Anyone Had a VBAC?

I just had to respond.

6 months ago I had a very successful VBAC after 2 C-Sections (first one was twins and the second was an emergency because of heartrate problems). I found a doctor here in St. George, Utah that would do it. It can be risky, but with a doctor willing to be with you, it can be done. I actually quit seeing one doctor because she wasn't willing to do it. You have to fight for what you want. The doctor's are working for YOU! Remember that.

Hi Suzi! Congrats on your pregnancy!

My name is M., and I'm a Childbirth educator and the librarian for the local ICAN chapter. (International Cesarean Awareness Network -of southern nevada).

The previous posters are right, having a VBAC is doable, you have to be commited, do research, prepare yourself and have a birth team that supports you. THere are drs. in las vegas who are VBAC friendly. Most of them don't "advertise" it, because they want you to do the work to find them, and "plead" your case, so they know you're commited, you also have to look into staying home as long as possible, because drs don't find it appealing to have to 'labor sit' with you and shut their day time practice, which is why doulas are important for VBACs.

So your first step would be research. Research your reasons, research what you want, inform yourself with facts so that you can 'argue' for yourself, and not be a victim of 'scare tacticts'. If your dr. won't do it, find one that will. The biggest thing is that you have choices. You can choose to have your baby in the hospital, or at home (many people VBAC at home), you can have a hospital Midwife, or an OB.

I also strongly recommend a doula, and a good CBE class. To find both of those, check out www.birthyear.net. It's a great local birth organization. The meeting is this friday, the info will be on the website. At the meeting you could get a directory of providers, that would be a great start as well.

Another important thing to do is check out www.ican-online.org. Look through the research, the white papers, and check out their online community, it's a place where you'll learn TONS, though you have to take everything with a grain of salt.

You are also welcome to attend our meetings, every third friday of the month Contact me privately and I can give you a contact number for the meeting information. Here's the link to our 'yahoo group', which you can also join for support:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ICAN-online/

best of luck! with preparation and support, you can do it! and like i said, PM if you want any more of that info.

This is a little late in coming, but...

I had an awesome all-natural VBAC in January after a horrible, unnecesary induction & C/S in My '05!

I am 4 months pregnant and I too wanted to do VBAC. But my doctor said it wouldn't be wise. There is new research coming out about the subject that states the risks are too great. There is a reason most hospitals wont do VBAC. You put you and your baby at risk! There is also a chance you will have to have a hystorectomy. For me I didn't feel that the risks were worth the experience. There are few OB's and hospitals that will do VBAC anymore because of all the new info coming out on the subject. If you still choose to try for a VBAC make sure to research not only the pro's but also the cons so you are well aware of the risks too! Good luck and congrats! The most important thing is that you and your baby are healthy!
T.

My wife and I had 3 VBAC's without problem. Kaiser is such a large organization they have the power of numbers to show it is safe after proper screening. The key is a doc who is willing to give you a chance. There has to be a partnership with you, your husband and your doctor where there is a clear point to go to section if there is failure to progress or if there is any evidence of fetal distress.

Good luck!

I too am hoping to have a VBAC with my next birth. i had an emergency c-section with my first (8 years ago) and then a planned section with my second (2 1/2 years ago) since I was told a VBAC was not an option at the hospital i would deliver at. In the mean time i have done lots of research, only to find out that I should have never been FORCED into a repeat section just because it was more convinent for my doctor. Most doctors get paid three times as much to do a c-section and only have to spend a third of the time with you if it is planned instead of hanging around waiting for natural birth to take it's course. Definately research everything you can on the subject and then make the decision for yourself, without giving in to the scare tactics the medical field likes to use. I am seriously considering using a birthing center or birthing at home as i am having great difficulty finding a doctor who will 'allow' the VBAC. Another option is to just show up at the hospital in your area already in labor and refuse a section, no one can force you into an elective surgery against your will. Best of luck and I would love to hear how things work out.

J. :)

HI! I am in the process of preparing to have a VBAC. I really, really hope. I am 6 months pregnant. Somethings I've done: I asked around looking for a doctor with a reputation of VBAC success and believes that VBACs are possible and has a process that s/he follows to accomplish such success. I also wanted a doctor who is comfortable and advocates midwifery practices. I personally found mine via members of my local La Leche League chapter. My doctor delivers at our hospital's birthing center as well as the hospital itself (some places you might find the best doctor). My doctor wanted my medical records for the first delivery, we talked about why I had a C-section and she gave me a physical exam looking for issues such as a small pelvic opening etc. in order determine if I had a good chance to have a successful VBAC. I also read "The VBAC Companion" which basically helped guide me via various woman's accounts and advice. In addition, I am looking for an experienced doula who has experience in advocating for her client in addition to a big bag of "tricks" to help you through unlike my first doula.

Good luck!

Almost 10 years ago I had to have my second C section, my Dr. wanted me to try a VBAC. Because my hips never shifted, for both of my pregnancies, I knew my body was telling me not to. Both of my boys were over 9 1/2 lbs each.

Make sure that your Dr. supports your choice and does not force you to have a C-section... if I was able to have natural birth 10 years ago I would have, as well as 19 years ago.

Congrats!

As far as how to "approach the subject", simply tell your care provider that you want a VBAC. They can provide information on locations that will allow you to have a VBAC (many hospitals do not allow VBAC as their malpractice insurance would cost too much if they did allow them) as well as the risks involved.

I had a c-section with my second son and wanted a VBAC for my new baby. I had to drive over an hour to see a midwife in Portland, as the only hospital in my city does not allow VBAC. However, my new son was breech and remained so until delivery day. I was unable to have a VBAC.

I have to disagree with the person who responded that you are not giving birth when you have a c-section. I take high offense to that. Good for any woman who can have all vaginal deliveries or a successful VBAC, but it doesn't make you any more of a woman, makes you no more evolved, no more a mother to have your children vaginally. Shame on anyone who feels that way.

Good luck and I wish you a successful delivery!

Yes you can have a VBAC!! Definitely look up those books & websites that have already been recommended to you. Get a good doula & even a midwife. HAppy birthing

There is nothing wrong with a VBAC, but many doctors don't want to do them because they have to be by your side from the moment you go into labor until you give birth. Few doctors in Las Vegas will do them, talk to your doctor and see what he says.