negative thoughts or smart preparation?

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How do you feel about this? Do you think it could help you or hinder you?

I think every woman may answer this differently. It's time to look inside yourself and figure out what YOU need. If you decide that you need to come to terms with this-how in-depth do you need to go with it?

I do not think you should "focus" on a repeat c/s, I think that could give you bad energy and perhaps interfere with your birth. But dealing with it, coming to terms with it, growing strength from how much you want to avoid it unless it becomes necessary may be healthy for you...but if you don't think you are in a place to do that then it may not be healthy for you. Put your blinders on in that case. I think you need to deal with it however you feel you need to in order to let it go so that you can birth your baby peacefully and have the right mindset to do just that. I just think with not dealing with it at all could make it that more traumatizing if you do end up with a c/s. To me, you are already acknowledging it is a possibility and that is a start.

I have mentally accepted that another c/s is possible. I accepted that when I decided to become pregnant again. It is hard to come to terms with, but now that I have dealt with it, it is put in the very back of my mind and I don't think about it. I am focused on planning my home birth.

I have not yet done the dirty work as to explore what my wishes should be if I end up with another c/s or research my "ideal" c/s. I have ideas and that is good enough for me where I am at in my pregnancy. When I do confront this it will be difficult, but after I'm finished I will be able to wipe my hands of it and not revisit it unless it is needed.

Also, I wouldn't consider myself a "failure" if I ended up with a c/s. It is just about what becomes necessary in order to give my baby and myself the healthiest birth that I can. That's what it's really about and my reason for choosing VBAC in the first place.

Hugs, I know it's hard. You just need to do what you feel is right for you.

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I don't think it is EVER a bad idea to be completely prepared. I myself am planning a VBAC in December, and I do have a section in my birth plan for a c-section should one become necessary. However, after writing up this part, I've now put it out of my mind. It is not something I think about. As long as I have my desires in writing (and have discussed them in advance with my OB, spouse and doula), I figure my bases are covered. With all this said, this is as much dwelling on it as I am going to do. I am focusing on this being a vaginal birth.

I think you should do your research, talk with your OB and partner (and doula if you have one) and prepare an appropriate birth plan. Doing this can actually put your mind at ease rather than stressing you out. This way, you know your wishes have been expressed beforehand and you can focus on other things. You aren't preparing for yourself to fail by doing this.

thanks! i especially liked the comment about finding within myself what will make me comfortable. i don't necessarily believe in "jinxing" myself or causing bad vibes by being prepared so i think i'll do as much research as i can on having a good c-section and store it away, then as the time for my VBAC draws near, i'll focus on that and keep my thoughts on it. thanks again, everyone.

I tried for a vbac and ended up with a repeat c/s and I wish that I would have mentally prepared myself for the possibility more. I was so sure that everything would be so easy and perfect. So were my midwives. Suprisingly and disappointingly, it wasn't. It is hard to deal with, and I think it might have been a wee bit easier if I would have thought about the possibility more, and tried to come to peace with it a bit, yk?

Chances are, you'll have an awesome vbac.