Vbac?

[DWhittles]

Ladies,
has anyone here been through VBAC?
I had a C-Section with Patrick and my first instinct is go for the C-Section again with the new baby.
I do want to explore my options though as the above decision is made on doing no research into VBAC and not knowing the risks or the upside to it.
Thanks!
Diana

 

[ahutton]

You should discuss with your OB. Often they want you to have a certain number of months they recommend you wait before trying a VBAC - that would be the first question I would ask. I have the opposite situation - I had CSection after 2 Vbirths!

 

[Southern4sure]

My first delivery was an emergency c-section. I second was a v birth.

Southern4sure

 

[jel0511]

I had a c-section with my first and a VBAC with my second. Personally, both were equally challenging to do and recover from, though in different ways. With my VBAC, it took me about 6 weeks to feel completely normal again, though I did end up with a 3rd degree tear, though had TONS of stitches. I felt more myself immediately after the VBAC, and the discomfort immediately afterwards was MUCH better than my c-section. I did end up with an infection of my incision after my c-section, so it did take me about 12 weeks to fully recover from them re-opening my incision a week after. If I were to have a third (and I'm not) I'd probably go with a VBAC, only because with other kids in the house, it will be much easier, since I wouldn't have any limitations on lifting and holding ANYTHING. That is something to consider with another child. With a c-section, you're really not supposed to lift anything that weighs more than the infant for about 2 - 3 weeks, and that might be a problem with a toddler in the house. I really can't say which one was better than the other, since IMO both were equally great and horrible at the same time, though in different ways.

 

[DWhittles]

You should discuss with your OB. Often they want you to have a certain number of months they recommend you wait before trying a VBAC - that would be the first question I would ask. I have the opposite situation - I had CSection after 2 Vbirths!

I didn't know that! I'll have to ask my Dr. about it when I see him next.
With a few months to go till I give birth, I've been thinking more and more about VBAC and part of me thinks I'm completely off my rocker after having done 15 hours of induced labor with PJ and not dialating more than 5 cms and no effacement.
Part of me also feels like I really missed a HUGE HUGE part of the whole birthing process having a C-Section.

 

[amid chaos]

Check with your hospital (or your Dr will know)...many are refusing to do VBACs due to increased insurance costs. the hospital where I had a VBAC is not doing them anymore.
Due to this, many women are finding it's not their choice anymore.

 

[jel0511]

I didn't know that! I'll have to ask my Dr. about it when I see him next.
With a few months to go till I give birth, I've been thinking more and more about VBAC and part of me thinks I'm completely off my rocker after having done 15 hours of induced labor with PJ and not dialating more than 5 cms and no effacement.
Part of me also feels like I really missed a HUGE HUGE part of the whole birthing process having a C-Section.

I have to say as a former VBAC person, who did a TON of research, based on your "stats" I'd definately recommend a c-section for you. When I was debating c-section vs VBAC, I had many discussions with my OB about it. My reason for my first section was due to my DD being breach. My OB said that that was a reason to try VBAC, becasue I didn't have any known problems with failure to progressing. He said that if my first section was because of failure to progress, he always recommends a second section then, since most likely it will occur again, causing undue stress to both mother and child.

 

[missypie]

My first two kids came via scheduled c-section (11lbs and 10lbs). The Dr. said if I'd ever have a "normal" sized baby, I could have a VBAC. DD was 8lb. 9 1/2 oz and I delivered her. Yes it was painful BUT when it was over it was over...they asked if I wanted FOOD instead of being on an IV, then on soft foods, etc. for days. I felt great afterwards.

I will tell you,however, that some hospitals absolutely won't permit them, for liability purposes.

 

[DWhittles]

I have two options for hospitals. I'll check with my Dr. on the policies of both.
I am worried though after the experience with PJ that I'll have the same thing all over again and end up with a C-Section anyway.
The reason the C-Section seems so nice to me is that it will be scheduled and I can make plans for PJ and our dog and family can KNOW when this baby is coming and not have to rush around like crazy folks when I call to tell them I'm in labor.
So those of you who have had scheduled C-Sections, what can you tell me about them?

 

[mtemm]

I did so much research on VBAC...I knew I wanted one since I walked in to the OR with my son (he was non-responsive and they were worried about him which caused my section). there is a certain number of months between pregnancies that they recommend (less stress on uterus) in order to VBAC. there are many other things...why you had your section in the first place, avoiding induction, education on the subject, will to do it, etc. I was told by my midwife on our first meeting when I was first pregnant with my second that I was a prime candidate, something I already knew. of course, it still wasn't meant to be...we found out it was twins at 15w6d...twins made me iffier on it. I certainly didn't want to VBAC one and still have a section for the other. eventually they were both breech and stayed that way, so I ended with a section after all.

the biggest plus with a scheduled section is that first you know pretty much what to expect, and also you can schedule it...easy to arrange someone to watch your other children, its during the day so the exhaustion factor is minimal. there are other things...gotta run, my 10 month old is wailing. good luck!!!

 

[Jeafl]

My second and third kids were both VBACS. My first was c-section because she was breech, so my doctor encouraged me to try VBACS. They were both much easier recoveries than the c-section. I got a bad infection in my incision and the doctor had to rip out all stitches and have DH pack the incision with gauze and hydrogen peroxide several times a day. It was NOT fun.

To be honest, I'd discuss your options with a doctor. From past threads on this issue, people feel very strongly on both sides of the issue. It just might confuse you more!

 

[jel0511]

I got a bad infection in my incision and the doctor had to rip out all stitches and have DH pack the incision with gauze and hydrogen peroxide several times a day. It was NOT fun.

OMG!!! That's the EXACT thing that happped to me with my incision!! It truly was awful, and I had to keep it packed and covered for almost 8 weeks after then re-opened it.... I can't believe I've finally "met" someone who went through the same thing I did. WOW!

 

[Jeafl]

OMG!!! That's the EXACT thing that happped to me with my incision!! It truly was awful, and I had to keep it packed and covered for almost 8 weeks after then re-opened it.... I can't believe I've finally "met" someone who went through the same thing I did. WOW!

I only had to keep mine packed for about a month, but it was horrendous. DH still talks about how the peroxide "sizzled" when it hit the inside of the incision. I really think he was traumatized! I'm also traumatized everytime I look at the scar that had to heal from the inside out instead of the outside in!

 

[marlasmom]

My daughter had the same problems with her incision after a gastric by-pass. She is a nurse and knew how to take care of it - but still had a visiting nurse come in for about a week to pack the incision. My younger daughter is having a baby due February 14 and will probably have a c-section because the baby is breeched and the doctor is saying because of the age of the pregnancy and the straight up and down position of the baby the liklihood that it will turn is minimal, although several people have said on here that their babies turned at the last minute.

I am amazed to hear that doctors are refusing to do v births. It seems so much less risky to me than having major surgery. Please tell me more about this. However as my daughter said, it doesn't really matter how the baby comes out - what matters is a healthy baby and a healthy mother.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

I chose a c-section for second child for
1.scheduling convenience since i know had a first child to care for and DH traveled a lot.
2. Concerns about my body since it was having problems just from being pregnant without strain of v birth. (Think 2 minor surgical procedures and Prep. H)
3. Figurered since failed to progress first time it would happen again.

But i was shaking from nervousness walking into OR for 2nd c-section wheras for first i was so relieved to be going into OR after 24 hours of labor and vomiting after every contraction.

Hope all goes well.

 

[mermaidlady]

I VBAC'ed my 2nd and 3rd. Oldest was breech. I had no problems with any of them. My OB did say to wait a year to get PG again so the incision heals well

 

[beattyfamily]

I had a scheduled C-section 'planned' for my first as she was breech but it didn't work out that way as my water broke the Saturday before it was planned. I got to experience some contractions all night before the C-section in the morning.

Second child I deicded to experience a v birth. My doctors were very supportive. I did it with no problems except that I felt EVERYTHING. My two epidurals didn't work. I had a third epidural after the birth just to sew me up!

I'm glad I was able to experience both. You just never know what's going to happen with each birth. Even with a scheduled C-section your baby may have other plans!

Each experience has it's pros and cons. Recovery was faster with a v birth. Both have pain but the C-section was AFTER. C-section is major surgery which I don't take lightly and is one of the reasons I chose to try v birth the second time.

Good luck deciding.

 

[transparant]

Being a doula I've done TONS of successful vbac deliveries. As a matter of fact in the past year alone I've done 14 vbac's and not one ended up needing another c-section. The hospital where I work is very pro-vbac so their percentage of successful vbac deliveries is very high as well. Not to push my profession on you - but having a professional childbirth assistant (doula) with you increases your chances having a successful ******l delivery quite a bit. Just something to think about if delivering ******lly is something you really want to achieve. There are other things that you can do to help avoid a c-section...if you want I can pass the information along.

Heather

 

[mrsltg]

Here's my perspective...

Dierdre was born by scheduled c-section because of size - she just wasn't going to fit. Oddly enough, the day I was scehduled for the C, I went into labor. They had me labor for a little while to soften(?) the uterus. The doc was very happy that I was in labor as she said it made things a little easier.

I was devastated by having a c-section. I felt like I had done nothing to get Dierdre here. I laid on a table, numb, and my baby was taken from me. I was loopy from the anesthesia, and it was just a very upsetting situation. I went into recovery and my arms were no longer numb so I could hold her. The problem was that I had a reaction to the spinal and I started scratching so hard that I was makign myself bleed. I was given lots of Benadryl and it made me tired. I was up and moving about 12 hours later. I didn't really sleep while I was in the hospital and I couldn't wait to get home. My recovery was pretty easy and I was able to manage with nothing but ibuprofen for pain. I really felt that I missed something by not having a "normal" delivery.

I was able to VBAC with my son. This was my great goal. The difference between a ******l delivery and a c-section as far as recovery was amazing. I was up and walking about 90 minutes after delivering Patrick. I was fully aware and cognizant the entire time. This was very important as he had passed away in utero and I wanted time to be with him and to hold him. I feel as though this was something that we did together, and I feel as though I actually *gave* birth to him.

I am now expecting my third. My great hope is that I can deliver naturally with this baby too, but it's a whole new ball game given my history. Frankly I don't care how this baby comes out, as long as it comes out crying. I guess what I am trying to get at here is this... yes, a natural delivery is a wonderful thing. If you can deliver that way I highly recommend it. If you can't, don't beat yourself up. Do what it takes to get your baby out healthy.

Good luck!

Erin

 

[6_Time_Momma]

I had a c-section with my first and then 6 vbacs, with 5 of them induced. Loved having v-bac instead of section!