VBAC - advice

[RMOBX]

hello! I was just wondering if anyone may have any advice they could share. I had an emergency c-section with my daughter after her being breech and I’m currently pregnant with my 2nd. I have mentioned I want another c-section after my first birth was quite traumatic but I’ve been asked to look into VBAC, I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences of VBAC or even a 2nd c-section? I would be so grateful as I’m a little anxious and really unsure about what to do! Thanks so much x

[Sunflower35]

It is good for you to be aware of all your options, but if you would like a c-section and they are not supportive, keep insisting as it is part of the standard process to give you all the information to steer you away from a c-section if there are no medical grounds for it. Just be strong with regards to your preferences and have all the information at hand (pros and cons and ultimately, your preference).

[Abs1403]

I had an emergency c-sec with my first and now 33 weeks with second. I'm going planned c-section, partly cos my placenta is low but also after speaking to consultant at about 21 weeks they spoke to me about different risk factors. Until that point I really wanted to try vbac. If you've not had an appointment with consultant yet its worth speaking to them about your chances of vbac being a success. Mine was very low because of issues in previous pregnancy, none of which were issues at the time, but things like first baby's weight being big and reason for mine was failure to progress following induction. I was fairly open minded but absolutely refused to let them induce me again...

They have to listen to what you want and as you've had a section before it's your right to have another if that's what you'd prefer- regardless of your reasons or chances of vbac being successful. Good luck x

[RMOBX in reply to Abs1403]

Thank you so much, it’s so helpful hearing other peoples experiences and also who they’ve spoken to. I haven’t had a chat with a a consultant yet as I’m only 15 weeks but it’s good to know I might chat to someone. Thank you again and good luck with your little one! X

[Happy2477]

Congratulations on your second born.I had a successful VBAC !

My son was born via c-section and my daughter vaginal, just 12 months after my c-section (I know just wild). I was told of the risk, one being evisceration.. but I pretty much still wanted a vaginal birth. I just find my body heal quicker with a vaginal birth.

My advice is continue to educate yourself and do what’s best for your body and especially baby. Don’t let trauma and fear cheat you out of a vaginal birth. As long as baby is healthy and positioned right, relax and let your body do what it’s made to do. Keep in mind, no birth is easy, but you can have a positive birth experience as long as you know what YOU want. Blessings to you and your family, may you have a healthy and safe delivery in Jesus name amen.✨🙏✨

[RMOBX in reply to Happy2477]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me! It’s so great hearing your experience and that it was successful. One of the reasons I wanted to hear other peoples opinions is because my daughter will have just turned 2 and will still need a lot of attention and I was worried maybe a c-section would slow my recovery. I will speak to my midwife again to weigh up my options, thank you again so much x

[Sim2015]

Successful VBAC is definitely a thing. Ask about the risk and the benefits to both and push for some statistics so you feel you can make the best choice for you. Sometimes when they say “increased risk” in reality it can mean 1% more. Do what feels right for you. Good luck 🍀

[Emdog87]

I’ve had vaginal births with both of mine and they were really positive experiences and recovery was great, with my second I was up and about after 3 days, so I can’t comment on the c-section.My sister had an emergency c-section with her first and VBAC with her 2nd and she said VBAC was so much better in terms of recovery.

But on the other hand I’ve had friends who have opted for a planned c-section and said it’s great, no stress and very organised.

As others have said look into your options for both and don’t let the doctors push you into something you don’t want to do. This is your birth experience.

X

[DancingFrog]

I would also love the same advice as you!

I also had an emergency c-section on my first and I’m really hoping to go for a VBAC as it worries me having to look after a newborn and a toddler whilst recovering from a C-section.

My first was over 5kg so I really don’t want to go past due date this time as they always say your 2nd is bigger than your first don’t they? But then I feel my only options then would be induction (which I know aren’t always successful) or planned c-section for that to happen.

I don’t have my first consultant appointment until I’m 29 weeks (I don’t know if that’s the norm?) but very much looking forward to having these discussions to know my options. I’d really like to know my realistic options though and not just them tell me what they’re told to advise?

It definitely feels a lot more complicated second time around!

I hope you’re encouraged to go with your preference and that everything goes okay for you xx

[RMOBX in reply to DancingFrog]

Thank you so much for replying! It’s such a hard decision to make isn’t it? I feel like I’m being really pushed into having a VBAC birth and pulled away from having an elective c-section which I initially wanted, but I do have a toddler and I’m thinking the recovery time will be alot quicker! I’m only 15 weeks so I do have a bit of time to decide.

I hope your consultant is supportive and can guide you into making the right decision too and hope it’s not too stressful. Thanks so much again! Xxx

[DancingFrog in reply to RMOBX]

I’m shocked they’re already pushing you to make that decision so early on. I’m 23 weeks and I haven’t even seen anyone physically yet (apart from the hospital staff at the scans) let alone started any of those conversations, although I do have my first midwife appointment next week so will hopefully be able to start discussing it then. I think it will also be down to how I’m measuring in those midwife appointments and growth scans (if I have them).

Maybe it depends on the reasons for the first emergency c-section too whether they recommend VBAC or planned c-section? So it might be worth diving deeper into successful VBAC stats based on original births. For example I ended up with an emergency c-section after 3 days of labour and regressing once getting to 6cm’s, but I had an unsuspectingly huge baby so Im assuming that it was down to him being just too big to engage properly. If I ended up with a successful or unsuccessful VBAC, it might not necessarily mean that you will have the same if your emergency c-section was under completely different circumstances if that makes sense?

I had a friend who had an elective c-section that was purely down to choice so don’t forget at the end of the day it’s your body and you’re entitled to have the birth you want. Although with electives I don’t think they take priority so it may end up that your date gets deferred if they’re going through a particularly busy time with other births and emergencies. Xx

[LC1990]

Hello,I had an emergency c section with my first and opted for a vbac for 2nd. Both babies I went 10cm and my second also ended in an emergency c section. Feeling ok as it’s been 7 days since he was born but the recovery when you’ve got another one to deal with is more challenging. I was also out of hospital within 24 hours which was good. If you want a c section go for it! Just bare in mind the recovery. Hope all goes ok x

[RMOBX in reply to LC1990]

Thank you so much for replying, I hope you are doing ok after another emergency c-section and congratulations on your little one! I really appreciate you sharing your experience.

I am a little worried I will end up with another emergency c-section with my second, as like you, I made it to 10cm dilated with my first baby and ended up having a c-section and it took me about 4 months to recover. But you seem really positive and it’s what I was looking for, is other people who have had different experiences!

Thanks again so much and hope you are ok xx

[LC1990 in reply to RMOBX]

These children make you work for it :)The way I see it is if it took you that long to recover last time, then try for a natural because the only other way is the c section anyways? That’s the way I see it. Obviously everyone is different but recovery was a lot easier this time round. Hope everything goes ok x

[DancingFrog in reply to LC1990]

Can I ask if you regret opting for the VBAC when it ended up in an emergency c-section? My cousin did the same and she said she wished she went for an elective and has kind of (indirectly) recommended for me to just go for the elective.

[LC1990 in reply to DancingFrog]

Hello, no I don’t regret it. I see it as if the natural doesn’t go to plan then your going to end up with a c section anyways? Yes you’ll go through the actual labour part, but we knew this when we got into this situation 😆 xx

[DancingFrog in reply to LC1990]

Thank you! I absolutely don’t mind going through the labour if it ends up in c-section, it’s more about thinking am I being selfish trying to have a natural birth if clinicians try and steer you towards the c-section and have I put the baby through unnecessary stress? Thank you for speaking positively about trying for the VBAC anyway as this is something I’d definitely like to try for if it’s a possibility 😊

[LC1990 in reply to DancingFrog]

Like I say everyone’s different, my daughter is nearly 4 so my body had enough time to recover from that, but whatever you go for it will be the right choice 👍🏼 good luck xx

[ali1009]

Hey my first was emergency c section and my second I was u sure but was opting natural for quicker recovery been a single parent , I had contractions all thru the night no where near as bad as contractions on drip and I delivered him myself on sofa .with paramedics arriving mi uses after delivery. I would say if you want to try natural healing quicker qnd that but also if you want creation for your own reasons do what is right for you xx

[Strawberry17]

I'm 27 weeks with number 2 and I had an elective csection for number 1 as he was breech. I had my birthing plan consultation last week and they ran through the pros and cons of csection vs VBAC. I then said I think I want a csection and they were totally fine with it. I had another phone call about it in Friday and they confirmed it was fine and they'd put the request through. I've had no pressure from anyone to have a VBAC. Hopefully your experience will be the same. It's 100% your decision x

[Shem008]

I’ve had two c sections but really wanted a vaginal birth with both. My first was 33 weeks and a cat 1 emergency c section after a placental abruption so I basically had no choice. Recovery was horrendous and I had PTSD and postnatal depression afterwards. I had a consult about 18 months later to discuss risks as I didn’t want to have another baby if it was highly likely the same thing would happen. It turned out the risk was still there (as with any birth) but the increase wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and I was assured I’d have close monitoring throughout. Once I was pregnant with my second I decided I desperately wanted a vbac. I did a hypnobirthing course (I strongly recommend you do this as it opened my eyes more to risks and the whole physiological process of birth which put my mind at ease) and this helped with all my anxiety around the upcoming birth. Unfortunately my baby was breech! After lots of discussion with my consultant we agreed that I could try for a vbac if baby turned before 39 weeks (I also have a bicornuate uterus which increases my risks) but the minute anything looked risky I would have a c section. I agreed (at 36 weeks) to a scheduled section at 39 weeks if baby hadn’t arrived before then. This was due to my own risk factors increasing with gestation. I went into labour at 38+5 but baby hadn’t turned so I had a c section there and then. It was very calm and the staff listened to all of my requests. They couldn’t accommodate everything but explained in detail why they couldn’t do certain things. Recovery was again awful (had an infection after both c sections) but baby arrived safely and the experience wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I still yearn for a vaginal birth but was told a c section will be safer after already having two. If I decide to have a third I’ll talk through risks again to make sure! Please make sure you look into both types of births before making a decision and also know you can change your mind at ANY point even when in labour or just before a scheduled section. It’s your baby, your body, your choice. Just make sure you are informed. X

[Shem008 in reply to Shem008]

Also if you have Instagram I suggest following people like thehonestmidwife, theecomidwife, lucyflow_official and drsarawickham x

[Shem008 in reply to Shem008]

And if interested I sent my birth story to my hypnobirthing teacher and it can be found here:yumiyoga.co.uk/2022/03/04/t...