Preparation Advice for a VBAC

I had a VBAC with my 2nnd, my 1st C-Section was because my daughter was breech. It didn't go well and I eneded up having the C-Section anyway. It was a mess and looking back I wish I had just gone for the C-Section.

As an L&D RN I have seen many successful VBAC deliveries. You are in a good position to delivery vaginally since you were already progressing well with your labor last time. Please do keep in mind that every delivery is completely different no matter what happened with previous births. My best advice is to plan on having a healthy baby no matter how he or she is delivered - the best outcome from delivery is what you're really looking for, not how you deliver......:)

You should be very excited. That is great that you can go VBAC. My son (1st child) turned and was breech so I had to go c-section. Then my 2nd child who was 9'3 was VBAC, I did have meds for that one. Then my 3rd well they said that they have found out that it was harmful and I should go c-section so I did. Now baby #4 well they told me alredy that I.m going c-section. It's to harmful with 2 c-sections. I just wished I tryed with the 3rd one. So if you had the chance to go VBAC do it. And when baby #3 comes do VBAC as long as you can. Lots of luck, and I will be thing of you.

It sounds like you are wonderful candidate for a vbac! I have had several clients go on to have a baby vaginally after 1 or more c-section births. If you haven't already, visit the International Cesearean Awareness Network online, they have great resources, and find a local chapter to join for support. Their leaders are a wealth of information!

Hi M. -

Have you thought of hiring a Doula? Studies show that there are decreases in nearly all intervention rates, including Cesarean. You might find these stats of interest:
~60% decrease in the use of epidurals
~50% decrease in cesarean section
~40% decrease in the use of oxytocin
~30% decrease in the use of forceps
~30% decrease in use of pain medication

...and decreases in the use of all other medical interventions such as internal exams, IVs, fetal monitors, and episiotomies.

A doula will help you remain calm and confident during birth. I highly recommend you consider this wonderful option.

You can locate a doula in your area by visiting:

www.alace.org
www.cappa.net
www.dona.org
www.motheringandmore.org
www.doulaguild.com
www.alldoulas.com
http://tristatedoulas.tripod.com

L. Leavy, CD, HCHI, CHt.
ALACE Birth Doula / Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor
Founder Mothering & More Birth Network
State Coordinator Operation Special Delivery, PA, NJ, DE
www.MotheringandMore.org
www.MySpace.com/Hypnosis4Childbirth

I had a c-section and went on to have a successful VBAC with my next delivery. It was one of the best decisions I made, so if it's a choice you want to make, I say go for it. I think the most important things is that you want to (obviously) have your doctor's support, which it sounds like you do. The major preparation that I did was to just talk to my OB about it at every pre-natal visit and ask lots of questions about what to expect. I also read lots of information online about VBACs. Some of it made me nervous, but I was also able to read lots of stories from real women about how they were so happy they went through it. That inspired me to stick with my desire to try for the VBAC.

My first was a c-section due to failure to progress. Her head never came down at all after 12 hours of labor and I never dilated past 3 cm in all that time, either. With my second, we tried for a VBAC but ended up with an emergency c-section due to complications with the baby's cord (he tied it in a knot and then wrapped it around his neck and then again around his body. both of these things are pretty rare and to have them together really rare from what i understand.) Our third, I elected to just have a planned c-section since I had 2 previous and other complications.

It sounds like you really didn't have any complications other than position of the baby. It, also, sounds like your doctor supports a VBAC. This being said, I would say go for it. I do NOT regret trying for a VBAC with my second. I will tell you that in the cases of a VBAC, they will monitor you a little more closely than a mom who has delivered vaginally before. This is because of a slight increase in some complications with the VBAC. However, having spoken to several women who have successfully had VBAC or multiple children vaginally after a c-section, I would recommend trying it to anyone. The only thing is that I would caution you to be prepared for another c-section should the necessity arrive. Plan for the VBAC but be prepared for either outcome.

Good luck. I hope you have a beautiful healthy baby boy and I hope that my experiences help a little.

I had a c-section the first time and waited 7years before my next child and was all ready to go for the VBAC. I had the family suport. But the doctors where not very strong with my decion. They where pushing for the c-section.

Onfurtanly I didn;t have the full suport that i needed. But i had a great healthy child. Just relax and let nature takes its course. Sounds like you will have the suport that you need.

Best of luck.

M.,
Congratulations on your planned VBAC! That is wonderful!

I was skimming over some of the advice here & it all looks great. I especially agree w/ reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth & definitely getting a doula. If you really can not afford one, you can get a volunteer, many times for free, if you email www.DONA.org for a list of doulas-in-training in your area.

I also suggest reading The VBAC Companion if you haven't already. It's really great!

IF you live in the Easton area, I do offer childbirth classes & volunteer to attend births too. (I'm training through ALACE).

Lastly, I suggest you contacting www.ICAN.org to see if there are any support groups in the area or if they can provide you w/ any further info. And I can not suggest reading "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer enough! GREAT book!!!!

IF you live anywhere within driving distance to Philly, The Maternal Wellness Center has VBAC support groups, etc... which, I'm sure, would be of great value. You can log onto www.MaternalWellness.com for more info.

I wish you the best of luck!!!!!!
A.

It really does sound like you are a good vbac candidate! I would suggest going to a support group to talk about your experiences and hear success stories too. There is one at the Midwife Center in the Strip District the second Wed. of each month at 7pm (the next one is April 9th). http://www.vbacsupport.org/

I would make sure your care provider is on board, and positive, with a vbac!

Read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. There are amazing, positive stories in that book.

Hiring a doula can be a great idea for more support as well!

Good luck! Having my vbac was one of the best experiences of my life!

I had a successful VBAC and here's what I think helped:
* read : The VBAC Companion: The Expectant Mother's Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean by Diana Korte - this book gave me so much useful information
* make sure your doctor supports VBACs (I switched to a midwives group in my 8th month! & had a doula, both were invaluable)
* do your kegels & perineal massage
* educate yourself, what are the risks & how to avoid them (again, the book helped me with this)
My VBAC lasted approx 22 hours, I only dialated 1 cen every 2 -3 hours but with the right info & people by my side, I delivered a beautiful, healthy baby girl & was able to walk out of the hospital with her 24 hours after she was born! Good Luck!