Confused - Ottawa,IL

A c-section in NOT safer than VBAC for a normal healthy pregnancy. If you don't have family near you to help than the last thing you need is to be recovering from major surgery while taking care of a NB and two other children. I think it is great that this doctor is now encouraging you to try VBAC and it is what he should have done instead of encouraging you to have a completely unnecessary surgery in the first place. If he had been honest and upfront with about your option in the beginning you wouldn't be in this predicament now.

www.ican-online.com
www.vbacfacts.com
www.childbirthconnection.org

WOW... ok way to spring that on you and all. Your doc may be responding to the recent panel of obgyns who said that vbac is way underused and should be attempted and not all that dangerous, but your doc totally should have discussed this with you. I think if c-section is safer you should go for it, but if you want to try for the vbac I understand it can be easier on your body and safer than another c-section. I'd suggest you go to the Mayo clinic's web site and research it and then talk it over with your husband and decide what you think is best. That's what your doctor should do

If this were me, I'd do all the research I can on how to make labor and delivery quicker. My first was natural and I delivered in 2 hours total. My other three were C-Sections because I have antibodies against the platelets. I'd much rather have VBACs but can't. I understand your predicament but I would do whatever it took to have it natural. But that's just me based on my history. If I were actually in your shoes, I might think differently... =) I'll pray for you... Good luck and congratulations!!

I agree that you should just talk to him and explain your confusion. Ask him why he changed his mind and say you're having a hard time processing this information.

My question is, though...who was going to watch your boys anyway? If your family isn't around, then wouldn't you still have a similar situation. Something else to think about is the fact that since you don't have family around, maybe you would want to consider a vbac...your recovery would be a lot quicker and easier.

It's a tough thing to think about for sure! I'm not necessarily in favor of the vbac over the section (I'd probably want to do the section too!) but I guess all I'm saying is make sure you consider your options before talking to your doctor again. You want to sound sane and rational when you speak with him, which can sometimes be hard for a pregnant lady! ;)

I.

I would love the option of a VBAC, BUT my doc, from the very first, asked if I wanted this. I didn't think it was possible, and after looking at my file from my first, it probably isn't, but he is keeping the option open (if the baby is considerably smaller than my first, and I seem likely to be able to deliver). Also, I have let him know my concerns. I DON'T want another emergency c-section, or drugs of any kind if I try for a VBAC - I want it totally natural, so the scheduled c-section is probably the safest option for all, as I don't want the baby to be in any danger.

Usually if the reason is breech, they don't assume that the next has to be c-section, except for the reluctance of doctors to do VBACs. I would talk to your husband, and have you two decide what you would prefer, and then talk with the doctor. Let him know your concerns - the main one being that this was sprung on you 4 weeks before the due date. If you do decide that it is a viable option, start calling doulas NOW. Can any family come up to visit, or at least meet you at the hospital if needed? Do you kids have friends that might have an understanding parent? Good luck!

Hi G.,
Lila is right; there was a report that I heard on NPR just this week that said that more doctors need to start considering VBAC -- that many women who have had a C-section in the past would be absolutely fine to have a VBAC for future pregnancies. The C-section rate in this country is staggering, and unnecessarily high.

I agree w/ the other moms who have said that your recovery time will be much longer and more difficult after the C-section and with no family around to help, how does that help you? And why are you scared of pushing? We are made to push that baby out! :) Listen, I had an epidural-free birth and was in labor for 36 hours. I wanted to avoid a C-section at all costs and I did. And I'd do it all over again the exact same way. I think if you start make preparations now for childcare (don't you have a friend that could watch your kids?) and you don't delay once you start feeling contractions, you can make it work.

Good luck to you!!

Hi G.,

I had the same problem. I was expecting a c-section, tried to have the baby naturally and then had the c-section anyway. (My husband is 6'7" and I'm 5'2" and there is some size difference as well as height so the doctor led me to believe that I HAD to have a c-section.) I was psyched for the c-section as well.

Find out what is required by the hospital where you will deliver. If you don't like their requirements, research other hospitals in the area. Sometimes the doctors talk in circles as well and if he's required to try a VBAC he won't tell you he's still on board with the c-section. Doctors will cover their backsides. I agree with your SIL to talk to your doctor... privately without the nurse in the room. You may be pleasantly surprised what he says when no one else is around.

G., there are benefits to the baby to have a vaginal birth. You should probably research those as well.

Congratulations on your little one! I know you and he/she will do fine!

M.