VBAC Stories - Fort Worth,TX

My first delivery (at age 35) was c-section and my second (age 37) and third (age 38) were both VBAC with absolutely no complications. Recovery was MUCH easier with the VBAC deliveries. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I have 4 girls, all VB; however my aunt had VBAC and was fine. I have had a tubal done laparoscopically, so recovery was a couple weeks. If you have done while having c-section, I doubt it will be any added time off.

I wanted to do a VBAC this past April, but my doctor was only willing to do so if I had a very uncomplicated pregnancy. Well, I had every complication you can possibly imagine and some you wouldn't even think of! When things started heading south, along with my desire for a VBAC, my doctor got to the heart of why I wanted it. When I had my c-section with my son, I had labored for a while with an epidural. When I stopped progressing, we went for the c-section. In the operating room I could feel EVERYTHING. They had to put me completely under. No, I'm no wimp when it comes to pain. If anyone thinks I am, let me tell you about the four inch metal filter that was inserted through my jugluar and pushed all the way down around my belly button WITHOUT sedation of any kind the day I had my daughter due to a blood clot. But I digress.....

So, my son was two hours old before I ever saw him and that's why I wanted a VBAC. I didn't want a repeat of having to be put under. My doctor assured me that wouldn't happen and we would do a spinal instead. I also had a tubal done at the same time. My recovery for both c-sections I felt was very easy.

By the way, you don't ask about this, but I'm throwing it in there anyway. :) After the second pregnancy and tubal, my periods became a nightmare. My doctor recommend an endometrial ablation or Novasure. Best decision I've ever made!!! Minor procedure in her office, pain pills for one day and then I was driving on my vacation the next day. And no more periods!

I had a vaginal birth with #1 (was walking the halls within 2 hours of delivery) -- after 28 hour labor, induction, and 23 minutes of pushing. I had a c-section with #2 due to a short cord and failed induction (20 hr failed induction). I plan to do a VBAC (which apparently my doctor said they are officially changing to TLAC- Trial Labor After Cesarean - to keep expectations reasonable) with #3 and any subsequent kids. A C-section is a surgery having your abdominal wall and uterus SLICED open and your organs shifted about and then sloshed back into place and sewn shut. I would not go through that willingly EVER AGAIN (not that I was "willing" the first time - I HAD TO DO IT). I too get an additional 2 weeks of paid maternity leave for a C-section and it is TEMPTING as that is a lot of money for me but it is not worth going through abdominal surgery recovery again- especially with the lifting restrictions when you have a small child (my daughter was 17 months when I had my son c-section and my MOTHER IN LAW moved in to help out- ugh!).

Think through all the pros and cons before you make a final decision. Your doctor should be able to give you an idea of how successful a VBAC could be this time based on your reasons for the C-section last time. Some women with hip issues and for other reasons like abnormally large kids should probably not try a VBAC if chances of c-section recurrence are high. If it was a breach that didn't turn or short cord or some other "fluke" issue that shouldn't recurr, you could have a better chance of success!

Good luck!

A. F.
Local Childcare Coordinator
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I did not have a VBAC but did have a cesarean and a tubal after my second. The recovery was much easier than the first because it was scheduled. I was not in labor for 24 hours and then having a section. I was up that day and was staying alone on the second night.

The decision is all yours regarding the choice between the VBAC or Cesarean with the 2nd. My first was a c-section because she was breach and my doctor gave me no choice because of the risks. I was fine with this after we attempted to get her turned first. I did choose the c-section on the second one as well as having my tubes tide. My doctor did a great job making us really think about the decision of the tubal since it is not reversible.

My decision for the second c-section was quickly made at first since my due date was my 1st childs birthday and I wanted to spred it out. I had also had a problem free recovery from the first and liked the idea of a no pain delivery. After realizing that my decision for the second c-section was for the wrong reasons, I asked my doctor what would be best decision medically. Her answer again made me think long and hard about the decision. She said a vaginal birth w/o complications is the best thing for both mother and child. However, a vaginal birth with complications can be the worst thing for mother and/or child. A c-section falls between those. She told me that there is a 30% chance of complications with a VBAC nd gave me the release form I would have to sign that stated all the risks. Since I was leaning towards the c-section anyway, the risks worried me enough to stick with my original decision. During the c-section, my doctor said it had been the right choice. I would have fallen in the 30% catagory because the scare from the first c-section riped as she began the incision. Because it was so thin, it would have ruptured during heavy labor.

To defend the VBAC, my sister had a sucessful one with her second and wouldn't trade it for the world. My only regrets are that I have had two kids and have no idea what labor feels like. I won't be able to relate to my daughters experience when she goes through it.

Now, the recovery of the c-section and tubal together. I did have a more difficult recovery after the second, but I really don't think it was related to the tubal. I think it was the result of me not resting as I should have since I had a two year old running around needing attention in addition to the baby. If you husband is willing to take on this responsibility, I would let him. If you are going to do a tubal at some time anyway and you know for sure you do not want any more pregnancies, it is best to do it along with the c-section instead of going through it at a later date.

Good Luck,
B.

I had a c-section with my first child becuase of a fluke growth issue she had. I am now pregnant with my second child and had planned to do a VBAC if possible becuase I believe that a sucussful VBAC is safer than a repeat c-section. However, the baby doesn't seem to want to cooperate so I am scheduled for a repeat section tomorrow. My doctor has been really supportive of the whole process and I have changed my mind about stuff all along. My doctor was okay with the VBAC as long as we didn't go past my due date which is next week. So originally I schedled the C for the day before my due date and we decided if I went into labor before then that I would try for the VBAC and if not, then I would have the section. We ended up moving the section date up a few days because he is measuring big and I started to get nervous that he might get stuck and I only wanted to attempt the VBAC if I thought it would be succussful. I liked that my doctor has worked with me throughout this process. I guess my point is you really don't have to decide this early on -- you aren't locked into a particular decision until you get closer. If you think for now you want to try the VBAC then you can plan for that but you can always change your mind later if it seems the section would be a better choice. Good luck no matter what you choose!

I had a VBAC with my 2nd child. I had a c-sec with #1 b/c she was breach. I wouldn't change anything about my labor/delivery of #2. I progressed quickly after they broke my water, I pushed for 20 minutes and she was here! The recovery was so much better (for me) and I could focus more on the baby and less on my pain. I was able to get up after a few hours and take a shower, etc. Next time we get pregnant, I will definately opt for another vbac.

TMomma,
I had a vaginal delivery with my first child and had a tough time with it. I promised I would never do that again and put my child through it. ( My first ended up in ICU for 11 days). I believe it was the doctor I was using. The second child we planned a cesarean and a tubal all at the same time. It was absolutely wonderful. I did exactly what the doctor told me too and it was an easier recovery on me.

You should do only what you feel is right for you and your child. If you feel you are able to do a VBAC then go for it. just don't let the doctor push you. You know your body best and what it can handle. If you have a great doctor, you will do fine.

I attempted a VBAC and while I ended up with a Cesarean, I am so happy I tried to deliver vaginally. Everyone I know who has has both vaginal and Cesarean births swears up and down that vaginal is a much easier recovery with less chance of complications and more health benefits to mom and baby. If you are attempting a VBAC, please make sure you are absolutely positive your dr is pro-VBAC. I hear story after story about drs changing their tune at the 11th hour and dreams of VBACs are squelched. As a back-up, and if you do end up with an unplanned Cesarean, you might want to go ahead and make your mind up about the tubal ligation.

I had a c-section with my first because she was breech. I planned on a VBAC with #2 & my doctor was totally on board with it. Unfortunately I went into labor on a Saturday, my doctor was not on call that weekend & the doctor that was on call flat out told me he did not deliver VBACs. I had NO idea that was a possibility, we were taken completely off guard & felt like I was forced into having a C-section. Talk to your doctor & find out all the possibilities. It was no fun to be caught off gaurd in the middle of labor.

I had a emergency c section after 24 hours of labor, then a VBAC then a scheduled C with tubal the easiest recovery was the VBAC! the tubal HURT! in my opinion... I was 35 with the first and 40 with the last... talk with your DR my Dr told me that very few will do the VBAC because of the complications/insurance/liability but he was more than willing to do that for me, and he is a great Dr, (DR Daum) I was very happy with my choice and the recovery was the easiest and the most drug free. My C sections required more pain meds than my VBAC. and the baby nursed faster and easy from the start.

My doctor did not allow VBAC, so I had my 2nd via c-section and also had my tubes tied at the same time. Honestly, the recovery from my 2nd c-section (& tubal ligation) seemed to take less time than the 1st. I think because I knew what to expect and how to manuever (pulling myself up from laying down, using my arms and legs to help me get up from sitting, etc.) that made it much easier. Good luck!

I may repeat other peoples' answers, but here's my experience. I had a VB and 2 c-sections. After a 3rd degree tear, tailbone issues, and other circumstances we chose c-sections. By far my c-sections were easier recoveries (no constipation issues, no tailbone issues, etc.) I had a tubal with my 2nd c-section. No additional recovey or pain. Exactly the same. In fact, I didn't have to pay any extra for the tubal. It took literally about 2 minutes. I did have heavier periods afterward and I got an ablation 2 years later. Best decision EVER!

If you know you want a tubal and you've already a c-section, I'd do them at the same time. It's a lot cheaper since they are part of the same surgery (you're not paying the dr. twice). It's also possible you won't be allowed a VBAC. My dr. won't do them and the hosiptal won't allow them. I don't believe in vaginal births being the "real thing." No matter what kind of birth you have, you still come out with the prize - a baby!

I'm planning to have a VBAC at the beginning of next month. The main reason I want to do a VBAC is because it is safer than a repeat cesarean according to ACOG:

http://www.ourbodiesourblog.org/blog/2010/07/acog-release...

If you want to do a VBAC, it is worth trying to understand why you had a c-section with your first child and address those issues with this labor. One should do this with the understanding that "clinical impatience," and lack of mobility during labor in a hospital are primary factors for c-sections in most cases:

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9901EEDF11...

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/1/T010900.asp#T010905

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/health/07birth.html

Also, if you had a trial of labor previously and were told that you have a "small pelvis," be be especially skeptical and weary of that person. First, a doctor cannot diagnose you with a "small pelvis" unless you have been x-rayed prior to pregnancy. ACOG has basically abandoned the small pelvis diagnosis along with pelvemitry due to a better understanding of how babies heads mold during delivery, and the inaccuracy of trying to diagnose small pelvis without an x-ray.

Additionally, ACOG has abandoned the recommendation to for a scheduled c-section for a suspected large, or macrosomic, baby in a non-diabetic mother attempting a VBAC. The latest ACOG recommendations for a TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean) is, "...it remains appropriate for health care providers and patients to consider past and predicted birth weights when making decisions regarding TOLAC, but suspected macrosomia alone should not preclude the possibility of TOLAC."

I had an emergency c with #1 due to a placental abruption and subsequent hemhorraging. I had a VBACs with my second and third babies and the recovery was WAY easier! Maybe it's because the c section was emergency, but I had a really hard time recovering from it. My second delivery was with no drugs. It was hard just because since it was VBAC they wouldn't even let me get up to go to the bathroom because they had to monitor me so closely. I had to go on a bedpan! But he was perfectly heathy and strong. With my 3rd I knew I would be delivering drug free again so I told my doc, "I don't want anyone telling me I can't get up to go to the bathroom so I'm going to stay home as long as possible." So I labored at home, showed up to the hospital dilated to 10, and she was born 27 minutes after walking in the door! Way better than with my c, that's for sure. But if you had a good experience the first time around, there is nothing wrong with going that route again. Just because you have a c doesn't me you aren't doing the "real thing" and delivering a baby! As far as the tubal goes, if you end up having a c and you are sure that you don't want anymore kids, then definitely have them do it while you're open. A vaginal tubal requires going under anesthesia and is way harder. Personally, I'd encourage you to do what I did and make your hubs get snipped! I figured after 3 kids my body had been through enough. It was his turn!

I had a c-section with our first child 15 yrs ago. I had a successful VBAC with #2 and wouldn't trade it for the world. I have gone on since then to have 5 more VBACs with the rest of our children. Each one was a little different with the recovery, but was so much better than recovering from the c-section. I think that knowing the reasons why you had a c-section in the first place can help in this decision. If you had it because your pelvis was too small, you may not be able to have a VBAC, you may run into the smal problem this time around. If, as in my case, the baby was breech--and then when we did get her head down wasn't tolerating labor.....you may be a good canidate for a VBAC. You need to talk it over with your doctor. I feel like if you are going to try for the VBAC you need to understand the potential risks. I was told by my doctor that it wasn't recommended for a VBAC patient to be induced. So if you aren't willing to wait until you are naturally ready to deliver, then maybe you shouldn't try either. I have had 6 wonderful VBACs. Each one was a little different. It would take way too long to tell all of them, but if you are interested message me and I can tell you my experiences.

I had a VBAC with my third . . . my second wound up turning into an unplanned c-section. But there are a lot of considerations for that decision that you need to discuss with your ob/gyn. First off, how long ago was your c-section? Because I believe it is recommended it be a minimum of 2 years before attempting VBAC. Second, what were the conditions of your c-section? Was it an emergency c-section, planned or sort of in-between (like mine -- I started labor but then it didn't proceed so they finally when in and got her!)? And is your ob/gyn aligned with your thinking? After the fact I found out that a significant number of doctors won't do VBACs because there is some increased risk and they don't want to take on the possible liability. And many hospitals won't support it, either. And finally, my doctor was clear that if things didn't progress normally (i.e., contrctions weren't progressing quickly enough, not dilating, any sense there was too much strain on the scar tissue) then she would do a c-section.

I would choose a vaginal delivery over c-section any day, even with the leave being a couple of weeks shorter. Remember, a c-section is major abdominal surgery and has it's own set of risks which actually increases slightly with each c-section.

If I were you, I'd go with a VBAC and not do the tubal thing. =) I had a VB and then 4 C-Sections. I had C-Sections because of a platelet incompatability that we have. I had a tubal ligation 8 months after one of my Sections because I wasn't ready to commit to it at the time of my C-Section. It was just out patient so I'm thinking it won't change your recovery at all. BUT I had symptoms from my tubal. If you don't have any hormonal symptoms, PMS or symptoms from BC pills, then you might be fine after a tubal. I had a hormone imbalance and painful cycles so bad that I reversed my tubal. Good luck!!!