Non-elective, repeat c-sections

[Mrs-Mama]

I have a J-cut on my uterus, therefore it is highly recommended that I have a repeat c/s with my future children. I feel like the odd one out around here since everyone has such high hopes (and successes!) with VBACs. I have researched a great deal, and I'm just not sure that I'm comfortable with the risks of a VBAC in my particular case. If I had a low, transverse incision, I'd do it in a second.

So, I'm wondering...am I the only one? Is there anyone else who will always have to birth their children via c/s? If so, what's your reason?

[DISCLAIMER: I'm not supporting elective c-sections in any way!]

[Heavenly]

Yes I had to birth all my children by c-birth. I would not feel comfortable with a VBAC if I was in your situation. I am done having children now but I had 3 c-births. The first two were emergencies and the last one I was going to go for a VBA2C but got pre-eclampsia (again) so I had her a month early. I only have a second now but feel free to pm me if you want more info about a great planned c-birth experience.

[AllisonK]

This is such a personal issue. If you don't feel comfortable after doing the research then that is it. I think there is a all kids by c-section thread in the tribal area. I seem to remember seeing it.

[AKmoose]

Just want to throw out there that you may want to really do your research...risk is such a relative thing. I was at a birth conference lately where evidence was produced showing amniocentesis is more "deadly" than vbac. In other words, look at the research. Many OB procedures are sadly NOT evidence-based. I'm not trying to say anything one way or another, but do your OWN research. Don't listen only to what the OBs say...and either way, happy birthing

[Mrs-Mama]

Yes, I have done my own research. I was just wondering if anyone else had any experiences like mine. Other people with vertical incisions, J-cuts, etc. Anyone that knows in advance that a VBAC will only come if by unplanned UC.

[pampered_mom]

Yes, I have done my own research. I was just wondering if anyone else had any experiences like mine. Other people with vertical incisions, J-cuts, etc. Anyone that knows in advance that a VBAC will only come if by unplanned UC.

I guess AKmoose probably saw some hesitation in our OP such as where you said (emphasis mine):

I have researched a great deal, and I'm just not sure that I'm comfortable with the risks of a VBAC in my particular case. If I had a low, transverse incision, I'd do it in a second.

I guess if it were me and I was not sure that I was comfortable with the risks of VBAC in my case, I'd probably keep researching (and try to dig a little bit deeper) until I could say with certainty that I *wasn't* comfortable. There are women out there who have VBAC'd with an inverted T incision, vertical incision, etc. I have a hunch that there are women who have VBAC'd on whatever kind of incision the surgeons have come up with. In some cases (at least with the inverted T) there is some research that is somewhat supportive of VBAC.

Ultimately, I guess what I'd suggest is if you don't want to deal with posts by folks who may not just jump in and "agree" with your c/s that you check out the support thread in FYT . Around this forum you're more likely to get discussion than just an at face acceptance of *any* c/s - regardless of whether or not the medical community will label it as "necessary".

[Mrs-Mama]

Thanks for the link, pampered_mom. My hesitation is that I really would love to have a vaginal birth, but I just can't justify the risk to myself. I've researched the rupture rates for vertical and J-incisions, and come up with 4-9%. But, I've also found the a full-term vbac after a pre-term c/s has a 60% higher chance of rupture. So, this would make my risk (looking at the high side) around 15%. I do not want a 15% chance of a dead baby or a hysterectomy. Additionally, I need to be able to recover well so that I can care for my new baby as well as my son.

I posted a while back in the VBAC forum asking if anyone had successfully VBAC'd with a J-incision and got no responses, so that was discouraging And, I would definitely not be comfortable with a homebirth, UC or otherwise.

I'm not currently pregnant, but we are planning to TTC in 2008. I'm just trying to work all of this out in my mind. I've come to terms with my c/s birth with my son since I truly believe it was necessary (transverse), but I feel like I won't have that justification for future births, ya know?

ETA: I don't want anyone to think that I'm electing a c/s since it's the easier choice. To me, the c/s is the harder choice because it goes against doing what nature intended. However, I need to be responsible with my body and my future children's well-being.

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I haven't researched the J incision, so I don't know enough to know if I'd be comfortable. It would take a lot for me to willingly have surgery, but if it's the safest thing then that makes sense (I don't know, like I said, haven't looked into it).