Better to C-sec or VBA2C? ~ EDITED with new question~ - Page 2

[MommyLyon]

Hi! I know exactly how ya feel. I'm in kind of in the same boat. Had 2 c-sections, horrible story so I wont go there. Anyhow, I am now with a mid wife and in two months i will be doing a VBAC2. Both my midwife and I very confident in what we are doing, and we trust each other, which is the most important.
But, the one thing I wanted to say was do your research on what "problems" could happen during a 3rd c-section compared to the "risks" an irruption could take place having a VBAC. You could be very shocked on what you find, I know I was. So, I'm all about VBAC2.
I wish you the best!

[whiteisle]

Originally Posted by MommyKrista

Plus, you never know (unless you chose to have a hysterectomy) with 100% confirmation that you will never be pregnant again, right? You mention long-term health and well being. Is having another c-section an idea you are comfortable with and something you accept because the emotional aspect is something that is overlooked sometimes.

If I were to do another c-sec, I would probably go ahead with a tubal ligation...If I do a VBA2C, I'm sending DH in for his little operation.

I wish I could find more specifics regarding research after 3 c-sections but I can't seem to find it. Sorry.

I haven't found much either. Thanks for looking!

I'm sorry for the situation you are in- it's lousy. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for the possibility that no provider will take me. And I plan on being picky this time too. I don't want someone who will just take me, I want their true support so I actually have a chance to be successful. I've thought about traveling midwives or traveling myself to someone who is supportive. I know they do exist. I've already told DH to prepare to travel to Sweden if we need to or to do it ourselves (not sure on that one)

I agree with trying to find someone very supportive. I don't know who or what I will end up with at this point in the game.

I had to laugh about Sweden. I went out of town just to have my wisdom teeth yanked.......my family knows darn good and well I would just about jump a flight to Sweden, too, to have a baby! LOL

I hope you are able to come to a decision you are comfortable with and soon- I know how it can weigh on your mind.

Thank you.

[mtlmommy]

I say go for it! I, too, was worried about trying to give birth without drugs, but I desperately wanted a VBAC so I decided to try hypnobabies. The thing is, I experienced a placental abruption at 31 weeks, so I had barely had any time to listen to the CD's. Because of the abruption I had a very medicalized birth (stuck in bed, constant monitoring) and since I had basically no coping skills, I asked for an epidural. Even though I could feel very little during the pushing phase, I did have a successful VBAC, and the recovery was AMAZING (and I am one of those women who had an 'easy' c/s). Honestly, I was less traumatized by my VBAC (and all that went with it, including having a baby in the hospital for one month) than I was by my c/s, even though I had a term baby that went home with me in 4 days.

[majormajor]

there's not a lot of research (any?) that specifically looks at 3rd c-sections, so you're not going to get a precise list of the frequency of each complication. you're also not going to find precise lists of the risks to the baby. if we all knew the exact frequency of all complications, the decision making process would sure be easier!

here is a link to a website that, while somewhat controversial here, has a post that does a good job of discussing c/s risk. scroll down to the jan 2, 2008 post (the april 5 08 post is also worth reading).
http://www.homebirthdebate.blogspot....abel/C-section

be sure to update us after your appointment!

[whiteisle]

Originally Posted by majormajor

there's not a lot of research (any?) that specifically looks at 3rd c-sections, so you're not going to get a precise list of the frequency of each complication. you're also not going to find precise lists of the risks to the baby. if we all knew the exact frequency of all complications, the decision making process would sure be easier!

here is a link to a website that, while somewhat controversial here, has a post that does a good job of discussing c/s risk. scroll down to the jan 2, 2008 post (the april 5 08 post is also worth reading).
http://www.homebirthdebate.blogspot....abel/C-section

be sure to update us after your appointment!

Thank you for that most informative and interesting link. I'm going back now to re-read it all again.

[mellowyellowmama]

Hey mama, I hope I can be straight forward here. I am proud of you for asking and considering options outside of mainstream thinking! Educating yourself is always positive! If you want to have a scheduled c-section that is totally up to you and no one's place to judge. It sounds like you don't though.

I had 2 c-sections. One planned last minute due to frank breech presentation and stuck head. It went very well b/c the doctor was wonderful, signed off on my birth plans and ensured the nurses did as we wished. I recovered very fast.

My 2nd c-section was a long labor at home, little dilation, hospital transfer and c-section (long story as usual). I had a very, very hard emotional and physical recovery from this one.

My 3rd baby was born almost 18 months ago and was my VBA2C !

Here is my advice: Get away from the OB practice. If you already aren't comfortable there, your brain AND your intuition are telling you it is wrong for you! This is YOUR body, YOUR birth and YOUR baby and as long as you feel good about having a VBAC and baby is healthy, then go for it.

I personally would tell you to stay away from the hospital (obviously unless of an emergency). They WILL treat you different. I mean look how much intervention they do with moms who aren't even VBAC's, much less you being a VBA2C mama.

Yes, there are some doctors who are awesome. There is one in DFW I would go to. Only 1, but I wouldn't go to him b/c he still catches at a hospital!

My VBA2C was supposed to be a homebirth (another long story, going to cut it way short). My midwife 'dropped' me at 42 freakin' weeks! I went to a CNM twice and birthed my baby after over 50 hrs in the hospital (was only in the hospital the last few hrs, I labored at home). I wasn't prepared for an UC. The CNM was HORRIBLE and any 'complications' I had were b/c of her.

I would really try to find an amazing CNM with an awesome back up OB, not a "we'll give you a trial of labor" one OR a homebirth midwife.

You can do this. You really can. If you want it bad enough, it's yours for the taking mama!

[maotmsmi]

Edited by maotmsmi - 5/21/11 at 12:27pm

[maotmsmi]

Edited by maotmsmi - 5/21/11 at 12:27pm

[jlovesl]

Well #1 it depends what kind of incisions you were given as to the success of a possible vbac. For example, my 1st was emerge c-section. But because he was transverse they had to also make a T-Incision in my uterus. Therefore they will not allow me to have my next baby(due sept.) natural. There is too great a risk of uterine rupture because of the incision I had to have to get baby out. But if I could I would love to have a vbac. I became pregnant again 16 months after my first and I'm still not totally healled. I still can not sit straight up from lying down in bed.No abs left, cut through it all. Roll roll etc...you know. But I do have to say that I did not have any pain after my surgery. I never needed pain meds. And I went to the bathroom 4 hours after surgery which I guess was a miracle to the nurses. Ha ha, they didn't believe me so I went poo poo again just to show them. It was all tooo funny. But hey my baby was in the NICU I did what I had to do to get to him. Ask your doctors if you really want a vbac but get a second opinion if you don't like their answer.

[majormajor]

Originally Posted by jlovesl

I still can not sit straight up from lying down in bed.No abs left, cut through it all. Roll roll etc...you know.

this is not right. have you seen a dr? maybe physical therapy would help, or my first thought is adhesions. but you're certainly not supposed to have trouble with this any more after just a few weeks, let alone months!

also, they don't cut your abs. they separate the muscles vertically, but pregnancy does a good job that on its own (the separation of your abs due to pg is called diastasis. if you google it, there is a lot of info on how to help guide them back to the proper position.) but, i really think you should see your dr too!

i hope this gets better soon!!

[AngieWin]

I am due for my vba2c any day now (due date is 3/31 or 4/2). I feel so positive and empowered right now (and more than a little impatient!) that I can do this. When I have more of an attention span I will post more, and will hopefully be sharing a vba2c birth story in less than a week.

[jlovesl]

Actually because I am pregnant again and having this problem my ob has sent me to some pregnant friendly physio. Hope it helps.

[mellowyellowmama]

Originally Posted by MommyKrista

What you wrote gave me chills. It really speaks to me. I wish someone would have said this to me when I was attempting my VBAC. Maybe they did and I didn't listen. Hopefully I'll remember the lessons I've learned whenever I get pregnant and have my VBA2C.

I'm glad mama! You can have a VBA2C and you will find your way when you are on that journey. I don't speak up often enough about it, but when I do, I am very passionate!

[whiteisle]

Originally Posted by MommyKrista

I know I've read something about risks after 3 c-sections specifically but of course I can't find it...

If you haven't checked out the plus size pregnancy site (really for all women though), I recommend you do. Here is the specific link:

http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/C...vbacindex.html

She has a lot of info. on VBAC after multiple sections. She herself had a VBA2C after two trials of labor.

BTW, I see on the finding your tribe section that we are a few hours away from each other!

Thanks for the information.........and "Cool!" about being close by!

[writteninkursive]

It's waaaaay safer for you to VBA2C than to repeat c/s. And it's also way safer for any future babies you have, since your risk of placenta previa and accreta skyrocket after having repeat cesareans!
You sound kind of nonchalant about it, which is fine. To each, his own. But in my experience, you have to hardcore WANT a VBA2C to get one. Feeling very casual about it or uncertain generally leads to some doctor convincing you that you need another c-section.
You don't have a lot of time left, so if you're going to VBA2C, you need to start preparing! It's important for you to know your rights if you realllly want a VBA2C. Hospitals aren't generally very VBA2C friendly, and MD's and OB's and DO's aren't either, in my experience. So if you really want this, I'd say find a midwife pronto and get a plan ready.

[mamatolevi]

Originally Posted by MommyKrista

I wish I could find more specifics regarding research after 3 c-sections but I can't seem to find it. Sorry.

I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for the possibility that no provider will take me. And I plan on being picky this time too. I don't want someone who will just take me, I want their true support so I actually have a chance to be successful. I've thought about traveling midwives or traveling myself to someone who is supportive. I know they do exist. I've already told DH to prepare to travel to Sweden if we need to or to do it ourselves (not sure on that one)

There's an excellent dr in Atlanta that does vbamc for his clients regularly. you wouldn't need to go to Sweden.

[michelle.english19]

successful VBA2C!

I was in same boat as you....told first baby would never fit--scheduled C/S. Didn't know any better--too trusting of doctor; not educated enough myself.

2nd baby 15 mos. later. Told by OB I "had" to have another C/S. She lied to me. There were plenty of other docs. in state who would have let me VBAC.

3rd baby 21 mos. later. Bound and determined to avoid another C/S. I wanted to feel a contraction. I wanted things to be natural and drug-free. I read like a mad woman. And....

Just wanted to announce that on April 7, I had a beautiful, complication-free completely natural VBA2C.
I live in Oklahoma City. There is one dr. in the entire state who would take me as a patient. My husband and I did lots and lots of research beforehand and I decided I wanted a natural L&D.

At 5 a.m. on 4/7 my water broke. My husband stayed home from work and took care of our 1 & 2-year-old boys. I rested and just puttered around the house that day. Had some contrax but nothing terrible and nothing regular. At 4:30 p.m. my MIL took the boys to her house. At 5 p.m., my contrax were suddenly 10 min. apart. At 6 p.m. they were 5 min. apart. At about 7 we arrived at the hospital.

I was 100% effaced and 3 cm dilated. I was disappointed to hear that I wasn't dilated more. I hadn't planned to be at the hospital until I was 8 cm or so (at least!). At 8:30 p.m. our doula arrived. At 10:20 or so, I was bearing down involuntarily with some of the contrax. They checked me and I was complete! They let me labor down a while longer. After only 4-5 pushes, my gorgeous son, Hudson Cash was born. He was 21 in. long and 7 lb. 5 oz. After only 5 hours of hard labor, my son had arrived!

After the delivery I wanted to stand on a mountain and scream, "I am woman; hear me roar!" I did it! I did what most of the medical establishment said was "dangerous, risky, irresponsible"....you name it. But I'd done my research; I was more comfortable with the risks of a VBA2C than a ERCS. And I did tons of research on common obstetrical interventions and the risks of those; how to avoid them....how to have a successful natural L&D. It all paid off!!

And the recovery after a vaginal delivery! WOW! TOTALLY different than the recovery after a C/S!!! My husband and I can't believe it.

So now we're at home having our babymoon. Our 2 older boys are getting to know their new brother. I'm on cloud 9.

Thanks to all the beautiful women on this forum and in ICANN who offered encouragement, advice, reassurance. I owe much of my success to you. Women are amazing creatures!

Maybe this is some inspiration and encouragement to you. You can do this. You were born to birth babies. God created a perfect process; it's these darn OB's who get in the way of things and screw it all up! You can do it!!!!!!!!

[murphysaangel]

I had to search forever because I just couldn't remember where I'd seen this! Finally found it in my DDC...

http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1067924

Look on post #7

[herins]

Originally Posted by majormajor

but, to each their own. i'd still take a slightly increased risk of c/s over the possiblity of a c/s under general because that's an idea that scares the daylights out of me. personal preference, though. my aunt had to finagle to get a c/s under general because she didn't want to be awake for it. i don't get it, but i'm glad she got her wish.

I had an epidural during my first labour, and by the time I "needed" a c-section, the epidural wasn't effective enough and I had to be put under. So, I wouldn't suggest having an epidural solely to prevent general anaesthesia.

[michelle.english19]

I also had 2 C/S under my belt. I never went into labor with either child. First, told he was "too big to fit." 2nd, told I *had* to b/c the first was. But I had this profound sadness that I could be a mother of three children and never know what a contraction felt like. So I started doing research....and more research....and more reading.....and decided that I wanted to attempt a VBA2C.

After I studied the UR rates for a VBA2C, learned about the health benefits of a natural labor and delivery for the baby and me, I was sold. Another important factor for me was the fact that I had 2 toddlers to care for, too. I can't imagine caring for them in addition to a newborn and recovering from major surgery again--particularly if that surgery was not medically indicated.

There's one ob in our state who would take me as a patient. I was worried I wouldn't go into labor this time; I hadn't with the other 2. But my water broke 8 days before my due date. Hard contrax didn't start until 13 hours later. And he was born 5 hours after that. All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better l&d!!

I did LOTS of work on getting my head in the right place for this birth. I read and read and read about natural labor and delivery and how to deal with it. I was like you--didn't think I could handle the pain. In fact, my previous OB had written in my chart that "patient has a low pain tolerance." So then I had that stuck in my head, reverberating around. So I just had to resolve all these issues and there are several books out there that can help you do that.

I think what it boils down to, at the end of the day, is educating yourself (don't just listen to medical staff (ob's, etc.) b/c they'll only give you the info. they want you to have) and making a decision that you and your husband feel comfortable with. You have to decide which set of risks you're more comfortable with. For me and my husband, we felt more comfy with the risks of a VBA2C. Many women are comfortable with the risks of an ERCS and that's their prerogative.

I guess I just would hate for you to make a decision based on fear, either way you go.

My recovery from my VBA2C has been an absolute dream! Don't get me wrong, I have some discomfort but it's NOTHING compared to the C/S's!! I've been able to cook and clean for my family, to get out and about, nursing my newborn has been MUCH easier and healthier. Plus there's just the mental satisfaction (and emotional) that I did it. So, retrospectively, it was a great decision for my family.

Praying you peacefully make a decision that you feel comfortable with. This is definitely a journey! But I guess at the end of my life, I'll be glad I was forced to take it. I learned a lot about myself and about the medical establishment and I think I'll be able to apply the lessons to the rest of my life.

Wishing you all the best!!!