Could you live with yourself if your dream birth experience left your child with brain damage or a dislocated shoulder because the midwife or whomever was unable to deliver your child as "you" wish. There was actually a case in my old hometown where a mother would not allow the doctor to do a c-section as soon as he wanted and that family now has a severely brain damaged child from the lack of oxygyn during the birth. I say that if you can't live with the possibility of a c-section then don't have another baby. I am sorry if this sounds harsh but this is serious business and I just can't hold my tongue.

You are describing exactly what happened to me during my first birth experience with my son who is now 7. I relly wanted to have a VBAC with my other two, and wasn't able to do it. The reason was that the only midwife in this area wouldn't deliver at the hospital. Lots of people are giving you advice of having a VBAC at home, but I will tell you to be very careful. If you can find a midwife to deliver at a hospital where there are safety measures in place, I say go for it. Some doctors will also try VBAC's. My doctors were very willing to do that, but I wouldn't go into labor. It is EXTREMELY risky to be induced for a VBAC which is another reason I had subsequent c-sections. I know there have been many success stories, and it is still risky. The reason being that in a crisis situation, doctors have about seven minutes (from American Academy of Pediatrics) to get the baby out. If you have to drive to the hospital in a crisis, then you and/or your baby could be in trouble. I will say, too, that sometimes you have a hard recovery after a c-section because you had a bad surgeon. That happened to me as well, and the last time, I got a great surgeon that was recommended by a friend who was an anesthesiologist there, and my recovery was amazing. I understand, too, that you are grieving the loss of your expected delivery experience. I, too, was unconscious when I delivered the first time. I woke up, and they handed me my son. It was very weird, and I cried because I did not get to have a vaginal birth, and I even felt less of a woman. It was almost as if I failed, and even today I get a little jealous of women who had natural childbirth. I think I could have had more children if I hadn't had three c-sections. We women tend to be very hard on ourselves. I will say a prayer for you and your family, and I hope that God will help you to have the birthing experience you would like.

Hi J.,
I have not read the other responses but I can tell you that I know many women who have had HomeBirth VBAC's.
I am the Chapter Leader for a local support group that focuses on education about Cesareans and VBAC. We have many moms who VBAC successfully at home or in the hospital.
You are doing well by checking things out early. There are some really great resources online as well as some great books you can check out.
I have had a VBAC and know many women who have. Your feelings are not uncommon after c-section. Our support group helps moms to work through those things.
If you want more info let me know.

I agree that vbac is possible. I had a vbac after 2 c-sections. This was 5 years ago. I researched it to death and found a dr. that would support me (though she wasn't super supportive). My husband was a bit afraid, but I got my mom to support me and my husband during my labor. I told her exactly what I wanted her to do and to say and she was so wonderful. I know everyone does not have that relationship with their mothers, but if you have a sister or friend that could do that for you, I suggest you start preparing them. I also strongly recommend the website: www.ican-online.org. There is no better vbac site out there. Just remember that a c-section is surgery and you must consent to surgery. They cannot perform surgery on you without your consent. They try to scare you with the risks of uterine rupture, but do your own research on the risk of uterine rupture compared with risks to mother and baby due to c-sections. You'd be surprised how many babies get cut during this surgery, and this is not even the greatest risk to consider. Can you tell this is a subject I'm passionate about? I'm a very small woman and not many people believed I could do it, but I did! And she was the biggest baby of my three. Even the dr. said, she didn't have much confidence after it was over, but I told her I had enough confidence for everybody!

J.,

Don't be afraid to go to an OB/GYN just to avoid a C-section. The trick is to meet the doctors in the practice and get to know their philosophy, also to stand up for yourself and, if possible, have a doula/coach/partner to stand up for you, too. My first birth was with a MIDWIFE but still ended up being an unneccesary induction ending in a C-section. I was devastated. When I moved to Nashville, I was determined to have a VBAC with my second birth. Some small hospitals won't even attempt them because of the increased risk of complications, but luckily Vanderbilt is well equipped for any possible emergency. I met all the midwives at the Vanderbilt Nurse Midwives program who deliver at Vanderbilt hospital. They were very nice, but I developed some further complications later in the pregnancy and so switched over to Vanderbilt's high-risk OB/GYN practice. The doctors there were great, willing to try a VBAC and cooperate with my doula, and I had a much better (and successful!) second birth at Vanderbilt. So don't assume that you have to have a home birth with a midwife to avoid an unnecessary C-section - you can have regular OB/GYNs at a big hospital, and as long as you communicate with each other respectfully and intelligently, you can still try to have the birth you want, with the comfort of knowing that if anything does go wrong, you and your baby will be safe.

One last thing about VBACS and C-sections - all the books I read said that it is much easier physically to recover from vaginal birth than from C-sections. In my personal experience, that was NOT true. Although of course a C-section is major abdominal surgery, the skin on the abdomen is not especially tender and my recovery from my C-section was very comfortable. By contrast, the baby I delivered vaginally was facing backwards ("sunny side up") which resulted in a long delivery. Due to a combination of an episiotemy (let me tell you, stitches in your private areas hurt a LOT worse than C-section stitches!), horrible hemmorhoids that developed during the birth, and terrible back pain, I was so miserable during my recovery from vaginal birth that I decided, should I ever get pregnant again, maybe a C-section was not such a terrible thing after all! So please, if you want a baby, have one - there are a lot worse things in the world than having a C-section!

The birth center in Chapel Hill is a great scource of support.

I think you should really think about it and shop around for a doctor that you like. I did the same as you my first pregnancy and just went with the doctor that took me first. I did not like him AT ALL. The whole thing was terrible. My second time, however, I shopped around and found one that I really liked and who listened to me and what I wanted. I know you hate hospitals, who doesn't, but even if there is only a .00001% chance of something going wrong, I would rather be in a place where a crisis could be recovered from rather than risk losing my baby to something random and unforeseeable. I mean.. the worst thing ever would be to have a midwife tell you, "I'm sorry, we have X minutes to get the baby out or it dies." and you are X+2 minutes away from anyone who could help. Plus, then add in the evaluation of the scenario, the gathering of needed tools, and then getting into the actual procedure. I DO think that you should try to have a VBAC, but I would seriously think long and hard about where you do it at. Maybe you can find a birthing center that has a great staff who you have met and get along well with and can perform an emergency anything, even C-section, should it be needed. Just don't risk your child's health or yours for want of something. I would say that putting you to sleep was a very strange move and your first birth must have been very very complicated. I can't think of many reasons why a doctor would do that. Also, make out a birth plan. Be firm on what you want and they cannot make you do anything. Just find a doctor that you like and look at all of your options.

I do agree that the comment of you want another baby, but not if you have to have a C-Section suggests not only that you need to think about how much you actually want a child, but also that maybe you are not ready for another. It also hints that if you were able to have this baby naturally, you would then have a bit of favoritism for this child over your son. Really, think hard about what you want and what are you willing to go through to get it. If you want a child, and a child is worth anything, a child is someone who we will protect and love with everything we have, a child is a person we would die for, then it shouldn't be that big of a deal to have a C-Section. I know you said your first pregnancy went with no complications, but it sounds like your labor did. Maybe the baby's neck was caught or it was breech or something was wrong. You baby was obviously in distress otherwise they would not have induced or taken the steps they did. If they did all of that and it was really unnecessary then you should have sued. If it was called for, though, then while you might feel like you weren't there for your child's birth, at least he was born and is healthy rather than you being there to see y our first born child die as or before taking his first breath. Be thankful that you have him and that they were able to deliver him safely.

Please note that i am not saying that you are bad in any way for thinking or wanting as you do, I am simply suggesting that you really take a look at your life, priorities, and what you want.

I wish you the best of luck!

Hi J., I too had a c-section with my first child. My pregnancy went smooth, no problems and I was planning a homebirth, however my dgt. decided she liked it in there and was over 2 wks. late (according to who?). Anyways, my backup MD induced me and after 12hrs.of very uncomfortable labor I ended up with the surgery. 3 yrs later I was pregnant again and found a midwife who agreed to let me deliver at home. The most important thing when attempting a vbac delivery is to make sure the incision was made horizontal both on the uterus and abdominal wall. This makes the scar tissue much stronger and less likely to rupture during contractions. I was in labor for 36hrs. at home and used a combo of warm h2o in a kiddie pool and walking alot to help the baby descend. My son wieghed 1pd.1oz more than my dgt. and all was fine. Good Luck!

Personally, I don't think it matters HOW you give birth. I ended up with a c-section with my first and after a lot of soul searching and discussions with friends and hubby I decided to go for a scheduled c-section the second time. I had to give up the thought that giving birth vaginally was the 'only' way. It isn't! I still have 2 beautiful, smart, wonderful little boys and they are clueless to the fact that they weren't vaginal births. If they don't know or care, why should I? I'm still their mom.

Trust me I understand that there are lots of things involved emotionally, as well as physically, but in the end what is your hoped outcome? Another child? You should go to a birth center and discuss your options with one of the trained mid-wives and see what they think about your options. Good luck. Please think about what your goal really is, the birth part shouldn't be the main issue.

You need to read up on everything you can get your hands on before you make a decision. It's not up to you when or how you deliver, it is up to the baby. A good doctor will sit down with you and explain EVERYTHING with you. You don't need to feel down on yourself because the doctor needed to "help" with your first delivery. There are a lot of women that need help and because of the doctors' help, we have less deaths while giving child birth. If you go to a birthing cener and complications arise, they will send you to the hospital. You cannot have just one thing set in your mind and do just that. The baby will ALWAYS decide if your pregnancy will be tough or easy and if your delivery will be fast,slow, easy or hard. I have had four children. With my first one, I had a great doctor and everything went good. I did not get an epidural because the doctor recommended me not to because of my back problems in the past, but He did have my pain eased quite a bit. My second son was born in a different state so I had to find a different doctor. No, I did not care for this doctor by the end of my delivery. He came highly recommended, but early in the morning, he is NOT a dependable doctor. He wanted to sleep instead of watch my progress which almost costed him and the hospital a lawsuit. I told the nurses for ten minutes that it was time and they would not get him. When the nurse finally check me, she was holding my son's head in so he wouldn't fall in the floor and was yelling for someone to get the doctor. He wasn't even able to get gloves on, he literally caught my son before he hit the floor. That made two and the deliveries went good in consideration that the boys were delivered in short amounts of times. So when number three came along, my first daughter, we expected a fast delivery. WRONG! After my water broke, I laid in the hospital bed for five hours without even one little pain. My third doctor recommended to induce because the baby was losing fluid and if she lost too much, well, you know what would happen. Once it all started, finally, everything went good. Number four, we actually asked to be induced because she was due December 23 and I didn't want to ruin the other kids' Christmas by being in the hospital. Yes, this time when I got induced was extremely painful. I still cannot have epidurals so what pain that got through what they gave me in my IV, I felt it.
I'm just trying to tell you, all babies are different. The best thing to do is shop for a GOOD doctor first. A good doctor will let you know all of your options. Just remember, not all women can delivery without some help. But also remember, your first doctor did what he/ she thought was the best for you and the baby. If it wasn't for God giving these doctors the know how to deliver babies properly, our husbands, vets or mothers would be delivering our babies and there would be more deaths as the result of it.

I have heard alot of good things about Vanderbilt Midwives. If you google it you can find their website. I dont know for sure if they do home births? But I know 2 people who had excellent experiences and say they will use them for all their future births.

Hi J.,

Although I have never had a c-section I wanted to encourage you in seeking out the best VBAC opportunity for you. I have two beautiful children, with a 3rd one on the way. I've had home births with the first 2 and, Lord willing, will again on the 3rd. My midwife has done plenty of homebirth VBACs, so it can be done. Read up, be knowledgeable, pray about it, seek your husband's advice and blessing, and then look for someone, or a birth center, that you are comfortable with. In this day and age, woman have VBACs all the time...just not usually through a standard OB/GYN.

A.

Maybe you shuld look into seeing a Certified Nurse Midwife instead of an OB-Gyn. They are usually connected with a OB-Gyn practice, but are able to function independently. They tend to let pregnancy advance more naturally, and not jump to inducing labor. As far as a VBAC goes, just from your brief description of your first birth, it sounds like you would be a candidate. There are still instances though of people being wonderful candidates for VBAC that still end up having to have a C-section due to complications during labor. This is something you should discuss with your doctor or a midwife. As far as wanting to have a home birth, as an emergency department nurse, I would strongly recommend against that. I have seen home births go horribly wrong on multiple occasions.

I have several friends who had c-sections and then vbacs. I know there are some doctors out there who won't even offer a VBAC option if you've had c-section so you might have to shop around for a doctor that would at least be willing to consider whether you are a candidate. I have not had the experience so I can't speak to that, but I can speak to natural child birth. You will have a completely different experience than what you had. I would highly, highly, highly recommend that you take a natural child birth class such as Bradley or Birth Works. You can google them to find instructors in your area. If you want to do natural, having your husbands support is crucial. Having him be knowledgable about what is going on and what you want is crucial. Both of those birthing methods offer classes for both parents to teach you how to have a natural birth. I know several people who have said they wanted to do natural but didn't take any classes or anything and only one person actually did it natural. Natural childbirth is kind of like running a marathon- you can't just say you want to do it, not train, and then show up the day of the race expecting to make it to the end. You have to train. But it is possble. It's a wonderful experience. And if you are an informed consumer then I think you're more likely to be able to talk to doctors about what you want but also less likely to be disappointed when things go differently than planned because you'll understand why things had to change.

I have to agree with another responder who said that wanting a natural birth or not wanting another c-section isn't a good reason to have or not have another baby. I had a hard time pushing with my second and when she came out I declared 2 would be it for us because I was never going through that again. A little while later, as I was holding that beautiful baby, my midwife reminded me that the time I spent in labor and recovery was a small amount of time compared to the lifetime of loving that little girl.

Yes, you can have a VBAC at home! I don't know where you live, but start searching the internet for midwives, then start interviewing them and asking if they do VBAC's at home. Some do and some don't. Take the time to get to know some of the midwives while you are not pregnant so that when the time comes, you will have developed a good relationship with at least one or two of them. I wish you all the best!

Yes, it's possible to VBAC at home--some women have even chosen to give birth unassisted at home after a C-section, either because they just trusted their bodies to work perfectly w/o a midwife and/or interference, or because they couldn't find a midwife who would attend their homebirth. Having had a C-section, you have a risk of the scar giving way, which is why so many doctors nowadays are refusing to allow VBACs. The risks are minimal, especially if you are not given anything to induce or augment your labor. Check out ican-online.org for more info on this; and you can also look at my website (http://womantowomancbe.wordpress.com) for some other links and posts on C-sections and VBACs.

If there are any birth centers in your area, you can ask if they allow VBACs; and you can get in touch with midwives. CPMs are legal in Tennessee, but whether there are any in your area is another question--you can google it though and should be able to find out. Check with other pro-natural organizations like La Leche League, who may be able to steer you to some midwives. Being in TN, you may be close enough to "The Farm" in Summertown, to drive there to have your baby (google "The Farm" or Ina May Gaskin for more info), if you can't find a home-birthing midwife.

Unfortunately, getting your insurance to cover a home birth may be a bit more difficult. You may be able to pay for it out-of-pocket and be reimbursed. My midwife in Memphis wasn't on any insurance plans, so there wasn't a copay up-front and that's it. I'm pretty sure this is going to be the way it is for most midwives. Your best bet is to talk to midwives and see what they know, and talk to your insurance company and see what they know (and get it in writing, because they have the bad habit of forgetting they authorized anything, or will reject a claim for not dotting an i and crossing a t). Some insurance companies might pay for hospital births only; others may pay for CNMs only, but most CNMs only attend hospital births. You'll just have to do your homework to find out about your insurance provider and your midwife.

Your induction was completely unnecessary, and led to your C-section. This kind of behavior by the doctor makes me so upset! Did he explain to you that inductions are notorious for failure for first-time moms? Did he give you a Bishops score to see if you were a good candidate for induction? Did he explain to you that if the induction failed but they left your amniotic sac intact, then you could stop and try again later? Did he explain that if they broke your water, then the only option would be a C-section if your induction failed? Did he explain that an induction would be more painful than natural labor? Did he tell you that Pitocin (the drug used to induce labor) is not FDA-approved for elective inductions, but only for medically-indicated inductions? Did he tell you that most first-time moms don't go into labor naturally until 41 weeks and 1 day? To me, this sort of information is necessary for you to have truly given informed consent. But all too often, doctors only give you enough information for you to consent.

You have options, if you are willing to take them.

K.
womantowomancbe.wordpress.com

I had pretty much the same exact thing happen to me! I had a healthy, nothing ever wrong, pregnancy. I was induced and believe that is the reason for the severe pain and the reason I could not handle the labor. The contractions NEVER STOPPED. They were one after the other with no rest in between. I had an epidural and dialated to 9 and (so they say) stopped. The babies heart rate dropped so they did an emergency c-section. I was induced on a Friday and it didn't take so Saturday night I was re-admitted. It wasn't until Sunday night that I had him. I have always wondered if it was really neccesary for them to do the c-section or if they were just over dealing with me and wanted it over. Now that the new Ricki Lake movie is out I totally believe that is what they wanted! This was 7 years ago and I am HOPING that next time I will be able to have a natural birth and without having any kind of pain meds. I feel like you can bond more with the baby without being groggy and out of it after your baby is born. What really upsets me is I wasn't even the first one to hold my baby.

Just because you had one c-sec doesn't mean that you will have another. I am not sure why they did the c-sec on you but you obviously had some kind of problem that they felt necessary to hurry to save her life. Also you could have the kind of hip bones that aren't suitable for delivery and she just won't pass. I would ask my mother and some of her side of the family and also on my dad's side of the family to see if they ever had c-sec or any kind of trouble. You have got to be built like someone so that will sort of give you an idea of what your hips may be. Another thing, having a baby at home would be so neat. BUT if you had one problem, that doesn't mean that you will have another,however, it does put you at higher risk. I would hate for you to go into labor at home and then have some kind of complication and then you don't have a dr or the proper facilities to do what needs to be done to save your babies life. I know that they have midwives and they know what they are doing BUT.... what if there was a complication that required a fast delivery or another c-sec in order to save your baby and if you are at home you don't have that emergency crew to help and by the time you finally get to the hospital, your baby dies or is deprived of oxygen so long that now she is retarded or something like that.
I appreciate someone wanting to have birth at home, however, I was always too cautious to do that. I wanted someone that was trained and could keep us alive if necessary.
Why don't you go to see another OBGYN and just have a consultation with them and see what they say and see if there are any other options that will make your stay in the hospital more like home, or have her in the bathtub in the hospital. Another dr could be more informative and may could understand you better and work really hard along with you to keep the c-sec from happening.
It wouldn't hurt to talk to someone else but I would hate to see something happen and then you die or the baby dies because you needed emergency help and couldn't get to the hospital in time.
Chances are you would be fine... but there is always that "What If".

J., I had to write to you because I have had two home births. I believe you can have a natural birth at home. There are many midwives who will see you and some insurance cover the cost. In my first experience our insurance paid 90%. Please read Dr.Bradley's book on birthing the natural way. If you can take the course they are so helpful and will teach you and your husband about what is happening in your body during birth. God intended birth to be natural. Remember God is in control and he will guide you on this path of your hearts desire. Not sure where you live but, I would be happy to recommend a midwife in my area. My favorite part of having a midwife is see cares for me completely. Each prenatal visit last 1 hr., we discussed my eating habits, my mental state, exercis, and then focused on the growing baby.

wow, im sorry to hear you say that you wouldn't bother getting pregnant if you knew it would end in another c-section. that seems like a terrible reason not to have a child, and wanting a natural birth is a terrible reason to have another baby. im also sorry that you had a disappointing birth experience with your first child. i think that your best chances for having a successful home vbac would be to make sure you have a wonderfully supportive midwife. you may also want to knock some sense into your husband and tell him that his support is also so important. vbacs are possible, and your midwife would be able to make sure you are a good candidate as well as providing all of the right safety measures.

I VBACed twice. My first child was breech so I had a section. But both my boys were vaginal. I did have all my kids in a hospital and had no trouble with any of them.
I know that the possability of a VBAC depended on why the first child was a section. In my case it had nothing to do with my ability to have her, it was that she was breech. So both my boys were head down and I delivered with no problems.

girlfirend i know exactly what you are going through. i posted a question not too long about vbac options and recieved loads of good info. why did your doc decide to induce you? there are several giudelines for vbac. most ob that will do them, are only willing to do them in a hospital...jsut in case. so if you're wanting a home birth your better off with a mid wife. vbac is very safe as long as you are a candidate...and that usually depends on the type of incision you have...low transverse bakini is the safest. here are some web sites that i found to be very informative.

www.vbac.com
www.acog.org

also try reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. it's wonderful.

I've done a lot of research on vbac in the last couple of weeks and it's amazing to me that more doctors don't encourage it. the risk of uterine rupture is the reason most give for wanting another c-section, but under normal circumstances that risk is less than .5%, whereas the risk of maternal death is 3 times higher in nonemergency, scheduled c-sections than in vbac deliveries.

check out my vbac question and read all the results. i found them to be very comforting and informative.

aslo you need to get your hubby more on board...you need a good support system if you are going to be successful. i hope things work out for you and keep me in your prayes since that is what i'm dealing with right now too.

J.,

I had a c-section with my first child due to him being breach. I was not put to sleep during the c-section so I felt like I was their when he was born. I also had a c-section with my daughter and the same process was done (the lord blessed me with a one each). I talked to my doctor about a vbac and he said NO WAY!! Their is so many things that can happen such as the uterus rupturing and they may not get the bleeding stopped. He also said that all of the women that had vabc deleveries had a harder time having they baby after first was a c-section. This may not be true in your situtation but I just wanted to pass along the information I had received. Me and my husband talked it over and we chose to have a c-section. I sure hate that you had a terrible experience with a c-section because I had 2 and I would suggest to anyone that may need one to go ahead. But I would explain what I went through and let them know ahead of time ao they would be aware. I can;t believe that your doctor put you to sleep because that could of been passed to the baby. I would rread up on vbac's before I choose to do one. I hoe this helps and Good luck in your choice you make. S.

I had an all natural VBAC at VAnderbilt with a midwife...actually 2. It was an awesome experience (my first birth unfolded much like yours). The midwives at West End Women's Health Center are a wonderful resource and support and could point you in the right direction...assuming you live in Nashville. I also took a Hypnobirthing class which really helped me with the natural delivery.

I would be careful about an at home birth after a c-section. You can definitely have a v-bac but it can be very dangerous. I would contact a doula or birth center and talk to them about what they think. I understand how you feel but it's better to be safe than sorry. I would research some more and talk to some people in the professional field of delivery and be 100% sure that you were doing the right thing and that you aren't putting you or your baby at work. I'm not against what you are trying to do by any means, I think it's wonderful and vbac is possible but there is a higher chance of complications so I m worried about your helath and want to be certain you and the baby would be safe. Good Luck no matter what your decision. :)

I haven't experienced home birth but I have had a VBAC. My first child was breech I didn't know that when my water broke 2wks to a month prior to his arrival. Went to hosp. with no pains and then they put me on pitocin then hours later when the doctor came in he said butt first so I had to have c-section I was put to sleep due to having lower back scholiosis. I lost a whole day with my first and was in so much pain for awhile. I am not a good surgery patient. 4 years and 11 months later I had my second. He was only exactly a week early and my water broke, then I had the normal contractions start up from the time my water broke until I had him was 3.5 hours and I pushed between 5-15 minutes. As soon as they got me stitched up because he came so fast I tore clear back(but did not feel it)but as soon as they were done I was up and going to the bathroom on my own and got to take care of my baby not the nurses!It doesn't cause favortism just the appreciation of feeling like you are present during the most important part of your life! There was a team of docs ready at the hosp just in case I had to have a csection but I had no difficulties and was actually able to enjoy my second birth and remember everything. I would contact a birthing center and maybe they can give you some helpful advice. I had a team of docs because the second could've been breech but the heartrate dropped on yours which might not happen again. Don't let any doctor tell you that you have to have another csection just because you had 1.

I have had 2 c-sections. My doctor told me that VBAC's are very dangerous. My suggestion is to do lots of research on VBAC's before you make any decisions.

Hi J.,

I had a C-section with my first and had a fantastic natural birth VBAC with my second with a midwife and a doula and my birth coach (my husband) at the hospital. I wanted to have my 2nd at home and I found a willing homebirth midwife; however, I was blessed to have a midwife with my first at a birth center (I was transferred to the hospital for my c-section), and she recommended that I plan for a natural VBAC but that we do it at the hospital. This seemed like a fair compromise. I had an amazing birth - even got to pull my baby boy out of me and put him on my chest myself. I'll never forget it. The recovery was so amazing and so different than with my first. I wish every mom could have a natural birth experience. I highly recommend making sure you have a childbirth education class (like Hypnobirthing or Bradley) and hire a doula as your birth team to help you through the labor. Hope it goes well!! Feel free to email me if you have more questions.

J., there was just post about VBAC yesterday with lots of responces.
I myself had 2 c-sections, natural thing was not for me:)

Wow your first birth experience sounds like that of about 1/3 of the nations births. OBGYNs are all about inductions and c-sections because they can plan their lives. We even have a local hospital that RARELY has a birth going on past 6pm because of this new way of doing things. It is very sad and unecessary. There are very few reasons to induce and even less reasons to have a c-sections, but they account for a third of all births and that number is rising.

VBACs are totally possible. The trick is to find the right doctor or midwife. Since you are having a vbac a birth center might be a good idea, they are nothing like hospitals but they do hav emore resources than if you were at home. Birth is natural but some doctors are making it out tobe an illness, if giving birth were an illness or disease we would be extinct.

Good Luck and if your husband is worried about insurance, tel him that most insurance companies will pay for birthing ceneters or midwifes (some even pay for doulas) because your natural birth will be MUCH cheaper than you c-section.

J.,
I know you have had a lot of good information and advice , but here is just a few more ideas if you are interested. Check out Dr. Sears Baby Birth book , its an excellent resource for weighing birth options, true facts from a practiicing dr, and it also gives a lot of information on homebirths, natural births, interventions, etc.
Also Mayer Eisenstein has written several books on homebirth. He heads up HOMEFIRST the largest dr assisted homebirth practice in the US, and they are completely fine with doing VBACS. Check out Dr. Eistenstein and Dr. Sears for some true facts about vbacs and c sections to counter what most mainline ob/ gyns tell you.
Also did you know that the American Medical Association ( or maybe the APA not sure which) recommends that the c section rate in the US should not be above like 7% or something . In reality it is about 33%. Also most industrialized countries use midwives for low risk pregnancies and their infant mortalilty rate is much lower than the United States. I had one hospital birth complete with every intervention known to man except for a c section and I cried the whole time,, not to mention that my son had problems from day one. My next three were birth center or homebirths and it was so much easier, more relaxing, and I felt great after it was over. I was actually able to be alert enough to take care of my child. Keep researching and praying and you will find the answers. Good luck.

J. it is possible to have a vbac. If you are wanting a more natural birth you should consider a midwife. They are all about being natural and I have also heard of some coming to your home. Something to check into.Good luck

I had an all natural VBAC in Nov. I found great support and information through my local ICAN chapter. I would go to the website and see if there is one near you (ican-online.org). Also look on DONA.com for doulas in your area that have experience in VBACs. Even if they don't, they can still be a great resource for information on birthing options, etc. There are some good books out there, including Ina May's book and Active Birth. Let me know if you need more information.

It is not safe to attempt a VBAC at home. Once you have had a c section, you run the risk of rupturing you uterus along the scar line. I would seek out a nurse midwife. This way, the two of you can plan to attempt a VBAC. It should be done at a hospital just in case or at a birthing center near a hospital. Midwives will go through every effort to see you wishes through. But safety must outweigh your personal desires.

I'd like another baby, but I'm not going to bother getting pregnant if I know for sure it'll end in a c-section.

That statement really bothers me, I had to have 2 c-sections and I still have the same two little boys that I would have, weather I pushed them out or weather they were helped out. If you want to have another child that's great, go for it, but if you can only have one if it's a vaginal birth, then you have your priorities a little mixed up.