Vbac Vs. C-section. I Was Planning to Just Do C-section, but Now Reconsidering

Heidi, I have had 2 successful vbacs after my first baby was born via un-planned c-section. I am so grateful that I was able to have them "naturally" though I happily accepted the epidurals for both of them. I was able to bounce back from delivery within hours/days of delivery instead of the weeks & even months of dealing with pain/discomfort from the incision. With the epidurals my experience was diminished sensation of the hard labor pangs & ability to "trust" when I was told to push. Then during the end part of labor was able to feel enough to know it was productive pushing but with very little pain. Yay for epidurals! Yay for vbacs! I do hope you are able to have a vbac. With technology nowadays, it is easy enough to plan for a vbac & if in the end it has to be another c-section, so be it--at least you tried.

Hi Heidi -- Even doctors at hospitals where they "don't do vbacs" will admit that the safest birth for both mother and baby is almost always a vaginal birth. I agree with other women who responded that you must really get comfortable with the idea that a cesarean may be necessary for some unforeseen reason, but that a vaginal delivery is possible and likely. The medical establishment wants you to have a repeat cesarean because it is easier for them, pays them more money, and involves none of the time/support/space that a laboring woman requires with a "normal" birth. Since you were pushing with your first baby, I am guessing that you will have a faster and easier labor and delivery than with your first, but my strongest recommendation for you is that unless there is any reason to suspect problems, stay out of the hospital and use a midwife and a doula. I don't care how great anyone's husband is, when you are having a baby you need women around you that you can trust and who are knowledgeable. You especially need strong and educated advocates if you are attempting a vbac in hospital because they will force you to be on a fetal monitor no matter what they say about policy beforehand. The best choice, in my opinion, is to labor (and deliver if all is going great) at home or a place that is within 15minutes of your hospital of choice, have an OB at the hospital who you know and can work with in an emergency, and make sure your birth attendants have experience with vbacs. It sounds like you had the "your time's up" c-section the first time rather than something that was an emergency for either you or the baby, so I am guessing you are a very good candidate for vbac. Best of luck to you. I hope you have a wonderful next pregnancy and birth -- you can do it! aloha JP

Hi,
I was in your situation almost a year ago. I had a emergency csection with my first child (4yrs old now) after 5 hrs labor( because the cord was around her neck and I wasnt dilating fast enough). I HATED the recovery. I felt like it was the worst pain I could have imagined- when trying to care for my newborn. I got pregnant a few years later and was considering a vbac because I didnt want the same horrible recovery time. I also felt a little deprived of the "regular" childbirth experience. My docto said she didnt have the correct amount of insurance to cover her performing a vbac, so I went on the search to find a doctor that could...I ended up with my cousins doctor, but after a couple consults, she said she would still recommend a csection because of the risks. So- I ended up just settling for a planned csection. It was soooooooo much easier than the first one. I was so glad I went that route! I think that when you dont put your body through any traumatic labor, it heals alot faster. So my vote is that you just relax and go for a planned C. You wont regret it! Good luck!

Heidi,

Well I've had both and it's really hard to say there is up and downs to both...but all in all I'd rather just have th vbac. I had the vbac with my first and the c-section with my second, not by choice. Each birth is going to be different. You and your doctor should discuss it more in the last month with the size of your baby may be different this time. The biggest reason I'd choose vbac is because of constantly having to get up and down especially at night, and just the healing isn't so hard with a vbac, at least for me. My son was in the NICU the first 6 weeks and I kept thinking at the time that I couldn't imagine having to get up more than I already did, especially having a 2 year old also..I probably would have hurt myself. Which is somthing to consider...you have another child in the house already who will still need your attention and ability to be able to pick things up etc..
Now if you could have a tummy tuck at the same time :-) that might be different. I found that my stomach has taken sooo much longer to get to where I want it than before. The only thing that was really great about the c-section was how fast it was...that was great, other than that...the experiance and the healing with the vbac is worth it.
Best of luck!

Heidi,
Sounds like you're leading a great life - yeah, the first baby is just a slice of heaven. I have 3 kids - the first was an unplanned C-Sec like you, 2nd one was VBAC and 3rd was my choice. I chose a scheduled C-Sec. People thought I was crazy because as you said, it's 6 wks. to recover, but you know what, walking in feeling great, laying on a table and painlessly having your child in your arms in 15 min. (no kidding!) was so wonderful!!! I had a really tough time in labor with no progression in the natural childbirth, and during my VBAC it was so intense, and he ripped out of me before the episiotomy, so my end feelings about it was that I was not thrilled about the VBAC. And then of course, what's the guarantee that you'll be able to have that baby naturally after all that? Luckily I was able to, but it was still 9 hours of torture. So for me, I'd chose C-Sec if I had to do it all over again.
Also, there are some dangers to VBAC (depending on how long since the C-Sec. etc.) so please be sure to get informed on all those variables if you do it.
Best of luck to you when the situation does arise. And remember, having 2 children is an incredible joy because, even though you must "give away" a little closeness with that wonderful first baby, there is just nothing like watching your children grow in their relationship, play together and have each other for their whole lives. It's a wonderful thing for each of them, so go for it!

Sincerely,
M.

I can't say I've experienced this first hand, but I was recently speaking with my friend who is a NICU nurse (works with premies and sick babies) and she herself had a c-section with her first child. I was asking her this same question for when her next pregnancy comes around, and she said she wouldn't even consider doing anything but another c-section. She's seen some horror stories both for the babies and the mothers when they try to do a natural delivery after having had a c-section the first go round. As I said, I don't have any first hand experience with this, but perhaps her feedback as a professional working with very sick babies on a daily basis will help you make your decision. Some of the stories are so tragic.

VBAC! VBAC! VBAC! C-sections are not good for many reasons. Do what is best for your baby and have a natural birth. Read this book http://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp...

Heidi,

I had a successful VBAC 21 months ago. I had a planned c-section the first time around because my son was breech (but I went into labor early so I had contractions all night and then my c-section at 6:30 a.m., 3 weeks early) With my c-section, I had lots of pain and was basically almost immobile and miserable for weeks. When I was pregnant the second time I saw a picture of a coworker's wife in the hospital with their newborn daughter. She was sitting cross legged on her hospital bed with her daughter in her lap. And I decided that is what I wanted. If I would have NEEDED a c-section, obviously I would have done it but I wasn't going to sign up 6 months in advance. My vbac basically consisted of going to the hospital around 10 p.m., they broke my water around midnight and I got an epidural. I layed there and watched tv until 4 a.m. and then I pushed my baby out in about 10 minutes (I did have a vacuum assist because I was so numb from the epidural that I couldn't really pump effectively and his heart rate was dropping a bit because the cord was around his neck). I did tear a bit so they sewed me up. I was up and walking around by 7 a.m. and I left the hospital at noon the next day. I actually got to enjoy my maternity leave and my kids because I was mobile and I felt great. The recovery from my vbac was maybe 1% of the recovery from my c-section. Even with a tear and some stitches, it was still so not a big deal. I was a little tender (they give you a spray to numb your stitches) and that was it.

Basically my doctor said that we could try the VBAC and if at any point it wasn't going well, I could always opt for a c-section (it would have to be really not going well for me to opt for a c-section).

I'm pretty much a "1 day or misery" versus "6-8 weeks of recovery" kind of a girl but I have to say that my VBAC wasn't miserable at all. Other than the 2 minutes it took to get the epidural in. Once they broke my water things got really painful but it was only long enough to get the epidural. On a scale of 1 to 10, the misery was about a 0.5 ( zero point five, almost nonexistant). The rest of it was fine.

If it were me, I'd at least try it.

Good luck,
:-)T.

Mommy with 2 C-sections here - and I sailed through both, especially the second one - since I knew what to expect.

Just do the C-section - the recovery isn't bad at all, very little pain thanks to pain medications, and contrary to popular belief you will have no problem breastfeeding or caring for your other child while recovering. My oldest was 22 months when I had my second and it was a snap.

Don't be so sure that you wont have 6 weeks of recovery with a Vbac. My first two boys tore me from front to back (and they weren't big babies - 6 and 7 lbs). I had stitches and the recovery was miserable and it took a very long time to feel normal. I just had a C with my third... my doctor called it 'vaginal preservation'. She said there would be nothing left ot repair if I tore again. Granted, the recovery was difficult, but slowly being able to work you abs back into shape was MUCH easier than stressing over every BM, worrying about infection, having to take soak baths everyday and the basic pain in your 'hoo-haa'.

I will tell you that I felt a bit 'disconnected' having the C - like someone just handed me a baby and said, "here ya go". But think about this - if your even thinking about having an epideral during a Vbac, you're going to be 'disconnected' anyway. Do yourself a favor and get the C. Yes, it's major sergury, but it's a much more controlled environment. And ultimately, the end result is the same - you have a beautiful baby to love.

Just thought of one more bonus. Obviously, you already have one child - so with a C you get a longer stay in the hosital... more time to bond with new baby without first baby begging for attention.

Good luck. Either way, you'll be extremely blessed and two years from now it wont matter how they came into the world.

I had a c-section with my first (she was breech) and a vbac with my second. It was awesome! SO MUCH EASIER than a c-section. Yes, labor and delivery (with an epidural) was very difficult, but as you said, it only lasts a day. Recovery from vaginal birth was next to nothing compared with the c-section recovery. As long as enough time has passed between pregnancies (at least 2 years), your chance of having a uterine rupture during a vbac are less than 1%. Those are some darn good odds!

Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

I haven't been in your shoes, but after learning what I have about the birthing process, I say do the VBAC if possible. The more c-sections you have, the harder it is on your uterus (uterine rupture is much more common as you have more c-sections) and the lower your chances of ever having a vaginal birth.

I would recommend having a doula by your side during your birth, as well as your husband/alternate birth partner, one you're familiar with and supports your desire to have a VBAC, one you feel TOTALLY comfortable with. If you're nervous about anything during your labor, it can slow or even stop labor.

VBACs can be very successful, but only if your doctor and everyone is totally on board with it. If your doc is hesitant at all, find out why and maybe get a different doctor.

Like you said, the c-section birth is very hard to recover from, especially while caring for a newborn. A vaginal birth is hard enough, especially if your doc decides to give you an episiotomy or you tear deeply. But a vaginal birth is not major surgery, it doesn't completely mess with your hormone balance and chances of breastfeeding, and there are less chances of being separated from your baby after it is born.

C-sections also have higher rates of other health issues, some known and some unknown.

If you have a chance and are interested at all, go to www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com and watch the movie, The Business of Being Born. It pushes homebirths, but the main message they want you to get is to be more informed. It's a very well-done documentary, and it made me re-think my plan of a hospital birth. I'm not doing a home birth, but I urge all future moms to go as naturally as they possibly can.

You've received and will continue to get a wide gamut of experiences and opinions. Birth is a very personal and unique experience for every individual. The decision is YOURS, not your doctors or any other person's, even the father (although ideally he should have a say and be a part).
While educating yourself and making the decision, consider the risks on both sides for both you AND your baby. Doctors often share the positives of c-sections and skim over possible complications (there are more than you'd probably think), while over exaggerating possible VBAC complications. Look within yourself and into the actual facts before making your decision. Whatever you choose, do what you feel is very best, and not because of any scare tactic anyone has given you. Birth is not about fear, but about love, peace, and joy.
Best of luck to you,
N.

P.S. Check out http://ican-online.org, which has great info on VBACs and c-sections. There's probably a group near you.

My repeat c-section is in 5 weeks. I am 34 weeks pregnant and was surprised to find out it is not an option where I live (Apple Valley, Victorville). Most Doc's won't consider it. But even if they would, no hospital up here will allow it. I would check with your OB before you stress about it.

I had 2 children naturally with no drugs. My first daughter was born in a hospital. Not the most nurturing place. Not friendly. Not helpful. The nurse even got mad at me when she had to change the bed again because of blood loss!

My youngest daughter, Grace, was born at home with midwives in about an hour. I was given herbs to prep my body for birth. Liquid iron helped me so that my birth was virtually blood-free. Both midwives (Sue & Dawn) from the Ventura Birth Center attended me through the process. (They also have a back-up doctor who is also incredible). I am convinced that the less stressed you are, the easier the process. I pushed when I needed to and gave birth squatting. They can discuss your many options. Even after birth, they came by our home to check on both the baby & me 4 times in the first week! All the personal care makes such a difference! My recovery was so fast!

Consider calling them... I think you'll love this option.

After my c-section, I wanted another natural birth. My doctor said that people tend to get infections on regular births after c-sections. I wound up with another c-section.

I would suggest you talk with your OBGYN and see what they would recommend.

J.

I had two babies the old fashioned way (with help from modern medications of course) and then my youngest was c-section. I will be completely honest when I say that I am actually irritated that i went through labor with my first two.

The only thing that is weird, but doesn't really bother me, about the c-section is the feeling around the scar. Since you already have a scar there is no problem there.

My recovery was 10 times easier and more comfortable with the c-section than the vaginal delivery. (yes you read that right) When I had vaginal birth I has stitches in my girl part and the c-section they were in my stomach.....much easier to sit down. I has a lot more pain after the vaginal birth and it was longer before I was ready to have relations with my husband.

You will recover as fast as you choose to. I didn't have the opportunity to sit and relax and I didn't so I healed extremely well. Plus the delivery was the most comfortable I had been in a long time.

That is just my experience and I love my baby just as much having a c-section didn't effect any bonding or any of that stuff.

I have attended a dozen births, some ended like yours but most went vbac as planned. There is a book called "The Bradley Method" that I would suggest you read. There are classes for it also. It was the most beautiful birth of all that I was Dula for. Your baby has a part in the birth, learn to work with the baby during birth, the pain goes away. You might try to get a trusted friend to be with you during the labor. Dulas are there just for the mom, so Dad can be there for the baby too.

Good luck, my daughter also had vbac second time after a c-section.

Heidi,

I want to clarify two things. 1) I am pretty sure you are clear about a VBAC, that it's only a Vaginal Birth AFTER Casesarean. Anyone that had a baby vaginally first was just that: vaginally.

2) I am not sure where you live but that has tremendous bearing on what your options are. I am in the Santa Barbara area and I know that at present, the hospital does not allow VBACs. I know you can travel to San Luis Obispo or LA, depending on your desires. I also saw a post about the lovely ladies in Ventura at the Ventura Birth Center. I also recommend you check out the Birth Action Coalition if you live in Santa Barbara/Ventura (you can google for the website). It will connect you with a group supporting informed birth choices. Again, your options are dependent on where you are in addition to how you are feeling about what's best for you. I can only share that my conviction was so strong when I was pregnant with my twins that I did not want surgery that I had them at home- I would have likely ended up with surgery if I had gone the traditional route b/c my baby boy was breech until about 37-38 weeks.

I wish you the best in your journey and applaud you for taking into consideration all of your options.

You should research ICAN (International Ceserean Awarness Network) http://ican-online.org/. It is a non profit organization and if you contact the group in your area they will be able to tell you about dr's and hospitals that allow vbacs and also information about c-sections your dr won't tell you. Best of luck

My first baby was an unplanned c-section. When my second came along, I decided (after much debating) to try for a natural birth. I have never regretted my decision. That said, once you do become pregnant you need to discussion this with your doctor. I know this sounds like duh advice, but although I don't regret my decision, there are few things I wish I had considered before hand: my second active labor was incredibly long, I had to have an episiotomy (the recovery waw long, painful, and for me worse than the c-section recovery). But, not having to go through another heartbreaking delivery continues to be worth all the extra physical pain that I went through. Emotionally I took having an unplanned c-section very hard. You need to consider what you can deal with emotionally. What was worse, the heartbreak or the trauma.

Whatever you do, make sure you get all the facts. Check out http://vbacfacts.com and learn about natural childbirth as well. I am always struck by how little information people will base decisions on.
I had my first baby two weeks ago. I had to have an unplanned c section after being induced (not an uncommon side effect of being induced) and I still can't lift my baby AND my diaper bag at the same time. I also can't cough, blow my nose, or sneeze without being in considerable pain...

Hi!
My first unfortunately was a C because he was in a bad breech position. I only got blocked by my spinal anesthesia on one side so they gave me a drug to sedate me and I missed his birth and have ABSOLUTELY NO recollection of his birth. This was very traumatic for me through the time I was mostly through my second son's pregnancy. I had a very supportive doctor who supported my desire to VBAC (had to change doctors because the first one didn't). I had an amazing birth experience with my second son, a natural VBAC. If my husband were on board, I'd do it again! ;)
Vaginal birth is so much better for both mom and baby in many ways. There is a very small risk in VBAC, but educate yourself. Don't just take other women's opinions, especially since every woman, and every birth is different. We were "Bradley educated," but didn't necessarily take their "hard line" approach entirely. We took what we wanted to empower ourselves, and in preparation for our second birth, I read much, but my favorite book was William and Martha Sears' "The Birth Book."
Best of luck!

My experience was totally opposite. I had my first naturally and was literally torn in two. He barely fit through my pelvis and so I had a scheduled c-section the second time. My recovery from my c-section was less painful and quicker than my vaginal. This is usually opposite. but a c-setion recovery is so much different if you don't have to labor first. Just my experience and opinion. I'm sure you will make the right decision for you and your family.

I can't speak about having a c-section because I have not had one, but I can imagine how difficult it would be to take care of a newborn after having major abdominal surgery. I had two natural births and I have to tell you that the recovery is a piece of cake. With my first baby, I had some minor tearing, so I was a bit uncomfortable, but other than that, I felt great. My second baby was HUGE (10 lb. 6 oz.) but he came out in one push, I didn't tear at all, and I felt as good as new the next morning. I am no superwoman. Childbirth was my greatest fear in life, but I got myself educated about the process and all the options and made my choices based on that. I decided to have homebirths mainly because I wanted natural births (great for the baby, and easiest recovery for mom) and I did not like the hospital where I was supposed to give birth. If I sound like a wierd-o to you, just for considering homebirth, I know where you're coming from. I rejected the thought of it until I toured the hospital, then I knew I had to look for another option. But I am not trying to talk you into homebirth, I know many women have had wonderful natural birth experiences in a hospital or a birthing center (I would have liked to go to a birthing center, but my insurance wouldn't cover it).
I would highly recommend that you consider a VBAC, but I will tell you, I think any woman who wants to have a baby naturally, or even just vaginally, needs to get as prepared as possible. (PLEASE don't think that I am saying you were unprepared for your first birth, I know that childbirth is an event that we have very little control over, sometimes none, and our #1 goal is a healthy baby, no matter what the cost). I simply know that I could not have done it without all of the information I got from birthing classes (I highly recommend Bradley) and all of the reading, most importantly the "support" of my husband ("support" doesn't seem to capture his role, he is the best birth coach ever! even my midwife said so!:), and an experienced care provider who was skilled in making natural birth happen.
If you do want a VBAC, make sure your care provider is knowledgeable and supportive. And I would recommend going through a good childbirth class, even a second time if you already did it, or at least read some good books to prepare you. I highly recommend "Childbirth Without Fear" by Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, to help prepare you emotionally, you will need other books to prepare you physiologically, Bradley has some good step-by-step type books.
I have known some moms who have had c-sections who feel like a failure or who feel judged by other moms. I hope that my response has not made you feel that way at all. I just feel so BAD for anyone who has had to have a c-section, after experiencing such simple recoveries with my births. I will tell you though, if I had a third, I would be tempted to have a scheduled c-section just so I wouldn't have to go through labor again! :) But I know there is a huge trade-off with the recovery and that is what I think I could not handle. I do think that one day of torture is better than weeks or months of pain while caring for a newborn.
I wish you all the best whatever you decide to do! And whatever the process is, your healthy, beautiful baby is the result that matters.

My first child was an emergency c-section and I labored many hours. My 2nd child... was a planned c-section.

For me, the reason I chose a planned c-section the second time, was I did not want to put myself nor my baby into any risk situations. ALSO, my OB/GYN does give the Mother the choice...BUT he said that VBAC's are highly risky and it has a HIGH percentage and high risk of internal hemorrhaging and thus loss of the baby and/or mother.

As such, I chose to do a c-section. For me, I did not feel like a failure" for not having a vaginal birth...a birth is a birth. My children were born beautifully and safely, and it was necessary for me. Nothing lost.

Also, although I made the decision myself, I discussed it with my Hubby too...his fear was losing me and/or our baby if I did a VBAC. This was a reality maker for me and just made me even more confident in my decision for a c-section for our 2nd baby.

Do what you feel is best, and certainly research it and then make a decision. Each woman is different.
All the best,
~Susan

I don't know where you live, but nobody in our city will allow their patients to do a v-bac. I had three c-sections, and it is a lot easier to recover from each consecutive one. Good luck! :)

Hi Heidi,
When pregnant with my second, I agonized over the same decision. I had an emergency c-section with my first and I really wanted to experience a vaginal birth, but was afraid of the outcome like my first. SO, I decided to opt for a VBAC because my Dr recommended it and because at any time during delivery I could change my mind. Well, my baby had made the decision for me when one week before my due date she turned head up and because I was already dialating, I had to have a c-section. Now that being said, the recovery for me was the horribly painful because I also had a toddler to take care of. I tried to stay in bed but kids still want their mommy. I could not rest for long periods of time which caused me to be in agonizing pain. I litteraly thought the dr left a tool or gauge inside me! I do not wish it for anyone. So I would recommend to go for the VBAC, and remember that you can change your mind if feel that the labor is taking too long, or if you just want it to be over. You won't be able to change your mind during a c-section. Please let me know what you decide! ~A.

I had a VBAC with my 2nd baby. My OB was all for it. When I discussed it with my OB, she said that we would try the VBAC, but if things aren't progressing, a c-section would be necessary. I had an epidural an hour after my water broke. It happened at midnight and we had to have someone in L.A. drive down to San Diego to help out with our older daughter. If my husband had been able to help with the contractions, I probably would've opted out of the epidural. I didn't like not being able to feel the contractions and pushing. I couldn't feel what I was pushing. I only pushed for two hours and suction was used. It was a faster recovery after the VBAC, which is good because I had to chase after a toddler. Depending on your pain tolerance, I would suggest a VBAC without an epidural.

I was in your exact shoes just a few months ago...my first was an unplanned C-section and I was considering a VBAC for my now three month old. Mostly I wanted that supposedly "magical" experience of a vaginal delivery and not feel like a "failure" as a woman.

When I talked about it with my ObGyn she was dead set against it. She does not do VBACS and said she had seen too many horror stories involving VBACS. She said it didn't matter whether one year had passed or 4 years since your C-section, it's equally risky. Further, she said I would probably have to venture out of where I live to get a VBAC as only one out of 40 some ObGyns in the South Bay is willing to do VBACs. I know it's all for insurance liability purposes, but doesn't that say something?

Anyway I wasn't that set on a VBAC so I went ahead with the C-section and have not regretted it ever. Granted the surgery itself felt more prolonged than my first emergency C-section, and I was terrified going into it, I was up and about in 2 days, and 99% recovered in just 2 weeks. With my first, the recovery was more like 6 weeks.

Best of luck with whatever you decide, but if you get another C-section you won't regret it.

You have already gotten a ton of advice but the only thing I would add would be to make sure you check in your area if any hospitals do vbac's. No hospitals in our area will let you do them so if you still want to consider it an option you have to do a home birth. I had one vaginal birth and my second was a c-section for breech presentation. Although I thought the recovery from the vag birth was WAY easier I had a very smooth recovery with my c-section just longer. I never felt like my body failed me because my baby got here safe and that's all I cared about. I have heard too many horror stories about vbac's and homebirths. I wish you luck no matter which way you decide.

Hi Heidi,

I am on child number 4 and have had C-sections with all of them. The first C-section was due to bring pregnant with twins and I ahd pre-eclampysia so a C-section was really my only option at that time and due to the fact that one of the twins was breeched. When I became pregnant with my 3rd child I had the option of doing a V-bac or planned C-section and I opted for the C-section. Although most vaginal deliveries go fine after you have a C-section there is a risk in delivering the baby naturally, it's a very small risk but still a risk. That is why I opted to have the planned C-section. I actually did not really have any pain and recovered fairly quickly. Due to this rason I am opting for antoher planned C-section. For me this was the best option for myself and my family. I have heard hat a VBAC has been successful for many woman. I think it really is a matter of preference. I have never gone into labor and I kinda like it that way....God Bless and Good luck. I am sure whatever you decide to do it will be the best thing for you and your family.

K.

Hi Heidi,
I also went through labor and ended with a C-Section. My Obgyn tried for 3 days...YES, 3 days to get my cervic to open. I had big contractions on and off from a Thursday to Sunday. But even with petosin (spelling?) I only got to 3 centimeters. She rushed me into the operating room. It was very scary. Getting back to your situation, I just pray that I am able to have a v-back. I want to know what it is like to push my baby out. Yes, it is tempting to just schedule a C-Section because it was so easy. But, I want to know what it is like...pain and all.
Take care and good luck!!

The scheduled c-section is much easier to recover from than an emergency c. I was up and taking care of my nb in week 1, and back to "normal" in under a month (though I made sure not to lift anything heavier than my baby until after week 6, per my doctor's instructions). I really appreciated that the extended hospital stay gave us time to get good at breastfeeding.

I had a similar situation with my daughter, I was induced at 41+ weeks and it was a nightmare! I was in pitocin labor with no pain medication for almost 48 hours before I agreed to the epi and finally a c-section because I failed to progress. It was tramatic, and by the time of the C-section I was almost laughing at how easy it was. I also had a long recovery though and that is what I remember most. I am 8 months pregnant now with #2 (my daughter is 16 months old) and have decided to go for the VBAC. Every labor is different and I'm of the mindset that a day or so (hopefully less this time) of pain is better than 6 weeks of recovery. Ofcourse there is recovery from vaginal birth, but most women bounce back sooner, as you have probably read. I'm more concerned with not being able to run after my daughter and care for a newborn and that is my motivation. Also, each additional c-section is another major surgery and has many more risks to both mother and baby than vaginal birth, even with the very minimal risk of uterine rupture. Good luck with whatever you decide, but if you need a doctor/hospital that will take a VBAC (that was a struggle I didn't expect) Dr. Lisa Valle out of St. Joseph's hospital in ORange is very supportive.

First off, you need to discuss this with your doctor. I know you are not pregnant yet, but it is never to early to discuss it. Plus it is kind of the "procedure" right now to not even allow an attempt at vaginal birth after c-section. I had no choice at all if I wanted to attempt vaginal delivery for my second. I too had a very hard and failed attempt at labor and delivery with my first. You can even ask the receptionist or the nurse if your doctor will allow v-bac. Good luck!

Heidi,

I had a scheduled c-section w/my first in 2002, she was frank breech (butt first). W/my second (2005), I was in your shoes, at my first appt, I brought it up w/my dr. and lo and behold, he and the rest of the staff supported me either way, so I thought about it, hired a doula and studied the Bradley method. In the end, I ended up w/a c-section but I wouldn't change a thing. I'm grateful that I got to experience labor and I'll always be able to carry with me the knowledge I gained and confidence I got for going through it all naturally.. of course until my son had to be taken out for me! LOL. I have no regrets. I either have a small pelivis or?? There aren't many places that WILL attempt a VBAC, so you should start there first. I had both of my kids at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas (just off the the 5), as of 05 they allowed Vbacs.

I recovered from both of my c-sections w/no trouble at all. Walking stairs and lifting things I should not have been w/in the first day of coming home. Look on the positive side, because you are recovering yourself, you are more likely to slow down a bit.. you CAN enjoy your newborn while recovering from a c-section and since you've been through it, you may be able to plan ahead more than you did with your first.

Whatever you decide, make it your decision only. The one you are most comfortable with!

M.

Heidi,
You need to talk to your OB and find out if you are able to have a vaginal delivery. My first delivery was an unplanned cesarean after 27 hours of labor. My OB told met that my body was not equipped to have big babies (9lb 3oz); my hips did not move. My second pregnancy I was monitored closely and was on the same track for another big baby so I scheduled another cesarean. I was a little disappointed when she came out a little smaller, but still glad that I did not go through what I went through the first time. Yes recovery from a cesarean does suck, but it is not as bad if you have not gone through labor first. Talk to your doc, but keep an open mind. If you plan for a vbac, be ok in your head and heart if you end up with another cesarean. A cesarean does not make you any less a woman or mother. Keep you most important goal in mind; a healthy baby and mommy.
BEST WISHES to you!

Most often, if a woman has labored, pushed for two hours and ended up having a c-section there is a reason. Sometimes it's because the baby is too big and sometimes it's because of the baby's position. Even if he/she was head down, it can turn different ways making delivery difficult.

Most often a VBAC is for someone who had a breech presentation with a previous pregnancy. Also, many facilities will not allow VBAC's due to concerns about the old incision site opening during labor. You'd have to check with your MD and the "rules" where you live.

Also, women who have scheduled c-sections usually have excellent recoveries as they can plan for the event, sleep the night before (I know it's not always easy to sleep when 37-40 weeks pregnant) and haven't gone through labor. You say you labored 24 hours and pushed for 2, so you were pooped by the time you had the c-section.

Find out, if you can, the real reason WHY they did your c-section. Then IF your MD would even consider a VBAC. If he says no, be aware you'll feel better recovering after a scheduled c/s with no labor prior.

Hi Heidi...I've done both and honestly, I thought the c-section was no worse than the vaginal delivery. Our first daughter I intended to have vaginally but because the cord was wrapped tightly around her neck she became an "emergency C-section"....Ouch...the recovery was no fun (as you mentioned) but with our 2nd son I decided to do a VBAC just to try "both" ways...and ouch again...the labor, stitches, etc. I felt was nearly as difficult as the C-section...so children 3 & 4 (0ur twins) I was given the choice...the doc said sometimes you can have one vaginally then there's so much room left inside of you the other baby flips around and you end up having a C-section as well...so that was a "no brainer" and I went with the C-section again...planned the date to have them...no horrible or long labor and "wall-lah" two beautiful babies at once...using the SAME stich line as baby #1 and guess what? The second time around it wasn't nearly as bad as the first time...So, I'm with you, if I had to do it all over again I'd choose C-section....but just my own opinion and experience!

Firstly, will the hospital that you deliver in allow VBAC's? You see they need to have a OB doctor 'in house' and smaller hospitals don't facilitate that practice. You need to ask your OB about that next visit, or just call the L&D dept they should know.
Secondly, what if they do let you labor, at the first sign of any danger they are going to do a c-section anyway because with a scar on your uterus you are now "high risk".
Lastly, you problably had such a long recovery the first time due to the long labor and pushing before the c-section. Next time you would be well rested and nourished the night before, hair and nails done, so none of those train wreck photos of you holding the baby afterwards! Just take the prescribed medication as directed when you get home.

You know I have only had one baby 6 years ago and I'm still tramatized. I had my son the "Normal (vbac)" way I was in labor for 19 hours and pushed for 2 hours also but just as they were about to give up he came through. I tore so i needed stitches. My recovery time was about 6 weeks if not more and taking care of my son was the pits because i could barely move. I guess what I'm trying to say is if you can avoid labor and have c-section...DO IT!!! But that's just me. Who knows you might not tear and you might not need stitches everyone is different. Hope this helps!:)

Hi! I can understand your reconsideration on whether or not to attempt a Vbac....all I can tell you is for me, it was a very positive thing! I have four children, and had them all in my thirties. The first was a C-section, due to "size" and the second was also C-section, pretty much because the first one was. I then read a wonderful book entitled Silent Knife, and learned that I WAS HEALED! and that the scar was actually stronger than normal tissue (something they have always been wary of). We moved to a new location/home/doctor for our third baby (the largest of all my children, mind you!), and we had a vaginal birth (with slight help of forcepts, due to swelling from baby's progressive then non-progressive activity, of a 9#14oz baby boy! Our final child, also over 9 pounds, was born as I hovered above the big tub in which I labored at a birthing center. Each delivery was a blessing, and, I believe, what was necessary at the time. I am grateful for what I feel was progress, from the first to the fourth delivery. You will know what is right for you! Just wanted to share my experience!