Any mom's out there have experience with VBAC?

[mtemm]

We had our son in Feb by an unexpected c-section...I only labored for 5 hours after having been induced all day. He was non-responsive all day so they were worried enough to say lets just get him out. Thankfully all was okay!

We're starting to think about #2, and while my dr. assured me that I was a great candidate for a VBAC, that doesn't help me much now that I have moved 6 hours away!

So now not only do I have to weigh the pros and cons, I need to hopefully find a dr. who will allow me to. Am curious as to those moms who did VBAC, either successfully or unsuccessfully, would you mind sharing your experience/insight/whatever you feel comfortable with?

In the off chance that anyone is in Syracuse, NY (ha!), any recommendations of dr.'s or hospitals? Or ones to stay away from?

TIA!

Marcia

 

[becka]

I wish I had some advice for you but I am in the same boat. I was very unhappy with my first birthing experience that ended up being an emergency c-section but I am thrilled with the end results so I am sure we will be looking at having another little one in the next few years.

I would love to have a VBAC and they say I am a good candidate but I have heard good and bad stories both ways. In fact it seems there is no middle ground when it comes to opinions on VBAC. I have read a little on the subject and you can usually find some good information in pregnancy/birthing books. They usually include a chapter on VBAC. I know our hospital also offers classes on VBAC...maybe a hospital near you has something similiar.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

My first DD was delivered by C-Section 14 years ago, due to fetal distress. She spent a week in special care nursery (I had a strep infection during labor). I was, and am, totally OK with the C-section...I was just thrilled she was OK...never felt like I missed anything, and the doctor, who I met in the LDR room, was WONDERFUL. Also, she weighed 10 lbs 1 oz, and I thought "Thank God! Who'd want to deliver a 10 lb baby?"

The Dr group I go to has midwives too. I was supposed to have a midwife delivery, but the midwife was with me during the C-section, which was wonderful and probably helped my having a positive attitude.

With the 2nd DD, since I was still seeing the midwives, there was no question about having a VBAC...they kept saying there was no reason not to deliver ******lly. I mentioned once or twice that I KNEW this 2nd kid was BIG and wasn't that a good reason for another C-section? Apparently not! I had a VBAC and DD#2 was 10 lbs 5 oz. I would love to say that the VBAC, esp with a midwife (NOT the midwife present at my C-section), was a wonderful experience, but it wasn't. Long story, but I think with another midwife it might have been. But DD was healthy and fine, and that's what really mattered.

3rd child, I switched back to seeing the Drs in the group, due to experience with first VBAC (and the WONDERFUL midwife who was at the C-section had left the group). I just about pleaded for a C-section. They all strongly told me that there was no reason for a C-section (terrible recovery from first VBAC didn't count I guess)...made me wonder "where ARE those doctors that insist on repeat C-sections?? Certainly not in THIS group!" Well, one doctor really cared how I felt, and we discussed my issues and negotiated on a few things, and I had another VBAC...DS weighed 11 lbs 5 oz...and I had a very good delivery and a very good recovery.

So...when it comes down to it...I'm all for VBACs. My first VBAC was an issue of the particular midwife and decisions she made. But I have to say, I never felt more bonded with my VBAC kids than with my C-section DD. The most important thing is to feel comfortable discussing all your questions and issues with your doctor/midwife.

 

[tennisnut]

I had a VBAC 11 years ago and was thrilled that I did.

As you can read from my posting name...I play a lot of tennis.
After my C-section. ( It was an emergency c-section and I was cut straight up and down but inside I was cut sideways). I STILL had no desire to play any tennis or any physical activity. I had gained a lot of weight with the first baby and was stunned that DD was not 50 pounds!!!
I discussed the posibility about a VBAC with my doctor and he was all for it. When I became pregnant the second time , he refered a dietitian and I kept my weight at a good level with no pre eclampsia. I was nervous as my sister just had her second child and tried a VBAC and STILL had another C-section.
I went to my doctor for my regular check up and he said everything was fine and that I probably had another week to go.
That night I went into labor during a U of Kentucky basketball game. I KNEW no one would come during the game so I stayed at home and tried to time the contractions. My labor the first time was pitocen ( nasty stuff) induced so I wasn't sure what real labor was. After the game, I decided to go on to the hospital and I was SEVEN CENTIMETERS!!! No turning back now. The doctor on call was nervous but I went to 10 quickly and my 8 lb 12 oz boy was born at 4am. Everything went swimmingly and he was perfect.
I felt so great after delivery , I was back on the tennis court in two weeks. I don't recommend for everyone but it worked for me.
I tell all of my buds to at least give a VBAC a try. The doctors know your history and will have everything ready just in case.
Hope this helps.
I am a pro VBAC er.
Susan

 

[mtemm]

ya know, Becka, I remember when my dr. told me she recommended a c-section I was so upset...not only for what I was going to experience then, but because it would complicate any future pregnancies.

At least if I was still with her, I would feel more comfortable...she is an outstanding dr. and I trust her completely. Same with the hospital.

I'm doing my VBAC research now...hoping to maybe get pregnant in the summer, so I'd like to have a good idea.

M.

 

[RitaZ.]

Marcia, I have had 3 c-sections; all performed by the same OB/GYN. The last one (DD) was planned/scheduled.

I never had any problems/ difficulties during pregnancy, but labor was a different story. In my case, my pelvic cavity was too narrow for the babies to pass through. We didn't find this out until DS#2. With my first son, I had an emergency c-section. After 7 hours of labor, my son was in distress (his heart rate was very low) which was made worse by pushing. Then the doctor tried to help me with forceps, but DS was not coming out. So, on we went with the emergency c-section. That was a painful recovery, after going through labor and then my first abdominal surgery.

Then when I became pregnant with DS#2, we discussed VBAC early on. My doctor felt that there was no risk involved for me or the baby. I was induced about 1 week before my due date and the pitocin had no effect on my cervix after 12 hours of trying. My doctor decided to do a c-section, and I remember him telling me how narrow my pelvic cavity was during the surgery. Even the anesthesiologist made a comment about it. I had an easier recovery this time.

Then when DD came along, we decided on a c-section. My doctor felt that it was the best choice given my history. The recovery was very easy with this c-section, I took Tylenol for pain relief.

I'm so glad I had the same doctor for all 3 of my pregnancies, we had a really good relationship. He knew my history well, so that was extremely helpful in making our decisions. My children were good size at birth (8 lbs+, DS#2 weighed 9 lbs. 3 oz.), so I'm sure that didn't help with my narrow cavity.

In my case, there was no way my babies were coming out ******lly. I never felt inadequate over having the c-sections or like I missed out on having a ******l birth. I'm very fortunate that c-sections were an option for me. BTW, all 3 incisions were horizontal (transverse) inside and outside.

The interesting thing is that my mom also had 3 c-sections, don't know the reasons though.

I think the success of VBAC depends on the reasons for your first c-section. If you really want to try, I'd suggest you get your medical records from your first pregnancy/birth and have your new doctor review them.

I don't really have much to share, other that my unsuccessful attempt. If you want any details, I'm a pm away.

Good luck!

 

[mtemm]

Thank you Maryann and T-nut!!! I love hearing stories...especially positive ones...because in my heart I really do want to VBAC. Not that I think I would bond any better with another baby than I did with Daniel...thats not it at all. I have come to terms with my c-section and know it was the best. My recovery was relatively easy...never needed anything more than advil. But I really would rather VBAC...I don't want to fear coughing, laughing, sneezing. I don't want to be scared to lay down in my own bed. I don't want to be in the hospital for 4 days (I left early). I want to be able to take care of my baby better. I want to feel my feet!!! I just hated that spinal.

Of course, when it all comes down to it, I just want another healthy baby someday!

I appreciate you sharing your stories!!!

M.

 

[mtemm]

thank you, Rita. You are right, I should definitely get my old records from my dr. In my case I do have a perfectly fine pelvic opening...so that shouldn't be an issue. It was all because we were worried about Daniel. I'm glad things worked out for you, regardless of how you had your children. I do wish I could have kept my dr.! And hospital! Of course, who knows where we will be if I am blessed to have another child, right?

Thank you for sharing!

M.

 

[Cubiclegirl]

I had a VBAC 12 years ago and wished I didn't. Between the induced labor, the spinal that took forever (it seems) to work, the forceps and many, many stitches, I was a mess. After my section, I felt fine in under a week. After the VBAC, I had pain for over 6 weeks. It was my idea though, so I only have myself to blame.

 

[mtemm]

so sorry, cubical girl! That doesn't sound like a very good experience.

I have been doing a lot of research, and everything I've read says not to induce a VBAC...so not planning to, unless I go more than 2 weeks over (keeping in mind I'm not even pregnant! LOL!)

M.

 

[bsnyder]

I also have a very narrow pelvis. Was shocked to have the Dr. tell me this on my very first OB visit with my first pregnancy, because I'm a big, tall gal, but apparently that doesn't always correlate with your internal bone structure. Dr. said we'd hope for a small baby and give labor a try.

After 8 hours of labor, enhanced by pitocin, they broke my water and discovered meconium, and immediately made the decision to do a section. DS was 9.5 pounds, so even without the meconium, the doctors said they doubted I'd have been able to have a ******l delivery.

Had two more deliveries, both were planned sections. I was not a candidate for ******l delivery with #2, as I had a complete placenta previa. By the time #3 came around, I figured I had the C-section thing down pat and would just stick with that. I never felt like I missed out on anything, other than more labor! In fact, I loved being able to pick the day, and have everything at home organized!

Good luck to you, M. Keep looking for a doctor that you feel comfortable with!

 

[mtemm]

Thanks Bet! I do like hearing positive section stories, too. You know, I just know the next little one is going to be breech and take this right out of my hands! LOL!

Marcia

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Originally posted by mtemm
I have been doing a lot of research, and everything I've read says not to induce a VBAC...

I was induced with my 2nd VBAC, without any problems at all. That was part of the negotiations with my doctor...since I was late with first two babies (14 days the first time, 8 days the 2nd) and they were so big, I was nervous (read "terrified") of having another big baby. I was induced two days late, and he still weighed 11 lbs 5 oz.

 

[JohnTBap]

VBAC was not an option I considered. I admire those who attempt it. {{{HUGS}}} for you.

 

[amid chaos]

I had a vbac, it was no big deal for me....no problems what so ever....go for it.

 

[bsnyder]

Marcia, I'll also say that with each progressive C-Section, my recovery got easier. The third one was a total breeze, compared to the first.

 

[mtemm]

thanks everyone! I just got off the phone with one of the 2 local hospitals that does maternity...talked with a very nice nurse who told me while VBACs have cut down, she still sees them done, which is good considering the current climate.

She also gave me names of 3 VBAC friendly practices in the area...gee, all this and I'm not even pregnant! LOL! I have no desire to do all of this research once I am, though. I was so tired last time during the 1st trimester that there is no way.

I appreciate all of your feedback. And its nice to hear that subsequent sections are usually easier to recover from in case my VBAC dreams aren't realized. I've heard that from several people now.

Marcia

 

[JohnTBap]

Oh yeah, without a doubt, the second C section was MUCH EASIER to recover from. The pain, for me, ended when he took those darn staples out!

 

[KimRaye]

I had VBAC with DD, now 5. It wasn't any problem whatsoever. Unlike what someone else said though, I was induced and, it wasn't a problem either. Both recoveries were about the same, not good or easy but, fine. The births were 10 years apart so, my age might've made a difference with that.

Best wishes!!

 

[mom2boys]

I had a VBAC. My first sounds like your first. Induced & labored for 15 hours. (Stupid nurse let me have soda - delayed everything by 4 hours.) Sent me for a sonogram - said DS was a "lazy fetus". His heart rate went down to 60 at one point. It all ended well.
17 months later I was hoping for another C section, but Docs insisted that I try a VBAC. I was terrified of the pain. It hurt & no one believed it was time until my water actually broke. I couldn't get an epidural because the anestesiologist didn't think I was far enough along. (DH wasn't brave enough to tell me that until much later - he said he couldn't find the man. I jumped the poor anestiologist when he finally showed up - too late) Let me tell you, the recovery was almost immediate. I was doing stairs the next day - it took 2 weeks with my C section. Having experienced both I would definitely go VBAC. Most insurance companies perfer it. (Mine now insists on an attempt but insurance dictating medical procedure is one for the debate board.)