Seeking Advice from Moms Who Have Had or Tried to Have a VBAC.

B.,

From my experience, all the VBAC pushers can be a little over the top. They make you feel like a failure and a gullible wimp if you end up with a C, like the evil medical doctors tricked you into it. I think there needs to be a balance between the natural child-birther people and Western meds. Because some doctors think that the doulas are nuts.

Women used to die in childbirth all the time and C-sections have saved a lot of babies and their moms. On the other hand, OB-GYNs don't want to get sued, but they also go for the safest method that will keep you and baby alive. So ask you dr exactly why you had to have the C-section, take a doula with you to the hospital if you want, try for the V-bac, and if it doesn't work out, be grateful for your healthy baby and don't feel like a failure or cheated. Be happy for modern medicine. If I hadn't have had my 2nd Csection, I could have lost my life!

Marci

Me too! After a very long labor and for very serious reasons I ended up with c-section...not what I wanted since up until I went into the operating room I was medication/epidural free. That's how things ended up. I made my peace with it.

With #2 I was ambivalent about VBAC or another c. He ended up breach and another csection was really the only option. Frankly, it was a big relief to know when/where/how I was having a baby since the last experience was so rotten. The first one blazed a trail through my body and the second came tumbling after. It's how I look at it now.

My only advice is whatever life throws at you for the birthing experience, make your peace with it. What truly matters is the baby and each moment you spend with them from there on out. Please don't dwell on 'what could have been'; experience the joy in the here and now.

I know several moms who ave had VBACs. The overwhelming impression I get when I talk to them is that they had to put a lot of careful effort into planning and preparing for their birth (and choosing providers carefully, too, sometimes interviewing several), but they all feel it's totally worth it. I notice several of them have taken Bradley Method classes and hired doulas to help them have a non-surgical birth. If you're looking for information and support, I siggest contacting ICAN. They are a terrific resource for anyone considering a VBAC. I think their site is www.ican-online.com.
Congratulations on your baby, and congratulations on being such a proactive mother. My sincerest best wishes to you.

LOL well you can do it either way as long as the baby cooperates. I had to have a c-section for my first (he was almost 10lbs and I was pushing for five hours an OBGYN was called in and after checking no way his head and shoulders were going through with out breaking my bones) and like you felt cheated and heartbroken. For the second I decied to schedule a c-section so I would be prepared and not have to worrie about any let down. I was supposed to have a c-section on a Friday I was having "false" labor all day Tuesday LOL. By the time I realize it was not "false" labor and got to the hospital I was fully dialated my water broke as they put me on the bed and ten min. later my daughter was born early on Wednesday morning. I would say what ever you choose prepare for the other as well because nothing ever goes as planned. I did panic durring most of my daughters delivery (thank god it was short) because I was not prepared at all. My Doctor jokes with me that I really didn't have a VBAC but a failed c-section LOL.

Hi B.,

I successfully had a VBAC with my daughter. What made it successful for me was finding a supportive care provider (asking lots of questions!) and choosing a hospital that has a decent VBAC rate. I also hired a doula and stayed home as long as possible to give myself the best chance (I went in and was already 8 cm). I armed myself with positive birth stories and information- my favorite book by far is Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) has meetings the first Tuesday of the month in Denver, and is a wonderful support group.

If I had to do it again I would have a home birth (unfortunately the Mountain Midwifery Birth Center cannot do VBACs due to insurance reasons, but you can legally do a home birth), but obviously you have to be well informed and committed to home birth for that option.

Please feel free to contact me if you want to talk about it- I am more than happy to share my story and resources.

All my best,
J.

I had a wonderful (med-free) VBAC experience in late August. It was truly awesome and I hope to never have another c-section again!

I really feel that the right support is key. Make sure you *really* know your hospital's policies and your medical provider's stance on vbac. I also really recommend a doula. If I had a doula with my first birth, I truly believe I would not have had my c-section (in hindsight it was totally unnecessary - there was NO fetal distress or good reason for it, but it was 1 am and my doc was tired). And even if you do need a repeat c-section, having a doula there will ensure that you truly understand the reason for it and that YOU feel confident that it's the best option.

Good luck! It is true that c-sections can save lives, but they can also end them and in my opinion should not be used as casually as they are today.

Check out this site: http://vbacfacts.com/

Hi B.! I am a doula who has worked with several women to have successful VBAC's. I invite you to check out my website and read some stories! www.birthfirstdoula.com

B.!
CONGRATS on the little bambino/a! I feel your pain... I was in labor for about 12 hours with my first daughter and it was the same thing- all the sudden we went from slow labor to it being an emergency and 20 minutes later she was out. I lost control of my limbs with the epidural and so I didn't get to hold her for like 3 hours after!
With my 2nd pregnancy I decided to do everything different. The first thing(that I'd HIGHLY recommend) is hiring a doula. Not sure if you're local, but I have a GREAT reference for you in SLC if you are. I was 10 days late with my second one, and did about 20+ hours of natural labor. Sadly, it still ended in c-section, my baby in the NICU, and my previous c-sec scar on my uterus torn. HOWEVER, I'd still do it ALL over again the same exact way. The experience was one of the most liberating and empowering things I've ever gone through. There were a lot of complications with the labor and delivery, and it certainly was not normal. My OB is the department head for the U of Utah hospital and he said he's never seen a labor like that. I had contractions that lasted 7 minutes, and was in "transition" for 5 1/2 hours. It was really intense, but again, so incredible and empowering and inspirational. It was my doula, my husband and a few midwives. Intimate, safe, and every decision was made by me. I loved it.
Anyway, I won't babble anymore, but truly believe that going for a VBAC(even if it "fails") was the best decision for me!
*Oh, and my sweet baby was a little girl who is now almost 2! Healthy as can be and full of energy!

Lots of good advice here already, but I have to add that my unmedicated VBAC was and is still very important to me, and a hugely satisfying and empowering experience!! Good for you for setting this as your intention. Three things that helped me immensely...Hypnobabies for childbirth(and Yahoo group), thoroughly educating myself, including risks, benefits, statistics, etc., and finding a supportive care team. I learned so much about myself and childbirth through the entire process and the experience will stay with me as one of my most cherished memories. Congratulations and good luck to you and your family!

B.,
Congratulations on your new pregnancy!
My first son was born via C-section after a long a difficult labor. I was disappointed of course especially since I had hoped for a natural birth. I had done all kinds of reading and hired a doula. My labor went wonderfully with no medication until I started pushing and my son would just not progress! I found out later he was turned the wrong way- and I also have a very narrow pelvis. So put those two things together, and he was just not going to come out. The doctor was very kind after the delivery. He explained what happened and answered my questions. Despite my disappointment, I was (and still am) incredibly grateful that my delivery ended safely and my son was perfect. He is now 2 years old.
Fast forward to today: I just had a successful VBAC 2 weeks ago. I knew from the moment I had my first son that I wanted to attempt a VBAC, and I am glad I did. My labor went very smoothly. I had the epidural at about 7 cm dilation. I pushed for 3 hours (due to the narrow pelvis). This baby was positioned correctly and it was amazing when he was born. I got to hold him immediately. Like you, I had to wait with my first one- very different experience. The only complication was that I tore quite badly. I had been expecting to have some tearing but not to that degree. (Boy was I glad I had the epidural!) So the recovery has been different this time around. The whole experience was very worth it. I recommend that you find a Dr. with a high VBAC success rate. I chose my doctor carefully, and I am glad I did. He was totally behind my desire to have a VBAC and proved it during the delivery. It would have been nice to have a doula with this birth, but finances wouldn't allow it and thankfully my husband and I make a great team. You need to have great support, and like other people have said, just embrace your experience no matter how it ends up. My two births were very different, but in the end, both ended with healthy babies and nothing is more important than that. I went in knowing that if I ended up with another C-section it would be ok. Best of luck with your decision. whatever you decide you will do great!

Hi B.! I just want to encourage you that no matter what you decide, birth in any way shape or form is "empowering". I have never had a C-section but I don't consider my 2 natural births more empowering than a mom who goes through a C-section.

It bothers me greatly when pro-vbac moms use that term because it implies that whoever doesn't give birth naturally without medications is weak.
My first birth was a harrowing story and I nearly lost my son. I would much rather have had a c-section to save our family the pain. Thankfully our son is alive and healthy but not because of "natural" childbirth.

Good luck on your decision! Remember, the birthing "experience" is but a moment in the life of your child. Don't let anyone make you feel "cheated" out of an ideal birth experience, you will have time to bond and be a family no matter what the circumstance.
Congratulations on your growing family!

I haven't read all the responses, but I would say that it would depend on the reasons for the emergency c-section and whether or not your hospital allows them (so many aren't allowing them right now).

My c-section was due to the fact that he couldn't enter the canal after 6 hours of labor. I also didn't get to see him for awhile because he was in the NICU. I hated that I didn't get to hold him immediately, but I also understood. Afterwards, learning that they didnt' recommend a VBAC for me, I made my peace with the fact that the birthing was natural up to that point, so for the most part, I got to experience all the labor and pushing, and if he had to go to the NICU, I'm sure I would have had the same separation.

My new OBGYN asked if I wanted a VBAC, when I told him why I had my first, he also said that it isn't recommended. I do plan, though, to find out all the rules of c-sections - the normal, scheduled kind - so that I know what I am getting into and can make my birth plan accordingly. I want to know when I can see/hold the baby and nurse.

I would love to do the VBAC, but I also want what is best for this baby, and after seeing the huge bruise on my son's head, I would rather not do that again if that is the expected outcome, and especially want to avoid an inevitable emergency c-section.

i had a c section with my first baby - i pushed for 3 hours and was in labor for 12 total, he was posterior positioned and he was stuck - also he was big 8lb 9 oz for a first baby so i had an emergency c section.

i didnt feel cheated in any way out of the birthing experience coz i like you - experienced a lot of it!

with my second baby of course the doc recommended a c section again - i went along with it because you think doc knows best, plus i did NOT want to go through another labor like my first i was scared.
but my daughter had other ideas, she came after 3 hours of easy labor, i only just made it to the hospital, in fact 20 mins after i got there she was born with no meds or any kind of intervention.

it was so much easier this time around, she was a smaller baby 7lbs 10 oz - and i would really try and limit the amount of wieght you put on and your fat intake and try not to have to big of a baby.

I would second the recommendation to checkout www.ican-online.com it is a great resource. I am a midwife and have done many VBACs at home and birth centers. It is truly safe, having multiple csec can be very dangerous. Often times csec are done for no good reason... doc is tired, doesn't want to be sued, etc. There are however times that we are very thankful for the modern technology.
Do a lot of research, ask for your charts and go over it with another medical professional (midwife, or another doc with a LOW csec rate) this will give you insight into the reason for your csec. Take charge of your care and decide what you are most comfortable with, don't be bullied by anyone.. your birth will be great!! Congratulations on your pregnancy!
S.

I had a VBAC & LOVED it! My docs pushed for one & were actually kind of excited that I wanted one so much. My first was also emergency c-section due to fetal distress. It was totally not what I'd expected & I felt kind of cheated too-like I didn't really get to delivery my baby.
My c-section was emergency but routine & I had no complications afterward. They were all confident that I could have a VBAC w/no issues (military hospital, I saw whoever in the clinic had an appt open-by my choice).
I was due 11 Nov & since Baby 2 just wasn't coming, I opted for a scheduled c-section rather than an induction the day before Thanksgiving (they couldn't guarantee I'd be w/my other son on Tksgiving & Dad was deployed, thus my choice). Thankfully, he finally decided to show-the day before surgery was scheduled. Actually it was about 16 hours before!
I went in w/contractions, we hung out for 10 hours before he was born-contractions slowed & sped up. I got pitocin & it did help but we mainly just watched & waited-everything was normal & baby was in no danger & everything was still safe for a vag delivery so we just waited on him. I was on my 3rd bag of epidural fluid when he was born. Friends told me I'd know I was ready to push when I felt like I had to poop (c-section mommies don't know these things). The nurse had to teach me to push (silly sounding, but again, didn't have that experience before)-she said the Hollywood push will make baby crawl back up in. My next push sounded a lot more cow-like (we audio taped it for hubby & my sis & I listened to it later-it was FUNNY to hear!) & he shot out. But as soon as I'd delivered I guess I asked to get up & walk around. I hadn't even delivered the placenta yet, so they made me wait, but I felt good enough w/in minutes of delivery to attempt walking. It was 4 days of contractions (I didn't progress though), 10 hours of hospital L&D room (went in @ 3cm), 2 pushes & 2 stitches & an 8lb 12 oz redhead.
I hope you're able to have a VBAC-it wasn't only a really "womanly" experience, but I felt 300% better postpartum than after my c-section. When I left the hospital, I felt okay to move around, was okay going & doing-my Dad & I made a quick trip to Walmart 3 days postpartum.
Best of luck to you! If you find a doc who isn't 100% supportive of your decision-find another. Message me if you'd like any more info.

first - be sure to really question, question your doc. my doc was fantastic but he really didn't give me a completely fair picture of the two sides. even though he had the highest VBAC rate in the city, I felt like he still had lawyers looking over his shoulder coloring his words. Ok, now that that's off my chest....

Go VBAC all the way if you can. My first was emergency C and it was months and months before I felt normal. in part because the C section didn't go normally and I was on the table for 2 hours. But even w/ a normal C section it is MAJOR surgery with cuts through the abdominal wall and that just takes a long time to heal. My second was VBAC w/no drugs and I felt better at 3 days than I did at 3 months with my first. while it was wonderful to nurse my daughter within moments of birth the much bigger advantage to the VBAC was that I could still lift, play, etc with my toddler and I had so much more energy than I would have after a major surgery with any kind of anesethia. also, my milk came in w/in 24 hours rather than 4 days. from the reading I've done, those two time frames are very consistent w/natural birth versus c-section/anesethia births. obviously quicker milk is better for the baby.

do lots of research - there's a number of good books out there.

I'd also strongly recommend hiring a doula. she made all the difference in keeping me drug free through my VBAC and making it a wonderful experience despite the really cranky L&D nurse.

in the end, don't beat yourself up for either decision. make your peace with it and move on and enjoy your kids growing up. good luck.

I have heard of a lot of people having a successful VBAC. I think you should talk with your doctor to get his/her opinion. Depending on the reason you had a C-section, things might be totally different with this pregnancy. Now would be the time to try, b/c I hear you can't try for a VBAC if you have had 2 or more C-sections. Best of luck.