C-section Versus VBAC

Hi B.,

I had a VBAC with no complications...had a c-sec with baby #3 and had 2 other (following) children vaginally.

Get a good OB doc (one who is experienced) and a good hosptial and you won't have any problems.

Good Luck

hi there, i worked for an OB-GYN for 5 yrs and women did it all the time. i think it's different either way. you can always try it and you know that if it doesn't work as planned then you could have the c-section. but either way, it's totally safe to do either of them. "they" say the second time around is totally different from the first so you never know. i think it's worth a try if that's what you want. good luck to you:)

My first son was born by planned C-section, and I had my second son by VBAC only 20 months later. I had no problems with the delivery, even though he was a hefty 9lbs, with quite a big head! My doctors told me from the beginning that VBAC was an option, and were very supportive. Because my C-section was planned, I did not go through any labor or pushing at all, so I don't know if that would affect the success of a VBAC. Good Luck!

Personally I am doing a second c-section. I have heard to many things go wrong with VBAC's. My friend attempted a VBAC and ended up having an emergency c-setion that they had to completely knock her out for. I have also heard of people tearing along the incision line while contracting and ending up have a c-section. For me I would end up with a c-section no matter what because of the way I am built. If I were you I would go over everything with a fine tooth comb to make your decision. Find out exactly what went on that made them come to the decision for the c-section. Also find out what would happen and what your plans are if something does come up that you need to have a c-section. Also keep in mind that your babies will get bigger with each pregancy, not by much but they typically do so if it was a matter of the baby getting stressed during pushing you might not be built to be able to push a bigger baby out. I am pregant with number 3 and my first one was a forceps delivery, she was 5 pounds 4 ounces. My son was 6 pounds 9 ounces and after pushing with him the decision was made to go ahead with the c-section. I am pregant with number 3 and I am not going to attempt a VBAC beause it is just way to risky. But it also has to be what you are comfortable with and if you and your doctor come up with a plan that will make you feel comfortable.

I had a c-cestion with my 1st son after 14 hours of labor. He was a BIG boy, 9 lbs 7 oz. After that delivery my ob told me my pelvis isn't very large and he didn't think I would be able to deliver anything over a 7 lb baby in the future.
I trust my ob completely and when I became pregnant with my 2nd son we both keep our options open. I would have tried a vbac if my ob thought that was the way to go. As I entered my 8th month, he told me he just didn't think we should risk it.
I had a 2nd c-section. My 2nd son was only 7lbs 11 oz, but they took him a week early.
I think the most important thing is to keep an open mind. If you personally don't want another c-section, you will be disspointed if you end up having one, I would try for a vbac. I was fine either way.
Find an OB you trust
Find out the Hospital Policiy on Vbacs
Do as much research as you can!

Good Luck with you decision. Try to remember it doesn't matter whether the baby is born c-section or vaginally you still brought that baby into this world!

Hi B.!

The C-section and vaginal birth experiences are so different for everyone. I had c-sections (three) and was given the option of VBAC when I was in labor with my second while I was in labor.

For me, my recovery for my first c-section was not great. I had a lot of sharp, burning pain with sudden movements for about a month. I chose to have the second c-section for a couple reasons.....(1)-I already had the scar and (2)-I went into labor after midnight, was at the hospital by 3:30 am, and the c-section put my second son's birth time at 5 am. So, I was able to rest up and enjoy him afterward. They still brought him to the post-op area and I was able to nurse him soon after birth. My recovery from my second and third c-sections were uneventful and pretty quick.

My SIL has had two vaginal births, which have turned out great until the delivery of the placenta. Her uterus, for some reason, doesn't want to deliver the placenta and she has had a lot of pain and bleeding at the end of her deliveries. So, this time around she is opting for a c-section so she doesn't have to go through that again.

So, individual experiences are obviously different, and you won't know how yours will be until you get there.

As for the doc not doing the VBAC and suggesting elsewhere, some malpractice insurance carriers won't cover docs who perform VBACS due to the risk. Malpractice is terrible for OB docs here.

I know there really wasn't any specific helpful info here. But, there is no reason to believe that you wouldn't have a wonderful VBAC experience. You just have to wait and see!

A.

Here are some books to read on the issue. I will warn you that you may want to skip some of the initial stuff on first c-sections and just look at VBAC because unless the baby has been in distress for quite a while, there really isn't a reason for c-section. Doctors jump in to them quickly because of a fear of litigation. Statistics on c-sections are around 10% for midwives and no more babies die, no more mothers die, and there are no more paranatal disabilities (caused around time of birth) when compared to the national doctor's 30% c-section rate. Days of labor and hours of pushing aren't cause for c-section. Obviously, I don't now your whole story and you may have very well needed a c-section, I just wanted to warn you about what you will find if you read some of these books cover-to-cover.
Also, I really recommend seeking out a midwife. They will be much more supportive for a VBAC. If nothing else, talk to a few about your concerns in making the decision and listen to what they have to say about it. There may be a birthing center near you that you could deliver at instead of a hospital.
Talk to your doctor. No doctor should push you to have a scheduled c-section unless there was a problem with the first. As long as it was done correctly, VBAC is safe. Statistically, the chance of uterin rupture is less than c-section complications.

"Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to Put Women and Children First" by Marsden Wagner, MD
(written by a doctor who has seen it all while in practice, research, litigation, and as head of Women's and Children's Services for the WHO)

"Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care" by Jennifer Block

"The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer and Rhonda Wheeler

"Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" by Ina May Gaskin
(this is a WONDERFUL book - the first half is stories of natural birth including some VBACs and the second half is research-based information on everything having to do with birth)

Good Luck in your decision. Whatever you do, get a doctor who supports your decision and isn't just saying "we'll see". I know a woman who's doctor said they would "try" for a VBAC and at 36 weeks told her they would schedule surgery. She switched doctors that week and 3 weeks later had a healthy, 10 pound baby naturally!

Hey B.,
I went through the same thing with my first baby. I pushed for 2 1/2 hours and ended up a c-section. I think recovery was a little harder because I went through labor and a c-section. My body was sore all over lol! Anyway I was gonna do a vbac with my son. I had to sign a form that informed me of the risks and my doctor said she would do it, but it had to be a certain hospital that had an anestesialogist on staff at all times in case my uterus ruptured and I would need an emergency c-section. Anyway, I did end up with another c-section due to having placenta previa, but my recovery was so much easier and faster this time than before. My suggestion is to talk with your ob to discuss what caused your first c-section to see the likely hood of you having one again. You don't want to put yourself through labor again if the result will be the same as the first. Good luck!!

Hello. I had an emergency cesarean with my first daughter 36 hours after my water broke. The determining factor was fetal distress. My daughter was 8.5 pounds and a beautiful healthy girl. The reason for your 1st cesarean comes into play in deciding if you are a good candidate for VBAC. The orientation of your uterine incision is also a factor to consider. I specifically stated on my initial birth plan to be double stitched for future VBAC in the event of a cesarean. After careful review of the literature I decided to pursue VBAC with my second pregnancy 2 ½ years later. I stayed as active as possible and did water aerobics throughout the whole pregnancy. I was just shy of 42 weeks when I was induced with pitocin and 12 hours later my 9.7 pound robust son was born vaginally. It was a beautiful and joyous experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I felt connected with everything going on and not just a participant in my own surgery. My recovery was quicker. I resumed exercise sooner and now almost 9 months later, I’m near my pre-pregnancy weight. Do your research and decide what works best for you and your family. A repeat cesarean isn’t without its risks but I have friends who say their second surgery was easier than their first.

Hello, don't know how this will help, but here it goes. I had both of my births c-section. The first was due to him being too large and I could not deliver. The second we wanted vbac. The doctor agreed that would be fine, even was the one to suggest it. I was scared (had a very hard first time go,child got lodged in pelvis)! My doc(also a surgeon) watched baby size and everything was a go until due date, she turned breach! Doc said it too risky for vbac. Anyway the second time ended up being scheduled csection and I healed alot easier the 2nd time. But my doc said that I would have been fine for vbac had she not turned breach. I wish I could have experienced the natural birth, I am told it is a very different experience.

I have had 3 c-sections (1st one at 32 yrs old and last one at 38). I had fabulous experiences with each - probably because they were planned. My 1st child was footling breech. Because there was no reason (on my part re labor, etc..), my ob felt there was no reason I shouldn't try for a VBAC the 2nd time around. However, we decided to schedule the 2nd c-section at 39 weeks and if I went into labor before then, I would try for the VBAC. I never did go into labor....and thank goodness, because my 2nd ended up being breech as well.

Most people who have bad experiences with c-sections are those who labor for hours first. It's like doing a triathalon after you've run a marathon...of course its going to be hard on your body.

My 3rd c-section ended up being one of my easiest. And I had 2 toddlers to take care of at home and it was fine. And I certainly don't feel any less of a Mom because I didn't get to squeeze a bowling bowl through a straw. Eat healthy, stay in shape and recovery is not that bad (especially when it is a planned c-section). However, one thing my ob said to me years ago....always go with your instincts. She never had a patient who went with their instincts that was wrong. I worried about it for a while when pregnant with my 2nd and it was perfect when the suggestion was to book a c-section and if I go into labor before hand, maybe it was meant to happen. There is an increased risk with a VBAC (very minor, but still an increase) and Ohio is the most litigious state in the country and ob's are VERY aware of it. Think about why you want the VBAC - make the decision that's best for the baby.

And as for bonding....I don't see how a c-section vs. vaginal birth has anything to do with that. It's the same with breast-feeding vs. bottle-feeding. I don't think either of them guarantees a bond. Sometimes you get it right away and sometimes it takes longer for first-time moms. It took a while for me to bond with my first child, but with my 2nd it happened much faster and with my 3rd it was immediate. The more you admit to other Moms about not bonding right away, the more you'll realize it's quite common, just nobody wants to admit it, because there are people who feel that immediate super strong bond from the moment they feel the baby move in-utero and others who take months. I can't imagine it having anything to do with how your baby enters the world, or whether your baby is breastfed.

Good luck!!

I had an emergency c-section with my first daugther due to PIH; and as you know the recovery was slow and painful. With my second daughter I decided that i wanted to do a VBAC. My OBGYN told me that the determining factor would be the direction my uterus was cut during the first c-section. I believe that the uterine cut has to be vertical in order for your uterus to sustain the stress of stretching during pregnancy.

My second delivery was fine. Actually the entire pregnancy was better than the first. There was no increased risk or stress due to the prior c-section and the recovery time was minimal!! If your OBGYN says that your body can handle it I would suggest you go for the VBAC. If for nothing else other than the significant reduction in recovery time. Good Luck!!

Hi B.!

I had a c-section with my first baby. He is now almost 9 years old. I believe I was in labor for about 16 hours. I pushed for about 3 hours then they told me that he was just too big, I had a tilted pelvic bone and they were going to have to do a c-section. I just remember being pretty helpless for a while. The recovery time is definitely longer and because of pain medication I was not very alert for quite a while.

We just had our second child, a baby girl, almost 5 months ago. (The age difference is God's plan, not ours. Ends up, His plan is always best.) My doctor knew I wanted very much to try to have her VBAC. I just wanted to have the experience of a "natural birth" and I had heard that the recovery time was a lot shorter. My doc was willing to let me try. My last ultrasound had predicted the baby to probably be about 8lbs on Jan. 8th. My due date was Jan. 15th. My son, by the way, was 9lbs 5oz. The doctor did not want to risk uterine rupture, so we agreed that if I did not go into labor on my own by Jan. 8th that we would have a scheduled c-section. So we scheduled the c-section for Jan. 8th. On the evening of Jan. 7th I still had not gone into labor. I prayed that God would allow us to get some rest and that I would go into labor on my own the next morning and not have to have the c-section. God answered my prayer! Amazingly, I started having contractions while getting ready to go in for the scheduled c-section and was able to have her VBAC! Even while pushing the doc still was not sure if the baby was too big for me do be able to push her out. She was only 7lbs 1oz (not 8lbs like they had predicted), and 21 1/2 inches. I still had to have an episeodomy. The doc said that I am just small and that I probably would not have been able to do it if she had been any bigger.

The recovery time, even with the episeodomy, was much shorter! I was alert. I was going to try it without an epideral, but ended up having to have one because they had to slow labor down in order to get an antibiodic in me for 4 hours before birth due me having a positive Beta Strep (a fairly common vaginal infection). The epideral did not take as well on the left side of my body, which was perfect actually. That way I could still feel enough to know when to push and to be able to feel that awesome feeling when the baby actually comes out! That was an amazing feeling and I am soooo thankful that I was able to experience that! I was also excited to be able to take a shower the next morning on my own! That did now happen with my c-section! I felt really good, and it was so different being able to be up and about pretty much right after giving birth!

Sorry this is so long. I would say that if you really want to try to have your baby VBAC, you should go for it. Always keep in mind that every birth and circumstance is different. Get a good doctor that you trust to work with you and your desires while also keeping you and your baby's safety in mind. I appreciate my doctor for that! Praying also helps!

A little about me: I am 38 years old with an 8 1/2 year old son and a 5 month old daughter. I am also blessed with a wonderful husband.

Hi B.,
I too had an emergency c-section with my first son. I am now pregnant again and had been doing the same research myself. Second c-section or VBAC? So I too spoke with my OB and after reading a lot and talking with my family I have decided to go with another c-section. My hospital is equipped to handle a VBAC however because of the one major risk that could possibly occur I have decided that it is important for me to have the safest delivery as possible because I do have a family to come home to. Now on another note I was also away from my baby for over an hour at first and I was so upset about it, but I have talked to my doctor and as long as there are no complications with the surgery of mine or the baby they bring him to me as soon as I am stichted up. My doctor actually apologized for what I went through being away from the baby and she wished I would have expressed all my feelings at the time. She is a great doctor and I am confident that a second c-section is my best interest. Good Luck.

PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT HAVE A VBAC! One of my best friends almost died and her son had to be revived after her uterus ruptured. He is a beautiful nine-year-old boy now but the damage done at the time of his birth was irreversible. He will never sit, stand or walk. He communicates with special tools and has but a few words. He is one of the brightest children that I know, but he is trapped in his body. I know a lot of women have successful VBACs, but I do not think the risk is worth it. You have a husband and another child that you also have to think about. If your doctor tells you there is a risk - you should listen. I am sure that you have a wonderful relationship with your child now. Some ideal of how a birth is supposed to happen based on what we see on TV cannot replace knowing that your child is healthy.

My first son was a C-Section because of complications with me. I later found out some of those complications were not so. So I went to a mid-wife. I not only had a VBAC but I had two children at home with mid-wifes. Don't get me wrong the first VBAC was hard because it was the first delivery through the birth canal. But I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. I too didn't get to bond with my baby right away. Not only because of the surgery but they took him two months early. It would take too long to tell you that story. What a joy to hold my daughter right away. It was a long delivery (all night) but she and I were alright afterwards. I am not suggesting you have a VBAC that is an important decision between you and your husband but I am here to tell you it is possible. By the way, I made my decision after I read a book called The Silent Knife. There are doctors who will agree to let you have a VBAC so don't give up.

A little about me:

I am 53 years old with four children, three boys and a daughter. Two of them were born at home normally with midwives and one in the hospitals because of high blood pressure but still normally. My premie, by the way, is now 22 years old, six feet, and strong.

Intetestingly, I was just having a conversation with a friend about this issue. My first child was born early by C-section due to my development of Eclampsia. When I got pregnant with my daughter less than two years later, my doctor left the decision up to me. After researching and hearing the statistics on damage that the baby can endure trying a VBAC, I chose to go with a second c-section. There is a chance of brain damage and death with a VBAC and none with a c-section. I was not willing to chance it. The reason of these risks is that your uterus has been compromised and weakened. There is a chance that your muscles, which were also compromised will not be strong enough to push the baby out and that your usterus can tear - all leading to oxygen deprivation. When I found this out, I was not willing to chance it, but I do know people who have went on to have successful VBACs. I would recommend talking with your physician - especially if you were not able to deliver vaginally the first time. I hope this helps.

You've gotten a lot of responses, and I'm sure that you have received opinions from both pro and con groups of people. I just wanted to add my own thoughts here. I won't take much time so as not to overload you with more stuff to consider.

The risk to you is extremely minimal when it comes to attempting a VBAC. Less than 1% of women experience uterine rupture. If I remember correctly, this risk goes up depending on the kind of birth you choose: whether it is induced or natural and what kinds of pain management you choose. It also depends on the kind of incision you had with your previous C-section. If it was a low transverse incision, you are fine to go for a VBAC. If you have a vertical incision, I don't believe many hospitals will work with a woman choosing a VBAC.

It is also much safer to go with a natural birth if you choose a VBAC. You are able to feel what your body is going through and will know right away if something is going wrong unlike with medications such as an epidural where you lose sensation.

One website I would recommend is www.ican-online.org for more information. ICAN = International Cesarean Awareness Network

God bless,
A.

I see that you have gotten a lot of great responses, I know this is a little late, being that I got behind on checking my e mails because of a bad pain in my neck that had me bed ridden for a couple of days, but I just wanted to share my experience with you. I had my 1st child c-section, and my 2nd vbac. I had a horizontal incision, so I was able to have a vbac with my 2nd child, which was very important to me, because, like you, I had a hard time, at first, bonding with my daughter when she was born, and there was always the question if the c-section had something to do with it. I was determined to have a vbac with my 2nd one, and I did, and it was successful. It is true, there is a risk of tearing your scar, it all depends on you, and how important it is to you. A natural delivery was very important to me, so it was a risk I was willing to take. I did tear my scar, but just a little bit, it was minor, and healed on it's own, nothing that required surgery or anything like that. It is proven that 80% of vbacs are successful, if that makes you feel any better. There are lots of doctors out there that are willing to try it, and I'm sure you will find one.

Good Luck!

You have a lot of advice which is great. My first baby was a normal delivery, I had the epidural and watched my baby as I pushed her out. Totally awesome! The recovery was pretty good. With baby #2 I ended up with an emergency C-Section b/c the hearbeat kept slowing down and they feared the cord was around her neck which it was. It was just an aweful birth experience. Here I was anticipating watching my baby emerge and pushing her out into the world. It was very disheartening not to do that asecond time, I still get depressed about it when I think about it sometimes. Anyway I got a happy healthy baby so I am happy but if I were to have a third I would do a VBAC. I couldn't believe women signed up for C-Section after going through it. The recovery was torture. I could not sit up without pain for weeks heck the incision still twinges sometimes after 16 mos! Go for the Vaginal birth if your MD okays it, if there are complications you get the c-section and at least you tried. The recovery will be a cinch compared to the C-Section and with an older child to chase it will make things a lot easier if it's possible.

Good Luck~

Hi B..

I know you have gotten a lot of responses, but I wanted to tell you my experience. Deciding on a VBAC or repeat C-Section will depend on a lot of factors. It is very important to discuss these with your dr. Now for my experience. I had a scheduled c-section with my first after trying version because he flipped to breech position 3 days before his due date. I reacted badly to the spinal and was not able to eat or keep even water down for another 24 hours. I was very week and struggled even holding my baby. So, when I got pregnant with the next one, my dr. talked with my husband and I in great detail about our options. We decided on a VBAC. We then moved 10 1/2 hours away and had to start over with a new dr. I started seeing a woman dr. who from not only a dr.'s standpoint recommended VBAC, but from a mother's standpoint recommended it as she had done this herself. So we were very excited. Then, weeks before I was due, I saw a different dr. in her practice (standard proceedure) and he had me sobbing. He stated I would probably rupture my uterus killing both the baby and me. He insisted I was to have a repeat c-section. We spoke with the next dr. in the practice at the next visit and asked him what to do. His recommendation was this...If I knew for certain I would never have any more children, he would recommend another c-section so as to not risk any damage that might later need repaired. But, if we thought there might be a chance of more children, he recommended VBAC. He said the risks of each, while quite different, were the same amount of risk. C-sections are MAJOR surgery and are very risky just because of that!! So, we opted to try VBAC. It was the best experience EVER!!! The last dr. ended up being the one on-call and delivered my son. He kept laughing at me because I couldn't quit saying "this is so amazing" and things like that. I have had another VBAC since and again, wonderful experience. I am due next month and again plan on another VBAC. Oh, and my 3rd one (2nd VBAC) was big and sunny side up, so I had to push a lot more and a lot harder, and still no problems. Also, I was 33 with that delivery. I was 25 with the c-section, 28 with my first VBAC, 33 with the 2nd VBAC and will be 35 with the 3rd VBAC.

There are risks either way. If your dr. feels you are a good candidate for VBAC (due to the reason for the c-section, the type of c-section, your health, weight and age), then I would HIGHLY recommend VBAC. But, you do need to know that you should really fit these certain criteria, otherwise, it definately would increase your risk level.

Good luck to you. I am sure you, your husband and your dr. will make the right decision for your health and the baby's.

One last note, I, personally would not do a home birth as a VBAC for concern of a problem, but I have even had friends that have done this without any problems. They are more daring than I am. I deliver my babies in the hospital (JUST IN CASE) and then we discharge ASAP!!! With my last one, we left when he wasn't even 24 hours old. We were both so healthy and wanted to recover with our family at home.

Take Care!

I had a VBAC when my son was 20 months old. I chose this option because I new at 20 months old it would be very hard for my son to understand why mommy couldn't lift him, and I wanted to make the transition of a new baby as easy as possible for him. I wouldn't change a thing. My c-section with him came after hours and hours of labor and pushing, so successfully delivering my daughter...I'm not sure how to describe it, maybe a little less like a failure since I was unable to successfully deliver my son. A feeling i wasn't even aware of until I delivered.

On the other hand, I had back labor with my daughter, and I was swearing up and down at myself that I hadn't chosen a c-section.

Good luck with your decision, I wouldn't worry about it to much, once you are pregnant you'll know what is best for you

I had two C-sections and the reason that I chose the second c-section was because we had a family friend who lost her only little girl after trying for a VBAC. She had two c-sections and then tried her as the VBAC. Her incision tore and the baby lost oxygen. She was born but not before it was too late and after several days in the hospital, she finally passed away. I refused to do VBAC because of her experience. Just my personal experience.

Your risk of your uterus repturing is just alittle higher than what it would be if you had no previous c-sections. If you have had the bikini cut for the c-section. Her are some great web sites. Please feel free to email or call me.
Also a hospital can deny you VBAC. But I would want to go to a supportive ob or midwive.

Jo
CD(DONA), CHBE, CPCE, STNA

http://www.ican-online.org/

www.vbac.com

If you choose to go this route, understand that it may not be possible. My best friend had a c-section after 24 hours of labor and really wanted a VBAC with her second one. The dr.s all agreed she was a good candidate for it, and shouldn't have any problems. But after another 24 hr labor they had to do another emergency c-section. Another note, is this happened at two different hospitals and two different attending docs. Sometimes things just don't go as planned and there is nothing you can do if you want a healthy baby in the end.

Hi, I will tell you what the head nurse in that department told me at the local hospital....
I asked her if I should try a VBAC and she said "I've been a nurse for 20 plus years and I've seen one mother die and one mother and baby die due to VBAC complication. Those three deaths were enough. VBACs don't always go wrong but when they do, they go terribly wrong. Do not try a VBAC."

I have two beautiful children, both via c-section. I recovered from the first within a few days. It took a little longer with the second but no big deal. My children are now 9 & 6 and I do not plan to have any more. I have never regretted not delivering vaginally for one second.
Good luck!

I had a VBAC after my first c-section. I first decided to have one because I hated the section, my oldest was going to be 15 months at the time of the birth so I wanted to be able to pick him up and take care of him normally after the delivery and finally because my husband and I new we wanted to have at least 4 children. Our doctor suggested doing a vbac because of that because of all the scar tissue each section creates that it may thin out the uterus in the area of the section and make it difficult. Anyways, I successfully had my v-bac and loved it. I had no problems at all and it was a great experience. I have also since then had another child vaginally and am waiting to have my fourth. I am so thankful that I went ahead and decided to do the vbac. It seems extremely scary and reading up on the research is enough to make your head spin. Just do what makes you feel comfortable and way each side and why you would want each one. Good luck!

I can't speak from personal experience, but I know that the Farm (where Ina May Gaskin works) does VBAC. You can find out more about the Farm and Ina May at:

http://www.thefarmmidwives.org/

A friend of mine who lives in Ohio went there to deliver her baby and had a wonderful experience (though not a VBAC.) I would highly recommend reading Ina May's books if you haven't.

A local option (not sure where you live) might be OB Stephen Guy and the midwives he works with (Margie McCarthy and Lisa Mix) because they are wonderful and very supportive of natural birth. Dr. Guy was our OB and I had my daughter (who was in a frank breech position) naturally, no drugs or surgery. (Amy Chavez was our doula, I also recommend her highly.) Dr. Guy and the midwives practice at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. It would be worth talking to them, definitely. Good luck!

Hi B.-
There's so much information out there, and it can be confusing! I think a big factor in if it's possible is the reason you had a c-section in the first place. Two of my close friends had c-sections with both their kids because they weren't going to fit through the pelvis. Not much other choice there. So many Drs. and hospitals are shying away from VBACs due to insurance/malpractice issues, so you'd definitely have to do some looking to find a good, supportive practitioner. My aunt had a successful VBAC 5 years after an emergency c-section and was very pleased. One thing I know is that you need to be your own advocate and speak up in the hospital, something that's easier the second time around. If you have an uncomplicated CS and everything's fine with you and baby, you should be able to ask for a little bonding time. I had my second child vaginally, and he was fine, but they still took their good sweet time getting him back to me. I wanted to make sure he was OK, but I also really wanted to have him with me! Nothing's ever perfect, and "birth plans" rarely go step-by-step. My advice would be to get as many options as you can, then be prepared to accept whatever options come your way, and make sure you and your husband get as much info as possible during the process and make your wishes known. Good luck. You're smart to start thinking about this early...you'll have plenty of time to make informed decisions. :-)

I have four children - 16, 12, 11 and 10 months I had a c-section with my first sixteen years ago and then has 2 VBACs with my 12 and 11 year old. The 11 year olds birth was natural - no drugs. I had no complications with either delivery. I ended up having another c-section with my 10 month old and the recovery was awful. I could also be because I am alot older now as well.

I had a c-section the 1st time b/c of baby complications after 30 hours of labor so I wanted my son out no matter what it took!! But with my second I was concerned as well b/c of the pain of my 1st c-section after telling my Dr my concerns and talking to her for 9 months about it I scheduled my c-section and loved it. I felt like I was going in for a spa visit. Ok not really but sorta. It was nice to have an appt and not go through labor (did I mention 30 hours??) the scariest part was the epidurial and it wasn't as bad as I remembered my dr held my hands and we chit-chatted. The pain from the 2nd one wasn't nearly as bad as the 1st. Best of luck on your decision it is totally up to you and your Dr!! :)

My experience at attempting a VBAC was miserable. I had a c-section with my first pregnancy because the baby was breech. I wanted to attempt a VBAC with baby #2 and my doctor was ok with that decision. I ended up going EIGHT days past my due date and then when I finally went into labor I would not advance past 3 cm. They broke my water and 4 hours later gave me pitocin, but I was still stuck at 3 cm. I went into very painful labor, but because I didn't advance past 3 cm they would not give me the epidural. When they finally did give me the epidural they informed me that I would have to get a c-section anyway! All of that agony and I had a c-section anyway. It was very frustrating. However, I HATED (I repeat HATED) being pregnant (was very sick) so I was thrilled to get the baby out no matter what it took. I did not think recovery from c-sections was bad, but again, for me...anything was better than being pregnant. The thing that upsets me the most is that I was pregnant two weeks later than I would have had to be if I would have just decided to have a c-section in the first place! Good luck with your decision!

By the way...I do not feel like a "Failure" in any way shape or form. I am raising two beautiful boys - how could that be a failure?

My first was a c-section because the baby was having trouble. When I delivered my second, we were in a new city and my OB was very encouraging about VBAC. She was so matter of fact about it, that I didn't think twice. All went well. The second was a completely normal vaginal delivery. I labored for 2.5 days even! And he was a big (8.5 pound) baby.

My sister had 5 c-sections, and until the last one, she was allowed to try VBAC. She was in Germany and didn't have the option of scheduling delivery. They see it very differently there.

I don't think VBAC is a big deal. I know many women who have done it just fine. It helps, though, to work with a doctor who won't freak you out. IF they are confident, you will feel better. Good luck!

I would DEFINITELY look into a VBAC. I did not, and I so regret it. I suggest checking with this group for information and support

http://www.icanofgreatercleveland.org/

Good Luck!

Just wanted to share my experiences with you. I am a mother of 4: 15yo boy, 10yo boy, 3.5 yo girl, & 2 yo boy.My 10 yo was a c-section and I did not enjoy the added pain and recovery time. I experienced 2 miscarriages after my section....not sure what caused them. But then had 2 babies after, both VBAC, no complications with pregnancy or delivery or with the doctor. I would definately find a new doctor that wasn't stuck in medieval times. Bottom line is going to be what you feel comfortable with. Some get it stuck in their head that once you have a section that you have no other choice. My doctor encouraged me to go VBAC which made it easier to make that decision. I have also known a few women that chose to do another section because that is what they wanted and felt comfortable with. Also, I went with a natural delivery (no drugs)with the VBAC so I could feel everything going on. I hope this helps you. You can check out websites that have to do with delivery (can't remember which ones I used) and read other women's birth stories.....they usually have a section just for VBAC births. Best of luck and God Bless!

I too had a C-section with my first and then wanted a VBAC with my second. Unfortunately, I ended up not having a choice - both babies were breech and over 9 lbs and had to go C-section the second time as well.

I had bonding issues with my first that I attributed to my medicated state and the inability to hold him right away. However, with almost identical situations, I had no issues bonding to my second - it was the instant attachment I always heard about. Also, the physical healing seemed a lot quicker than the first.

In retrospect, I believe I had undiagnosed post-partum depression with the first. Everything is normal now, but I do feel a little guilty not being more adamant about being tested for it.

I guess my point is, do what is safest for you and the baby delivery-wise. There are a lot of things that can effect bonding, so just make sure you and your doctor pay attention to all the details after birth that promote it.

http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10166

www.ican-online.org

I've had both a c-section and a VBAC. I would choose the VBAC every time! Your chance of uterine rupture with a VBAC is less than 1%. They are far, far safer than a repeat c-section.

Hi there, I had a c-section with our first baby due to the fact that she was breech. All of my next pregnancies were delivered VBAC. And actually I had twins vbac and then two more pregnancies. All went very well. Given the choice I would most definatly deliver vaginally again. The recoup from the c was long and hard on me. We didn't have any problems with VBAC. The twins had some problems, but that was due to early delivery (6 wks). Both babies were head down and my doctor was will to try VBAC. I had to have a mandatory epidural just incase we had to have an emergency c-section. But the boys came out 3 minutes apart! My next baby was 8lbs 14oz and I pushed for 1/2 hour. And our last was out in two pushes and was 7lbs. 14oz. Good luck with your decision.

i loved my two natural births! i say go for it, it's so empowering to do it all by yourself! i had a nurse midwife deliver at the hospital.

I had a VBAC and couldn't be happier. The information out there is pretty scary against it, but depending on the circumstances of your first delivery, it can be totally doable. My VBAC experience was FABULOUS and my recovery was super quick compared with the c-section. Find a new provider (I can recommend the BEST midwife in Lakewood), and discuss other options!
Good luck!

I had an emergency c-section with #1. I had a drug free VBAC with #2 with Dr. Ronda Gaiser of Womens Physicians in OBGYN at Riverside and had an amazing experience with absolutely no complications. I researched this decision for over a year before making a final call. I consulted a multitude of experts and felt great about my decision. I decided to have a doula which also made all of the difference. If you have more questions let me know.

Hello! I only have one child (c-section) stubborn lil boy who didn't want to come out! My sister-in-law however had my niece at 7 some lbs c-section and then my 9 some lb nephew VBAC. All went well, her labor just didn't progress with my neice, but all went well with nephew. Just concentrate (or don't really concentrate) on getting pregnant. Let the doc tell you how you are doing and have a back up plan towards the then of the pregnancy if it doesn't sound like another cestion. If I had to do it over again, I would have had my son 15 hours earlier through c-section to hold him in my arms that much sooner. Just a couple of thoughts!! Good luck and God bless you.

B.,
Our first child was a c-section due to being breach. Had second baby vbac. I had to have an iv just incase things went south but all was well. Even had it without drugs. Baby number three was also vbac. If you can do it, it is a lot easier on your system as well as emotionally. I felt like a failure when I had to have the csection. I know it was nothing I did but still felt defeated. Hope this helps
T.

Hi B.,

I understand your desire to do a VBAC as much as your fear. I had my dd in 2006 after 14hrs waiting to push, I completely stopped dilating at 9cm, for hrs... so they recommended c/s to prevent an emergency.
My son was born 11 months later so they definately did not recommend a vaginal birth. My son was a whole pound small, 7plus, she was 8lbs 12oz, was big and they had told me that I had a very small pelvic area and if she were more than 6 or 7lbs I may have to have a c/s. She was also sideways.

My 3rd pregnancy will be 16 months since my son AND 2 cesarians later, the Dr told me I'd have a hard time findind a Dr who would agree to do a VBAC, that tells me it is way too risky.. In my case.

I believe they mentioned that 3 to 5 yrs in between was the recommended time between a c/s and a VBAC.

Also, I wanted to touch on the whole bonding thing with a c/s. I felt that way with my dd. BUT, with my son, the c/s wasn't so scary, I knew what to expect, I was relaxed and didn't labor for 14 hrs.... It was a beautiful experience, even though he didn't come out through the birth canal.... but through my stomach....
My DH filmed it - we didn't know we could with our daughter, everything was abrupt and sudden the 1st time.

I just wanted to mention this, so IF you do decide not to try a VBAC, it's not the same. We knew what to expect with the recovery period, my DH took enough time off, my mom stayed longer, we handled everything very nicely since we knew what to expect and the transition was smooth and just much more enjoyable. Even though I did have surgery and it did hurt a bit....

I just read a lot of the responses--they were all very good. If the incision was transverse (across) you would be able to try a VBAC; if it was classical (up and down) the chances of rupture are greater, most doctors would say no. I think a lot of people have problems with the first c-section because they have been laboring and pushing for so long when the decision to do the section finally comes. They are so tired. The reasons for c-section are many; breech is an automatic now, although it was not in the past unfortunately, it is risky to the baby. Sometimes the placenta blocks the exit (Placenta previa)not allowing the labor to progress; sometimes the cord is around the baby's neck several times, preventing the baby from coming down; a baby can get their head wedged so delivery is impossible. Sometimes the baby is in distress, the heart rate is dropping, and the baby needs to be delivered. If you choose a VBAC, keep in mind that you may end up with a c-section, but in the big picture, it is not how you delivered your baby, but that your baby arrived healthy. It is not a failure on your part if you have to have a section.

Have you done any independent research on VBACs? I remember reading that the "risks" are really not as bad as they make them sound. I think they'd just rather be safe than sorry. . . you know, so no one sues them!

Anyway, I had a C-section with my oldest in '96 and 3 VBACs afterward with my subsequent kids. Absolutely no complications whatsoever. I HATED the C-section so much and didn't want to have to go through that again unless I absolutely had to. I am very glad I didn't have to!

Just be sure you make an informed decision. Don't let anyone pressure or guilt you into anything that you're not comfortable with.

I had a VBAC with my second child and I personally would highly recommend it. I had a c-section with my first as she was breech. Thankfully, at the time of my first delivery, my OB doctor took steps to give me the best opportunity for a VBAC if I had any future pregnancies. The incision he made was the "bikini cut" and he double stitched my uterus instead of just once, as is sometimes common practice.

I had a horrible recovery time after my cesarean surgery. This was my first child. I was trying to learn to breastfeed, but I was loopy from the pain medication. Then I didn't hardly take any pain medication, which made the pain hard to handle. All in all, my recovery took a long time and I too, felt that I wasn't able to bond with my baby like I had dreamed of. So, I made plans to have a VBAC with my second. My OB and the hospital I went to, both performed VBACs.

I, personally, was bound determined to be able to breastfeed my second child (I know many women who have a c-section and breastfeed successfully) and to hold her soon after she was born. I didn't want to be separated like the first time. My second child was not in breech position and we had a very quick and successful delivery.

I did know, however, that at any time, should any concerns or complications arise, I could end up needing to have another cesarean. So, that chance is always there. There is a risk of uterine rupture, but I was told that having double stitches on my uterus was helpful in preventing that. And it depends on why you had your cesarean in the first place. I would suggest talking with your doctor regarding your particular circumstances of your first delivery and determine with he or she, if they feel this would be a good option for you.

I can honestly tell you that my recovery after my VBAC delivery was quicker and much easier for me. I was able to do the things I wanted to most and I didn't have to be on higher doses of pain medication.

It is scary, it was for me also. I did a lot of research on the web about the risks. I felt VBAC was overall safer than cesarean. And most important, I talked with my doctor. I knew he would allow me to have a VBAC if my baby and I were safe, but if he felt we both would be at higher risk with the delivery, he would have chosen cesarean.

I hope this information is helpful. It is a big decision. But overall, as we all know, the main thing is to have a happy, healthy mother and baby.

Best to you!!
K.

To start off, I have Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which you can read and learn about on ednf.org, which I did not find out I had until a year after my second child's birth. But, I had a vaginal birth with my first child. With my second child, my uterus ruptured and my son and I almost lost our lives. They had to do an emergency c-section. My blood pressure dropped, pulse rose very high, temperature dropped as low as 94 degrees. I had to have a blood transfusion. In my situation, my uterus was nonreparable- it tore from fallopian tube to fallopian- so they had to do a partial hysterectomy. It was a very rough recovery for me. My son pulled through very well, and is doing great now. As I said, I did not have a c-section the first time, but still ruptured with my second delivery. Luckily I was in the hospital being closely monitored, or there is no way either of us would have made it. If you do decide to choose to try a VBAC, definitely weigh the risks of what can happen and the consequences if the worst would happen. I have two sisters-in-law who had their first children via c-section, and after seeing what my son and I went through, decided they would have c-sections for their second children. They did not think it was worth it. They both also thought the second c-section was easier recovery than the first, because they had scheduled c-sections and did not have to recover from the laboring. Just really think about what you want to do and weigh the risks involved. While uterine rupture doesn't happen to everyone, there is always a possibility it could, and I was just one of the lucky ones who survived it and also have a son who survived it. Good luck!

The risks of your cut rupturing are very low. I would definitely recommend going natural. It is so much safer & healthier for you & the baby. Blessings...