Trying to Decide Between VBAC or C-section

My mother-in-law had a VBAC and was really happy to have her last child vaginally. She said that her c-section took a long time to recover from. Either way, there is recovery time.
Ultimately, it is up to you.

My first baby was born with an emergency c-section and I choose to have the section by C-section too. My doctor told me you are successful with a vaginal delivery after c-section only 15% of the time and if you try and don't succeed you have to recover from the labor and the C-section. Also, based on the second C-section, it is a much easier recovery than the 1st. My friend tried to do a VBAC and was unsuccessful and her recovery was much more difficult than mine. It is a personal choice so you should choose what is best for you.

Youv'e gotten so many great responses already! I had a c-section & then a natural birth. They were night and day experiences. Every woman on Earth can tell every detail of their birthing experience. It really does affect who we are and how we feel about ouselves. My Doula told me that the main reason women feel bad about their birthing experienmce is because they had to give up their power to someone else instead of it being a moment of empowerment. Our bodies KNOW what to do. We do not need a doctor to tell us how to have a child. #1 it is your choice. #2 There are risks with both choices #3 Use a Doula they will be YOUR advocate & help you with pain management (there was a huge difference when I used pain management and when I just had a contraction)#4 You already have the answer in your heart. Follow it. God bless you and your little angel.

A.
http://littleangelsinhomechildcare.com

I am Kymberli, and I have had SIX VBACs after my first csection/baby. It was also do to "fetal distress", but that was because I was being induced and he wasn't ready to come.

First off, you need to get the book Silent Knife. You can get that from the library even. The drs tell you about the chance of rupture in hopes that they can get you to set a date, and they won't be called in the middle of the night, and the anesthesiologist doesn't have to wait there all night. It costs them more to wait for a VBAC, and the insurance pays it all as a regular delivery. Insurances needs to start paying more for the safer option. Csection gets them more money too, with much less time. And, if you don't think the OB isn't run like a business, it certainly is. But, that isn't what you asked.

You need to be the advocate for your health and that of your baby. A VBAC is MUCH safer than a repeat csection. You have a half percent chance of rupture if you are NOT induced. Double that if you are, which I would stay away from. If for whatever reason you have to be, and it is your only option for health reasons (if you go 3+ weeks overdue, baby size, etc), then make sure they do NOT use cytotec, because that would give you a much higher rate for complications. I would take a repeat over using that stuff.

Of course, you could homebirth, get a midwife for home, etc. That is always an option. I would guess that even though you had issues getting pregnant, doesn't mean your pregnancy can't go smooth. OBs are learned in all the things that can go wrong, as midwives are too, but midwives expect it will all go fine. And, that is how they treat. There is lots of info online about homebirth.

Also, it isn't just the mother that VBAC is safer for. Babies are meant to be born vaginally, because it squeezes all the fluid out of their lungs so they have less breathing problems. The brain is actually stimulated when it has been molded, that babies tend to be smarter, and the hormones that are released in birth, between mother and child, aid in bonding. The pain actually releases the love hormones for the mother, so there is a reason to it. Although you could opt for an epi, but one thing can lead to another.

I would say do whatever you can to educate yourself on the TRUTH of VBAC and how safe it is. You want a safe normal delivery, then you can do that. I had to fire a MW that delievered in the hospital because of some red flags, and thankfully I did, because that boy was 26 days late. He was 9 lbs and born in the water at home, and everything went great. That was baby number 5, 4th VBAC. Go with your gut, and if you choose the hospital, stay away from ALL interventions, including the stupid heplock, so that you can assure safety and the desire you have to come to pass.

Most of all, get the book.

I had almost the same exact situation as you are in. I was 31 and had a urgent c-section with my daughter because her heart rate was dropping (the cord was wrapped around her neck) 21 months later I chose to do a vbac with my son. I was really nervous about that decision, so I can appreciate your concerns. My final decision came when I asked my aunt, a labor and delivery nurse. She recommended a vbac. Since that was someone who loved me and I trusted, I took her advice. Boy, am I glad I did! I recovered so much better from the vaginal birth (I did have an epidural, though) 10 minutes after the birth, I was talking on the phone! WIth my c-section, I was worthless for 12 hours immediately afterward. Since the size of the baby and my own pelvic structure were not a problem, I think the vbac was the best decision I made. I pray that you will do what is best for you and your baby and that no matter what you choose, everyone will be healthy. Good luck!

I'm having that same debate myself. I need to find out if my OB will even consider it, although she's pretty cutting edge, so I imagine she would if the hospital allows it. My first labor (2 years ago when I was 32) was only 12 hours and I had an epidural so it was going along famously when the baby's heart rate dropped due to the intensity of the contractions I was having. My OB tried everything, but finally we decided the safest thing for the baby was to do a C-section. The dr's did a great job, but it was a terribly difficult recovery for me. I am dreading having another one, but I also have fears about a VBAC. I talked to a girl whose in-laws are malpractice lawyers and had horrible stories of things happening. But then I have a friend whose friend had to travel 90 miles in CA to get to a town where she could have a VBAC and said it was completely worth it. My friends who have had multiple C-sections have told me that the recovery the second time is much easier, but I still have no desire to go through it again. Of course, I haven't gone through regular labor either - maybe I would feel the same way about that. :) Something I read is that there is some research being done about the thickness of the scar determining the safety of a VBAC and its success rate. Maybe that's something you can ask your dr. about. Sorry I don't have any more solid advice. Let us know what you end up doing! Good luck!

I had my first daughter when I was 23 by emergency c-section. My second, at 27, I tried to have naturally but after hours of hard labor my body just was not cooperating and I had to have another c-section. Can't answer your question exactly BUT if you were put completely out with the first and have the option to be awake for the second if you have to have another it IS much easier to get over it if you stay awake. I was scared to death to do it but my husband and dr. talked me into because it is safer and I bounced back much faster.

No one can decide for you, but I'm in a similar situation except that I did deliver my first child vaginally. I read a lot, and have done as much researching as I can, along with talking it over extensively with my Dr. Most sources agree that having a previous vaginal delivery make your chances better for success. I would also be concerned about that 15-20 minute emergency c-section. Mine was for fetal distress, and they had him out in under 3 minutes. My hospital (St. John's Mercy) in St. Louis is equipped to handle anything. Just make sure yours is. Good luck! I understand your desire completely, and I'm hoping for a VBAC too!

M. I have no experience with a C-section although they were pretty sure my second was going to end up going that way as she was over 10lbs at birth. Both of my pregnancies were vaginal and I'd tell you I would have had more kids if delivery hadn't been so bloody miserable. I never got an epidural or any pain meds for either of the deliveries and was utterly miserable. As much as the C-section scared me the pain of child birth was even worse.

On my second pregnancy they induced me (not thinking it was actually going to work)...well the nurse left and said she'd come back in 30 minutes and "wink wink" call it and give me the epidural...my husband was out badgering her at 15 minutes telling her the baby was coming...it wasn't until one of the techs told her to move her butt that she realized the baby was crowning! She asked me if I was pushing and I informed her as politely as I could that since she couldn't see fit to give me the medications I had asked for, the only way the pain was going to stop was by getting my daughter out! LOL...

My first pregnancey was at 31 and my second 17 mos later at 33. The best advice I can give you is to listen to all your sources and go with your gut. You know what's best for you. Best of luck to you and congratulations!

M.,
Congrats on your soon-to-be addition to the family!
This is a great question...and no one can really make this decision for you. You and your doc have to decide what is the right approach for you (it might not even be a choice as time draws near if baby turns out breech or there are any other issues). BUT, for now, it's good that you are considering both options. I am glad to see that your OB seems to support your considerations. From a medical standpoint, there are fewer and fewer OBs who are willing to consider VBACS, especially now that the general population tends to be willing to sue in a heartbeat.
That said, many many women have successfully had VBACS, and the risk of uterine rupture for you, especially now that a few years have past since your last delivery, is quite low.
There are risks associated with VBACs and C-sections (and even "routine" vaginal births), but regardless of the "route" it's worth it, in my opinion.
I had a vaginal delivery with my daughter, with an epidural later in the labor, loved the experience...it was wonderful day...recovered easily (though now have some "issues" from pushing for 2 hours), and would love to do it again. My best friend had a C-section due to complications with labor, and thought it was just GREAT and plans to schedule her next as a C-section as well...and loved her birth experience...so best of luck with what you choose...the outcome is the same and so worth it!

Hi M.,

I have had both, vaginal and c-section. Trust me, without a vaginal, you are not missing anything. In my opinion, there are more risks in vaginal than c-section. And since you have had a c-section, I wouldnt risk it. The only good thing I can say about vaginal, is the recovery was easier, but thats about it. My sister just had her second c-section, shes 32, and she said the second was easier to recover from than the 1st. After having my daughter vaginally, I was just happy at that point to have her out. I wasnt able to hear her cry because she had a bowel movement in utero because of the stress of labor, her heart rate also dropped and I had to push for 2 hours and they had to use the vacuum to finally get her out. When I had my son by c-section (9 lbs!) I actually had that moment when he was born and I heard him cry. It was wonderful and a lot less stressful. So my opinion, C-section!

Good morning M.. I am excited to see that there is another and bigger hospital in the state of Kansas that does vbac's. I graduated from nursing school last May and the teachers told us that no hospital in Kansas would allow this type of delivery. My small town hospital does and thier comment made me nervous about our policy. I have not had a vbac, but have seen many successfull vbac's while I was in the Navy. The chance of rupture in minimal these days because most doctors do the horizontal cut on the outside as well as the uterine wall. The risk of rupture increases when you have a vertical on the uterus. Also the reason for your last section was because of baby and not your body. so I say go for the vbac. Good luck and keep us updated

I've had four babies. The first was VBAC, second was breach so C-section, and the last two were VBAC. I would've searched high and low for a doctor that would let me do VBAC after my c-section. Fortunaately I didn't have too. I had no problems with delivering naturally. It was a faster recovery than the C-section. If you have a doctor you trust they will monitor things and can usually tell early if something isn't going right. I wish you all the blessings of a good delivery and healthy baby!

What does your dr. suggest as the safest option? I have had 3 c-sections.
My 1st child was born by "urgent" c-section so the dr. did a classical (up & down) insision on my uterus (bikini but through my skin). My second child (2 1/2 years after my 1st c-section) I went into back labor without knowing it & by the time I got into the OR my uterus was rupturing (my daughter was trying to be born through the scar in my uterus from my 1st c-section). Fortunately the Lord was with me & I did not bleed out. (I'm not trying to scare you but from what I understand a dr. doesn't know if you are rupturing until you start bleeding out & by then it can be too late.) My thrid child (20mo. after my 2nd c-section) was a scheduled c-section & I was told to never get pregnant again b/c it would be too dangerous.
If the dr.s would have waited another 15-20 minutes with my daughter, I might not be here today.
It is your choice as long as your dr. says that VBAC is a choice, but personally I would have another c-section just to ease my mind.

God bless!

Hi,
I went through the same thing trying to make the best decision for my faimly. I chose c- section because even with a few risks that can happen the safety of my baby came first. I recovered much faster from the second c- section. Another reason I was very happen about my decsion was this. My son had a respitory problem and was taken to the NICU at childrens hospital. I was talking to the nurses up there about the choices and such and she told me she was glad I decided to do c-section because she had seen about a dozen babies come through the NICU that would of been perfectly healthy babies that came out brain dead because of complications with the VBAC. I wanted to feel a part of my sons birth thats why I wanted a VBAC, but looking back I am glad I chose c-section, because really I was a part of his birth I got to carry him for 9 months and I got to see him right after he was born, and I am part of his life every day. Ultimatly the decision is yours, just do what you feel in your heart is best. I wish you and your family the best and congratulations on your upcoming new addition.

Hi M.,
I also had a similar situation. My first child was born emergency c-section in 1988. I had my second child in 1994 and had him vaginally. Back then the risks were not laid out like they are now, but I am so glad I did the vbac. I agree with everyone else that you need to do what is safest and what your Dr. thinks. If your Dr. thinks it is safe, I think the experience is worth it. As far as recovering from a c-section, I had my youngest in 2007, a month before my 38th birthday and I was on my feet and ready to go the next day. Keeping up with him now is a different story. lol Anyway, think it through and do what is best for you. Good luck

I also had to have a c-section with my first. With the second, I really wanted to do a VBAC but my doctor was not supportive at all. The first was breech so there was no reason at all why I could not have at least attempted the VBAC. My doctor used every scare tactic in the book and convinced me to just schedule another c-section. There are risks for both the c-section and the VBAC but the doctors are leaning so much toward the c-sections now that they don't want to tell you about those risks. Now, I really wish that I would have been given the opportunity to at least try. I really think that people are more scared of c-sections then they should be but there is still something about doing it the natural way that I think everyone should be given the opportunity to experience. Be your own advocate with our doctor and don't let them scare you into a decision that you will regret later.

This is just my experience, but...I have had 3 VBAC's! My first son was breech, so I chose to have a c-section with him. With the other 3 children, I was able to have a VBAC without any complications. Does your doctor advise you having a VBAC? Maybe you could also get a second opinion to help make you feel a little more at ease about it....? I'm sure no matter what you decide, it will be right for you. :-)

M.

I am in a similar situation to you as well! I had my first via section b/c she was breech so I didn't have much choice. I was scheduled and didn't go through any kind of labor. I was in my room talking on the phone, holding the baby, etc. immediately after surgery, in fact they even let me hold her as they wheeled me back to the room. Recovery is going to be MUCH easier when you haven't had labor to contend with! I am pregnant as well and struggling with the decision too. In the end, everyone is right, it's up to you and what you REALLY want. If you truly want to do a VBAC, do it. But there are, of course, risks to both options. Talk with your doc about it and ask as many questions as you need. In the end I decided for myself that it wasn't so much about my need to deliver vaginally as I just wanted a safe and easy delivery. So, I'm leaning toward c-section again b/c it's what I know and I'm okay with it. The risk of uterine rupture is low, but it's still a risk that can freak you out. Plus, the only drug (besides epidural) that they can give you in the event of an induction is petosin (sp?) and some people don't have much luck with that, so research that too. Lastly, I would seriously talk with your doctor about the liklihood of what happened with your first happening again. If it's a good chance, is it worth it?

Aaaaaah! So much to think about! You will know what your gut tells you to do and just do it!...even if other people are against you. You have to feel good about your decision. Good luck!

I just saw your post. I had a csec with my first due to dropping heart rate and a VBAC with my second. There is a .5-1% chance of uterine rupture, but that is so unlikely. The chances for complications and even death are higher with a csection, for both you and your baby. Whatever you decide, know that it is very hard to get a VBAC these days, and even if a doctor tells you that you can, they may not really mean it. You have to look at their VBAC and csection statistics. They should be willing and able to give those to you. OB's are trained to operate, so that's often what they do. As for the time it might take to get the baby out for an emergency csection, 15-20 minutes is not unusual. In order to allow VBAC's, hospitals have to agree that they can perform an emergency csection within 30 minutes.

I had a C-section with my first and my doctor insisted on trying for a VBAC withmy second. I have had multiple abdominal surgeries, and she insisted on trying for it. It was painful, but very gratifying. If you feel comfortable trying it and your doc and husband support you on it, go for it. I kinda like being able to say I've done it...it's not as common as the books say, most docs just go for the repeat C. Good luck!

I personally haven't had a VBAC. I did have a c-section with my son and if I get the chance to have another child, I will choose a VBAC.

I've done a lot of research on my own. And feel there are risks with both choices. But with me personally I had a lot of complications with a c-section and wasn't able to bond with my son right away. I don't want to go through that again. T

C-Section is surgery and every surgery has risks. The risk of uterine rupture decreases the longer you wait between pregnancies.

Best of luck

I won't be much help from the personal experience standpoint. BUT my sister did have 2 V-backs. With her first the doc insisted she have an epidural in the event of a rupture- They actually scared her into it b/c they told her if she did rupture and hadn't taken the epidural they would have to do the section w/out any anethetic. (Which I highly doubt they would do)
Her second vbac was completely unmedicated.

HOw comfortable is your ob with the Vbac (I had heard that it is getting difficult to find docs who will do it)

You might want to check out ICAN Here's the link
http://ican-online.org/chapter/search

They might be able to give you more insight into the hospital situation and the issue of emergency sections...

Good luck!

IMO you should do the V-Bac if you have the option. My first was cesarean for the same reason as yours. My second was a Vbac and he was 4 oz bigger than my first. My third child was a regular birth as well and she was 1 pound more than the previous. From how it went with me, it just gets easier. My ages at my childrens' birth were 20, 22 and 25, so although I was younger I still think you have a good chance of not having problems. It was MUCH better than a cesarean-I never want to do that again.

M.,
I tried to have a VBAC for child number two but was unsuccessful. I am glad I tried and the plan was already set with my doctor if it wasn't working so that made me feel better. I have 5 children and they wre all C-sections.
I only tried with the first two. As far as my recovery it seemed as each one was different. I remember my first and third being the most painful and took longer to bounce back. Why that is I do not know but at least it didn't keep getting worse. I had my last child at age 36. Whatever you decide I wish you the best and a happy healthy baby.

Dana

I think that you need to do what you feel comfortable doing, and what your doctor may recommend based on your individual health not insurance rates.

Now, I had a c-section with my first child, a daughter, after 15 hours of labor and over an hour of pushing. I had the c-section because of a failure to progress--I couldn't move her far enough to even get close to crowning. The recovery was a long process. I was 31.

I just had my second child, a boy (over 9lbs), by a repeat c-section. The recovery was much better--less pain and exhaustion because there was no labor and not as much medication. I had an epidural with my daughter during labor and then got more meds when I went into surgery. I had a spinal block with my son. I'm 35 right now.

Now, I chose to have a repeat c-section because I couldn't deliver my daughter at 8lbs because she didn't fit through the lower part of my pelvis. The doctor knew this child was larger, and I could feel that he was larger. I'm also happy I did because during the surgery they discovered a uterine window (my uterus was thinning at my previous c-section scar area). Now, you've probably read the research and this isn't common. If I choose to have children in the future I've been advised to have a c-section at 38 weeks and avoid labor.

I don't want to scare you because as you've read, my experience isn't common. You should do what you feel comfortable doing, but be prepared if your birth plan doesn't work out.

Hi M.:

My first delivery sounded a bit like yours. Pushed forever & then they docs decided on a c-section. My second one was a scheduled c-section & it went smoothly. You aren't exhausted b/c you don't have to go thru the entire labor process. I really think the recovery wasn't that bad. Just my opinion though. Go with what you and your doctor agree on!

Do the VBAC. Even though docs talk up risk of uterine rupture, the incidence is minute and very rare. An emergency cesarean won't take 15-20 minutes. Get a doula and find a supportive physician and get the birth you want.

I recently had a VBAC with my second son last June. My first son was born c-section six years earlier. If you really want a VBAC, I would say go for it. Yes, there is a small chance of uterine rupture, and I was even scheduled for another csection with this one even though I had wanted a VBAC all along( my dr thought this one was too big to deliver vaginally, but I ended up going into labor and delivering in the middle of the night with a dr who was all for me having a VBAC, so it all worked out the way I wanted!) FOr me, the recovery was a million times easier. I was up walking around right after they removed my epidural, I got to eat about an hour after I delivered. Hardly any pain after, and I even had an episiostomy. I delivered both times at SMMC and everyone was great. The doctor that delivered me did stay in the room for a large part of my labor just watching the monitor, so they are very thorough. I did a lot of research on VBAC online and read a couple of books, so I was very confident in my decision. If you go for it, and for some reason do have to have another csection, at least you know you tried, but I did not want to put myself through that again voluntarily. Do what you feel is right, do some research and you will make the right decision for you and your family! ANd of course, everyone says this, but whatever it takes to deliver a healthy baby! Good luck, hopefully this helps!

I have only had 2 vaginal deliveries, both of which were intervention free and wonderful...so I can't compare vag vs. c-sect. But I know that our bodies were made to do this, they are often just not given the chance. You can do it, but you have to know your stuff and stick your guns! I looked through the responses and didn't see anyone recommend the book "Pushed" by Jennifer Block. It has a big section on VBAC that you might want to look at. Best of luck to you, good for you to at least research your options!

This is just my opinion, do what is safest for you and the baby.
We did ivf adn I was able to deliver the twins vaginally and that is my preferred method. However, I know how hard you worked to have this baby. For me, IVF made the whole pregnancy feel more like a medical procedure (maybe because we were more cautious with the twins) than a "normal experience" and I felt a little cheated by that. With my second delivery I got the epidural as I was pushing. In retrospect I realize I didn't need the epidural and wouldn't I be awesome if I had done it all "natural". but, I have three beautiful girls and we have other, more important experiences every day. So, I think you should do what gets your baby here, keeps you safe to mother the baby and you'll adjust to any disappointment that may result. We all have things we wish we had done so if it's not this, it will be something else (should have nursed longer, why didn't I stick to feeding just vegetables, should have let them cry it out, blah blah blah :)

I know that I am a little behind on e-mails, but I have had both c-section with my 1st (she is 21) and VBAC with my 2nd (he is 13). I was in labor 13 hours with my daughter and they said "failure to progress" and did a c-section. I was 19. I had all kinds of problems. But, when I had my son my dr promised me he would do his best to let me have my son VBAC. I was in labor for 26 hours, but I had a heathy baby boy and had absolutely no problems with it. I was 27 then. I am so happy that I went ahead and had my son vaginally because it was an awesome experience and I was able to hold him immediately and nurse him right away, also. I was unable to do that with my daughter. I would say to give it a try! Good luck in whatever you choose!

I was in a similar situation. I chose to do a repeat c section. I too wanted to experience nat child birth. Repeat c section was better than the first bc I wasn't tired from 28 hours of labor. My recovery was a breeze. It is a tough decision.