VBAC or Cesarean?

[jjbean900]

Hi there! For moms with a prior C section, how did you decide regarding whether to proceed with VBAC? I found this great article which discusses the decision: mamasconnected.com/post/vba... I would love to hear how you decided and factors influenced your decision. Thanks in advance! 

[Missl73]

I’m going elective section this time. My first was a really traumatic emergency section and I just want to feel like everything is more in control this time. I personally don’t want to face the risk that I could end up with another emergency and I had a really good recovery last time. I’m also having another 98th centile + baby so I feel really comfortable with my decision but it’s a very personal choice x

[Albs171 in reply to Missl73]

hey… just jumping on this thread. What was your c section recovery like? I can only find horror stories… good to hear the okay side too as I’m leaning towards that option! Thanks for any help!

[Missl73 in reply to Albs171]

I know it’s different for everyone, but for me it was really smooth. I was up and walking around the ward as soon as I had feeling back in my legs. I hardly needed any pain relief, I was home exactly 24 hours post op (it was also first covid lockdown so you couldn’t get me out of hospital fast enough!) but I managed the 2 flights up stairs up to our flat no trouble and I didn’t even really need paracetamol. When my son was 3 days old I did a 1.5 hour walk with him around the hills of Hampstead Heath no trouble. It definitely isn’t bad for everyone 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Albs171 in reply to Missl73]

thank you! That’s good to hear! X

[Marisa32]

My first baby was in breech, so they suggested c section for the second as well. They did say I could do VBAC but due to my age (42) and the fact that I never had a baby naturally, c section was a safer option. My Mom had a very traumatic birth experience, she almost bled out and needed blood transfusions. I didn't want to take a chance and risk an emergency csection. Plus, I figured that since I was already cut up, why stretch my vagina on top of that.

[Positivechangeplease]

I haven’t had a second and not sure I will (due to finance and age) but it’s something I’ve pondered myself as to what I’d do. They told me I’d have no problems having a VBAC but since there were so many complications - my baby was late… they made me have an horrendous induction I kind of agree with Marisa - why put your vagina through all that. In my head I kind of thought if baby comes early try VBAC but if not by your elected c section date go c section… all my issues post c section have been side issues not the actual c section. Except for the c section shelf that I can’t seem to shift (but let’s face it I’m not a gym nut nor am I very good at sticking to my diet) please give me some hope that this shelf will slowly disappear (currently at 4.5 months)