I'm Afraid to VBAC

[mom2kay]

I know its really really rare, but I'm afraid of rupturing. I'm not even pg yet (I don't think, just O'd yesterday) but I'm trying to make my emotional decisions before I'm a wild pg woman.

Anyone else struggle with this decision? How did you come to terms?

Thanks,

[LiamnEmma]

I was mildly afraid, but felt that the risk was minimal, and was more afraid of another section...had I been terribly scared, I most likely would have opted for an epidural once labor was good and going to minimize any wait time if that had actually occurred. That said, I ended up with another section anyway due to dd's presentation, without a trial of labor at all. :

I hope you find something that somebody says helpful.

[Chelly2003]

I think you just need to keep reading and learning and it will help make up your mind one way or another.

I'm not pg yet either, but I think HBAC will be better for me, I don't even want to go NEAR the hospital at this point.

Good luck and keep reading.....
Chelly

[gret the great]

Read Read Read...
The more I read the less I worry about rupture (and the more I worry about a repeat cs). Also talking to other moms who have had vbacs helped me.

I'm 36 weeks now and getting ready to push this baby out!

[wwhippetcrazy]

I agree read, read, read....
Sometimes I still get scared, and dh isn't always 100% supportive (saying that I may not be able to have a VBAC and might have to have another section: )....but the more I read birth stories the more empowered I become. Ina May's new book is awesome!
I also plan to have my sil there when babe comes, she's a L&D nurse....she knows how much I want a VBAC, and is totally supportive that I can do it....but I would also trust her completely if she were to think that something isn't going right kwim???

It also helps that my dr had a VBAC with her second that was born when dd was born.....so she's been great at answering questions, and she did a tonne of research on VBAC and the "risks" and from what she concluded the greatest risk is if pitocin is used...she basically said that there will be no medical intervention this time...and initial, while I hated being put on pit with dd...I thought, you mean I have to do it all myself....
and that scared me....but reading has helped soo much.

HTH....
Jen

p.s. I also visualize what birth will be like....and ask for pictures from my birth in my dreams....so far I've had 3 awesome dreams about birth!

[zombiemommie]

I can only agree with everybody else. I just VBAC'd a month ago and rupture was very far from my mind. After doing all the research I could, and looking at the statistics, and determining for MYSELF that the best option for me was a non-medicated birth was the best chance for the safest vbac, I let that worry go. There are SOOO many other things that there are greater risk of happening that rupture really isn't an issue as long as you are not having something that increases yoru risk (induction, prostaglandins, etc).

Talking about it ALOT also helps.

Good luck.

(crying baby have to cut it short)

[pbk]

One thing that really helped me was reading about the risks of rupture in comparison to other things we never give a second thought about. You can read that at the midwife archives http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/vbacrisk.html. It was assembled by the husband of an ICAN member, IIRC. It was quite eye opening and reassuring.

Also, it helps to remember that not all ruptures are created equal. A rupture that is small and/or caught early can be easily repaired without endangering mother or baby. Personally, I'd never labor as a VBAC mom with medication because it would block the unusual pains that could let me and my birth attendendts know about a rupture right away. Also, IIRC the most serious ruptures tend to happen to women with unscarred uteri.

I second all the advice you've received to read, read, read. We fear most that which we do not know about and understand. Educate yourself on rupture and the chances of it happening to you, and you might find yourself less concerned.

Good luck!

Brenda, mama to Abigail, Isabella (HBAC) and Vincent (HBAC)

[Luckymomma]

I've always said, the very best book on this topic is "Silent Knife", by Nancy Wainer Cohen. It really puts the risk of rupture into perspective. It has always been such a scare tactic by doctors who don't want to be bothered with a vbac. So we have to educate ourselves. Do whatever you must to get your hands on this book. I've been reading and rereading it since my son was just a baby. Now I'm finally getting ready to get back in the game with a planned vbac in August. I also reccomend finding a doula who strongly believes in a natural non-intervention birth. Someone who will ward off all the negative energy that comes with a hospital birth. Or, way better, have a hbac. Of course, if your partner is anything like my dh, that's not quite an option. Obviously the choice is yours to make, just don't let fear and lack of information make it for you. Good luck

[mom2kay]

Thanks Ladies for all of your input. I'm feeling much better. I had it in my head that a rupture occurs in 1 in 200 VBAC's (long story). Well, now after reading LOTS, I see that it is like 1 in 9000.

I think risks associated with C-sec are higher.

I also found a new Midwife who is much more hands off than the MW's I used with Kayla.

Hope I'm pg, I'm 5 dpo right now.

[dotcommama]

Here is something to think of too that my midwife tells me when I start to express worry over possibly rupturing during labor - there is no greater risk of rupture during labor than there is of rupturing during the whole third trimester of pregnancy. Now how many people do you know who have had a section and have gone on to carry a baby with no problem to term? Do they worry they'll rupture? No, because the odds are so low - same with VBAC.

[Chelly2003]

Drytushies,
GOOD LUCK with the TTC - I'm all over that as well, I'm going to test on Friday I think....... perhaps earlier...... perhaps RIGHT NOW.... :LOL

Chelly

[mom2kay]

Go Chelly! Its sooooo hard to wait isn't it????

[Chelly2003]

Didn't have to wait too long......:LOL tested +++ on Saturday!

I'm SO excited.......


I hope you get good news soon too!

Chelly

[pippilata]

Stepping in a little late but in time to say CONGRATS
I was very sure of a VBAC before and during my pg...even during my induction (yes I know I know) but when my water broke I freaked out! My positive state of mind went from 10 -1 in seconds! I so regret not having a positive person on my side! My dh was a ball of nerves and I couldn't regain focus. I ended up at the hospital asking for pain meds...was planning on the local birth center.
In the end I was fine...I had an epidural and went to a 10 within 8 hours. AND the best part was I had a VBAC!
You will NEVER regret trying for a VBAC. Its the most MAGICAL experience ever! I think it is extra special after a cesection!
you will birth this baby vaginally and all will go well!

[OneCatholicMommy]

I know what you mean. Sure, the rupture rate is less than 1%. But then I've already had something RARE happen during labor (cord prolapse...also less than 1%) I really do want to have a vbac, but I'm scared too.

[mom2kay]

Congratulations Chelly!!!

I might test tomorrow (I think I'm nuts because I really don't have much in the way of symptoms).

OCM, I am feeling a lot better after doing some reading. I also found a new CNM/OB group and hope to have a great chance for successful VBAC.

[Chelly2003]

Originally posted by drytushies
Congratulations Chelly!!!

I might test tomorrow (I think I'm nuts because I really don't have much in the way of symptoms).

****************BABYDUST************
Drytushies, if you look at my older posts in 2 week wait, you'll see I had NO SYMPTOMS at all - not one, its still kinda hard to believe - but AF is now almost a week late - so the 6 ++ tests must be right :LOL

Chelly

[bec]

Originally posted by Chelly2003

I'm not pg yet either, but I think HBAC will be better for me, I don't even want to go NEAR the hospital at this point.

Chelly

Chelly,

This is exactly how I feel! What I'm most afraid of is that I will end up in the hospital on pitocin again, and then my uterus will rupture!

My solution is to take as much control out of others hands and pave my own way! I'm most comfortable in my own house, and in my own territory.


Drytushies,

Like others have said, read, read, read. Do the research. Educate yourself. That's how I deal with this kind of anxiety. I get the facts so I feel like I really know what I'm talking about and what it is, exactly, that I'm afraid of.

I hope this helps.


Bec

[mom2kay]

Thanks again everyone... BTW, af was due today and didn't show and I got a BFN

I know when I was pg with Kayla, I didn't test until was a few days late and didn't get a very dark line. So I'm still kinda hopin' but I don't think I'm pg.

In God's perfect time.

[Chelly2003]

I'm in the middle of Ina-Mays new book "a Guide to Childbirth" it is very good, and it makes so much sence.

One part that made sence ALOT, was when she likend childbirth in a hospital to trying to poop on a table in front of people, and that your body just DOESN"T want to do that..... but you need to read the whole book, its really good.

Good luck Drytushies!!!

*****baby dust*****

Chelly