VBAC after 3 c-sections?

[mcgee]

I am so incredibly upset for a family member who was told yesterday, after having her third c-section in four years, that she "can't" have any more children because there is so much scar tissue in her abdomen from repeat c-sections. Her first c-section was, IMHO, completely unnecessary, and her doc refuses to do VBACs. She is a wonderful mother, but she's young and she fell into that "doctors know everything trap."

Does anyone know if it's possible to have a successful VBAC after three c-sections? Are there any books, articles, websites, etc. I could share with this mama?

[GoestoShow]

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Edited by GoestoShow - 12/17/10 at 8:40am

[ShwarmaQueen]

I hear Austin has some wonderful MWs. You could start by giving her the link http://www.texasmidwives.com/ and maybe she could contact some in that area for opinions.

[Drummer's Wife]

Yes, it's definitely possible. Women have had vba3c, vba4c, vba5c...

Like GoestoShow said, the big thing is finding an OB or MW to attend you, and a hospital willing to 'allow' a vbamc.

If she truly wants another baby, it will have to come out some way it's not like they will refuse to section her again, but she may very well be up for a fight to attempt a vaginal birth. sucks, I know - BTDT.

[hdeering]

I was just thinking on this myself. I have a cousin in much the same situation. I sent her the link to this thread.

[mcgee]

Originally Posted by ShwarmaQueen

I hear Austin has some wonderful MWs. You could start by giving her the link http://www.texasmidwives.com/ and maybe she could contact some in that area for opinions.

Austin does have some wonderful midwives - I ours! Unfortunately though, they don't live in Austin. They're in NW Arkansas.

[aeval1]

I would see if there is a local ICAN network in her area.

http://www.ican-online.org/

[mcgee]

Originally Posted by GoestoShow

This is a great place to have that question answered.

And if you don't mind spoilers, the answer is a resounding YES!

And for inspiration take a look at these. There are a few VBA3C stories on there.

The key will be finding a supportive provider. Her best best is a homebirth midwife (best bet for a first time VBAC, too) or if she happens to be anywhere near Atlanta, Dr. Joseph Tate is the one to see. I don't know if The Farm would take her, but worth asking.

Thank you! I have passed this info along to them.

[ShwarmaQueen]

Originally Posted by mcgee

Austin does have some wonderful midwives - I ours! Unfortunately though, they don't live in Austin. They're in NW Arkansas.

Oh...

Maybe you could post in that tribal area and see if there are any MWs she could call for opinons?

[fwlady]

Well, if she isn't open to a VBA3C, because she does put a lot of trust in doctors, find her a large family friendly OB that can tell her that it is safe for her to have several more csections if she wants more children. Usually a catholic doctor may be more open, since they wouldn't do tubals or prescribe ABC. I didn't get it from the OP that the woman in topic is open to having a VBAC. So, I thought I would throw that option out there. I have heard of women who have had 8+ csections. I wouldn't want to go through that many surgeries, but it is doable. Kymberli

[crunchybelle]

My friend is pregnant with her 7th child, and it will be her 7th c-section. I think they have been telling her she "can't" have more children for several pregnancies now.

[raven123]

Hi, my name is Raven. I have had three c-sections and I want to definitely have a vaginal birth. I just don't understand why Doctors choose to make this exra money by putting us threw pain and suffering. I resent from getting another c-section. My Husband and I want to have at least one more child. God told us to be fruitful and multiply and the government doesn't want to see that happen.

[SweetPea17]

Hello Raven,

I had a successful natural birth after 4 previous cesareans, so I'm here to assure you that there is hope. My faith played a huge role in the success, but I also did my research. ICAN is a great place to get information, and studying about your particular state and the midwives in your area is important.

If a vbac is God's will, He will provide you the way.

To God be the glory!
 

[MaryLang]

Ditto fwlady. I am Catholic and have a Catholic doctor, I'm about to go in and have my 6th baby by c/s. It's not my preferred way, I have a long complicated history. She may be able to find an open doctor on onemoresoul.com

[fayebond]

 PLEASE be gentle when you bring this up to her.   Its very scary to face the facts, especially when those facts take away your happy world, your trusting world.  I was that girl once.  Everyone told me after my CS, "Oh, you're healthy, the baby is healthy, you should be happy."  Well I wanted to be happy, and I kept trying to stay happy, even after I found out I'd been lied to, and that my entire reproductive life will be an uphill battle from now on.  Every time I came up with a fact, or a part of my plan, or told someone anything, people in my life would have basically one of two reactions: "Be happy, healthy baby, healthy mom" or "I feel like hospitals are evil you shoiuld just flat out do what I would."   Its my real life, its complicated.  What I want so desperately may not happen no matter what I do.  I can't even tell you for sure that I'll still be pregnant in my freaking due MONTH, how can I tell you what that life-giving moment will be like?   

It took me months to get to the place I'm in, and I only have one CS to deal with.  It was alot of gentle suggestions and God-thing timing, alot of I-think-I-wants that hit the hard wall of reality in the quiet of a car ride home.   Even if you convince her (and yes I have a relative who will be sure she convinced me) she might not tell you for a very long time.   Please, please, be judicious with your words.  You have no idea how hard this can be.   She's not pregnant yet, I take it.  I didn't tell people we were trying, in case it didn't happen, because I couldn't know, and people put alot of pressure on you to KNOW.  

PS I've heard of VBA7C, and of 11 CSs.  I also have two friends with 4 and 6 children respectively, all CS, who can't have any more children.  Physically can't even conceive.  Life is complicated, unlike the internet where we're all anonymous good hearted folk with lots of opinions! 

[TINAMARIE1983]

I am also expecting my 4th due in Feb. I have had 3 C sections due to  "once a c always a c". I would like to get some feedback from you if you don't mind. Can you please email me at [e-mail]

Thanks

[TINAMARIE1983]

sweetpeal17

I am also expecting my 4th due in Feb. I have had 3 C sections due to  "once a c always a c". I would like to get some feedback from you if you don't mind. Can you please email me at [e-mail]

Thanks

[SweetPea17]

Originally Posted by TINAMARIE1983 

sweetpeal17

I am also expecting my 4th due in Feb. I have had 3 C sections due to  "once a c always a c". I would like to get some feedback from you if you don't mind. Can you please email me at [e-mail]

Thanks

Sorry I never got back with you. I am currently due in April with my 2HBA4C. I'm praying everything will go more smoothly this time around. Since it'll be my second time in labor, I'm guessing it'll be a lot faster than the last one (that was 36 hrs long!).

[babycatcher12]

I had an HBA3C 2 1/2 years ago and am planning another HBAC in a few weeks. My first HBAC was so quick the midwife didn't make it. Yes it's possible although she may need to consider a homebirth to do it.