Vaginal Birth After C-section: (VBAC)

Hi, I had to have a C-Section too, and I really want a vaginal birth for my next one and my doctor told me that it had to do with the labor and delivery board, something about it's riskier to have a vaginal birth for mom and baby after a C-Section. So you may want to look more into that. But please post what happens because I really want to know. Good luck and be healthy for you and baby!
P.

Hi T.!

I second everything everyone above has said-I had a similar experience with my daughter as well and want to be able to have a VBAC with my next.

There's also a great support system locally and nationally called ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network). Their national website is http://www.ican-online.org/ and their local group is run via Yahoo groups- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ICANofPortland/?yguid=15965...

Good luck-you can do this!!!

C.

Hi T.. I'll just go straight into my story. My first child was 2 weeks early, and breech, so I had a c-section resulting in a very healthy 9lb. 1 oz boy. 8 1/2 yrs. later I was in 34 hrs. of labor only to dialate to 5. This resulted in a c-section as well, but,a term, heatlhy 8lb. 11oz. boy. And then 19 months later, and 1 week overdue, I PUSHED an 11lb. 2 oz. very healthy baby boy! No problems, no complications.Perfect!And I must say that the recovery was so much better and faster compared to having a major surgery. If your DR. gives you the okay,(it really depends on your DR. and how much risk it is to you and your baby.) I HIGHLY recommend VBAC if possible! I hope my story gives you some hope. God Bless!

Hi T.,
Though I never had a c-section, my sister did (almost 21 years ago). Her second (now 17 yrs old) and third (soon to be 16 yrs old) children were vaginal born. The doctors told her that she might have to have a c-section (after the first one) if she intends to have any more children. My sister hates hospitals, and especially needles... Her first was an emergency c-section, and a very bad experience for her. Her first was her largest.
I would try for a vaginal delivery, the doctors can monitor the size of the baby - they did for my second baby (and induced early before he was too big for me which would force me into a c-section...)

T. C
Mom to an almost 6 yr old and an almost 4 yr old.

hi T....i had the exact same thing happen with my first son...he was over due and never dropped, i got induced, dialated fully to 10 and then when i was pushing he was having problems...those 4 words from the doctors mouth "you need a c-section" were some of the scariest i've ever heard...when i got pregnant with my second son i was scared and really didn't want a c-section again...i had amazing midwives that told me all the things that could go wrong and then told me it would be ok that vbacs were done every day...i researched it and read a lot...i decided to have a natural birth...it was the most amazing experience, to have your baby laid on your tummy and actually get to see the cord being cut...i'm glad i did what i did and i suggest you look deeper into it and find the right choice for you...talk to other doctors and find someone that has a better outlook on the situation...the last thing you need is negativity around your desicions...good luck with everything...

Can you change doctors? I had a c with my first (8.3lbs)who wouldnt drop and a natural vbac with my second who was even bigger(8.12 lbs).Just because your first did not drop doesnt mean your second wont. My sil had a c with her first b/c he was footling breech and her second was a vbac.If I were you I would look into a DR who was a bit more supportive or just be prepared to put your foot down. You know you body and I think you will know if things arent going well. Good luck to you

I had a very similar situation with my first pregnancy. I was told by my Doctor at the time that I would be able to have a VBAC in the future. However, since then, I've moved to a small town and this is not an option. My OB told me that I could drive to a larger hospital (40 minutes away) if I was dead set on it. There is a much higher risk of complications (for you and the baby) if you decide not to go with a c-section. I've gained very little weight this time, but I'm still being advised by my OB and my family doctor that it's really in my best interest to go with a c-section. Obviously the recovery is longer, and I certainly understand your hesitation in doing this again. However, since there is a higher risk of things going wrong, it doesn't seem to be worth it. In the end though, do what you think is best.

here are a ton of vbac resources!

http://www.childbirth.org/section/VBACindex.html

http://www.homebirth.org.uk/vbac.htm

The impact of Bith Practices on Breastfeeding
Linda Smith

The Vbac Companion : The Expectant Mother's Guide to Vaginal Birth
After Cesarean by Diana Korte

Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities by Henci Goer

Open Season: A Survival Guide for Natural Birth and VBAC in the 90's by
Nancy Wainer Cohen

Birth After Cesarean by Dr. Bruce Flamm

Silent Knife: Cesarean Prevention & VBAC by Nancy Wainer Cohen & Lois
Estner

Rebounding From Childbirth: Towards Emotional Recovery by Lynn Madsen

Recovering from a Cesarean Section by Karyn L. Feiden , Manuel Alvarez

Natural Birth After Cesarean: A Practical Guide by Johanne C. Walters ,
Karis Crawford

Expectant Parent's Guide to Preventing a Cesarean Section by Carl Jones

The Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Experience: Birth Stories by Lynn
Baptisti Richards

I had a c-section with my first son for reasons similar to what you describe. With my second I wanted a VBAC but he stayed breech...ended up with another c-section.

Anyway, my advice to you is to choose a provider (midwife?) who encourages VBAC and will support your choice of delivery method. I saw an OB for one appointment with my second child and he gave me a less than 40% chance of a successful VBAC (this was before we knew the baby was going to stay breech). However my midwife told me that the reasons for my first c-section shouldn't affect chances of a successful VBAC, which meant that I had about an 80% chance of a successful vaginal delivery, the same as every woman does. (currently about 20% of all deliveries are c-section.)

On the positive side, the second, scheduled c-section was a completely different experience than the first one. We simply checked in to the hospital and went to the operating room. We had plans for our older child to be taken care of, we were not sleep-deprived from a day of unsuccessful labor...things were much more calm. So there's always good with the bad!

I'm an RN who worked on L/D unit a couple of years ago (now I do Newborn ICU). I am in the situation and asked all the docs I worked with their opinion. The problem is that your placenta could rupture which is an emergency. If you are in a hospital equipped to have an emergency c/s then you might have a better chance with that risk, but if you are in a small hospital I certainly wouldn't do it. Although many women and their baby come through it just fine, you are taking a chance. If you did rupture your childs survival rate is kinda low and you could die as well. If you have a c/s, you could have complications ,but the chances of your child having a complication is lower. So you have to make a choice as to whats more important: a vaginal birth or the risk.

Good luck with your decision. I do understand how you feel as I am in the same boat.

Hi T.,
I had a C section with my first he was a 10 pound baby, I had gained 60 pounds with him, which was my mistake, but he was a very healthy happy, well fed baby. I was in labor with him for 24 hours with about 3 hours of heavy pushing, and then finally I just couldn't do it anymore. I think I had a couple epidurals, and I just couldn't feel to push, and that was probably most of the problem. My next baby was 9 pounds 11 ounces, again I gained alot of weight but not as much, this time. I was in heavy painful labor for 42 full hours, I pushed for about 2 and had her vaginally. One thing I can say after both experiences is that I was so tired with my daughter's birth, baby #2, that when she finally entered this world, for the first 10 hours I didn't want to have anything to do with her, I guess I was in a kind of depression/exhaustion, I did nurse her of course, but I was angry and tired and really didn't want her. Of course after the 10 hours she was the love of my life, but with my sons birth (the C section) I bonded with him immediatly and it was much more enjoyable. Though I don't like the thought of anyone cutting into me, I think having a vaginal birth was not the wonderful experience everyone talks about, and I think it totally affected my bonding with my daughter. The thing is, everybody's experience is different, and only you can choose what's right to do for you. It can be done if you want to do it, and as long as your doctors are cooperative. I had midwives at the hospital, and so they were supportive of me trying to go vaginally, and my epidural had worn off so I could get the pushing thing. Knowing that my labors are difficult, I would choose the C-section in a heartbeat, because for me the bonding/cuddling loving time after is so much more special than the actual act of having the baby go through the vagina. Anyway, good luck with your second, I'm sure whatever you choose you will have a wonderful bundle of joy at the end!
J. E.

The only thing I would suggest is getting a second opinion. My auntie had 2 C-sections and her other 4 were vaginal. I think it all depends on the doctor. It seems as though the doctors want the easiest method. Not looking at the one giving the birth.
I thankfully had all vaginal births.
I hope this helps!!!
God Bless~
A.

I took Bradley Method childbith classes with the instructor Corrine Flatt. Her first child was born via C-section. She has since had 4 more children all at home naturally. She is one who firmly believes in VBACs. Corrine is a midwife and in charge of the La Leche League Chapter in Las Vegas. You can call her @ ###-###-#### and she would be happy to give you advice or help you to find a doctor that is pro VBAC. Good Luck!

I also had a c-section with my first pregnancy. Although I have yet to have another. I was in a similar boat. My daughter did not drop either she also was large. 9lbs.3oz. I was in labor for 15 and a half hours. They called it failure to progress. I was told that I can have a vaginal next pregnancy. I would look into asking some other doctors about this you sound very similar to what mine was like.

T.,
I'm going for a vbac as well this time, my last son was very stubborn and didn't want to engage, did the whole trial of labor they broke my waters hoping to speed things up and when I started to push his cord came out first, so away I went to the OR. Very disappointed they had to knock me because the epidurl didn't work. Though I did have a healthy son so i should get over it, at least that is what I try to tell myself.
Anyways my point is that each labor is different, and you never know if you don't try and I would think the doctors would understand that view.
A Friend of mine with her 1st child was 2 wks over due, they induced her 2 x's in 3 days and she still wouldn't go past 2 cm and the distress to baby they took the baby out. Though on her 2nd pregnancy she was a week over due her waters broke on her own and had a vaginal birth no problems at all and both of her babies were over 9lbs. So thought that might be some hope for ya! It can be done!
I had to change doctors and find a new practice that would allow me to even try a vbac. Got 10 wks to go I hope this baby co-operates with me.
Good luck w/ your delivery and many blessings to your baby.
L.
mom of 3 and one on the way

P.S. Feb 18th 2007 I had a very successful VBAC the best labor I had, it was so awesome. I Wish you luck w/ yours!!

T.,

I think the single biggest factor on whether or not you have a successful VBAC is how supportive your doctor is. I had a successful VBAC in October. I'm in Las Vegas (don't know if you are, too). My doctor is Karen Dalley. If you are local you might want to check her out.

:-)T.

P.S. Most doctors don't like doing VBACs because it increases their liability and it isn't convenient for them - my OB was in the hospital with me THE ENTIRE TIME I was in labor and the anestisioligist (sp?) had to be in the hospital the whole time too. The reasons doctors discourage VBACs has everything to do with that and very, very little to do with any risks of a VBAC. If you really do the research, the risks of a VBAC and a scheduled c-section are different but just about equal and very real. Everyone seems to downplay the risks of a c-section like it is a walk in the park but it isn't. It is major surgery and it is not risk free either.

I had a VBAC. I gained 20 lbs with both pregnancies (I'm 5'4" and was 140lbs at full term w/my first- 19 yo and 21 yo; horribly sick w/first and not sick at all w/second). My first baby was 9 lbs 1 oz w/a head of 14 3/4. It was an induction and after 22 hours, a c-section. He was also face up.
I changed ob/gyn's because I really didn't like my first one.... my 2nd one was in favor of my trying a vbac. My 2nd baby was 9 lbs 6oz w/a head of 14 1/2.

My doctor could tell all along that the baby was going to be big just by palpating it. He did not want me to go past my due date (I got pregnant on Depo so my due date was kinda sketchy). With my 2nd, I went into labor on my own and delivered her 10 hrs later.... I had a c-section scheduled for Wednesday.

My ob/gyn told me that an elective c-section is a lot easier than a c-section after an induction (I also had general anethesia). He assured me I would not repeat the horrible experience that I did the first time.
My VBAC was a great experience and SO much easier than a c-section. Only problem was that I "over did it" and suffered the consequences. I was washing my car, cleaning house, etc... all because I was thrilled I could move.

Good luck to you!
Nicole

My mom had me 23 years ago and since then she has had 3 vbac's and they all normal births. It is possible. So don't give in to what your doctor wants tell your doctor that you want to try. And good luck.

Hi T.,

I never wanted to have a c-section either!

I had twins my first pregnancy and had no choice but to have a c-section because they were "high-risk." My second pregnany was 6 years ago and it was a VBAC. Everything went great. My son was almost 10 lbs!

However, I had a baby 4 weeks ago and I had to have a c-section because my doctor said he was too big (he ended up being 8 lbs 12 oz.) and he was overdue by 1 week.

This is how my doctor explained it to me; she said that there has been an extensive medical study that was released within the last 5 years that weighs the risks of VBAC.
The study found that the risks were far worse than the gains. In my case, my doctor said that I needed to have a c-section scheduled a week past my due date just in case.

I trusted my doctor because I had already had a VBAC and my uterus was weaker because of it. I also knew that I had big babies and didn't want to take the risk.

That was the right decision for ME.

The bottom line is, YOU get to decide your method of birth. Your doctors role should be that of caretaker and advisor only.

If you can, get a second opinion! Do what feels right to you. I hope that you get to have a vaginal birth. But no matter what, it will be a beautiful thing!

Take care and good luck. I wish your family a happy holiday season!

H.

Hi there! I am going to be attempting my first VBAC in about 3 weeks (I hope)!! My Dr. is very supportive, but also very honest about telling me the risk factors. The biggest risk is that there can be a uterine rupture in early labor, but the percentage of that happening is 1%.... not much to worry about. Although if it were to happen then it can be very bad with fatalities up to 50% risking both mommy and baby. I am very confident in that our bodies are designed to do the job
c-section-LESS!! My Dr. has only had 1 VBAC that went bad in her entire 11 years of practice. My advice to you would be to have a birth plan, and stay active. Also, make sure that you DR. and you are on the same page, you need support from your provider. If your birth plan goes out the window on D-day just hope for a healthy baby... Ultimately that is the most important thing!! I wish you luck, and update us on what happens.

I too had a c-section after 27 hrs of labor 22w/o pain meds. (i was induced though) the baby never dropped at all i did everything I was supposed to i walked i did squats i used the birth ball nothing happened. after my surgery my dr. told me that I had a flat pelvis and the baby's head could not enter into the birth canal. however my Dr. (who is all for natural birth) told me that there still may be a possibilty of a vbac w/ my next I would just need more carefull monitoring. I have yet to have another child however here is my point:
there may be reasons why your dr thinks that it is not a good idea however it is always a possibility. the things I have heard about it is that yes it is a higher risk delivery than if you had never had a c-sec. but the risks are really high having a second c-sec as well remember they cut through 4 layers of tissue including muscle.
I would find out the reason they think that after 2.5 hrs of pushing after all it could just be that you started pushing too soon and you were only 9 3/4 cm which could cause the cervix to swell not allowing the baby to be pushed out all the way or your body and/or the baby could have stalled just needing to rest from 18.5 hours of labor and the nurses were telling to push to soon (did you feel like pushing or did you have to force yourself to) if either of these are the reason then there should be no reason for you to not try just get some good support people and a dr that is not just wanting to get out of the hospital quickly. but I would recommend staying with a hospital instead of a home birth because if something does go wrong the OR is just down the hall instead of miles away.
I hope this helps you some and good luck