Natural birth after C-Section?

Meg - posted on 08/24/2011

Have you seen the movie The Business of Being Born?

I highly recommend it!

I had a homebirth after two caesareans and it was the best thing I ever did!!!

Amy - posted on 09/29/2010

Kimrose is absolutely right. VBAC has proven to be far safer than repeat c-sections. The risk of a uterine rupture after the time you've had between the c-section and your next delivery is less than 2%. And a rupture does not mean death. The risk of losing a baby because of uterine rupture is actually less than that of a normal, vaginal birth. Meaning that the risks associated with losing an infant because you're attempted a VBAC are comparable to the normal risks that any mother has when delivering a baby. And the mortality rate for mothers having repeat c-sections is much higher than those having a VBAC. In my small circle, I know 3 women that have gotten infections in their incision, 1 whose incision has opened back up, and 1 whose bladder was nicked in the c-section process! However, of the women that I know that have had natural labors, there have been NO complications. Of course, that doesn't mean they don't happen - they absolutely do, but they're far less likely than with surgery.

Like Kimrose said, do the research yourself. You will find that it's far safer to do a VBAC...it is less convenient (and less money) for the doctor, however, and that's why they push for c-sections.

There was a big scare that gave VBACs a bad name in the 90s, because there seemed to be a huge surge in the amount of uterine ruptures. They discovered in '99 that it was because women were being induced with cytotec, which causes very hard, unnatural contractions that the uterus just can't withstand.

Know that any interventions increase your risk of a rupture or a repeat c-section, as with any labor. Induction, epidural, internal monitoring, etc. all greatly increase the risks. Here are some links you can check out:

http://www.vbac.com/uterine.html

http://vbacfacts.com/

www.ican-online.org

www.childbirthconnection.org

Good luck! And by the way, I've had one c-section and one all-natural VBAC, and I'd do the VBAC again a hundred times over before having another c-section, and my experience with the c-section wasn't that bad! But if you have nothing to compare it to, you'll never know! I didn't think it was so bad, but then had a natural birth, and the 2nd was SOOO much better, in every way! I was more satisfied with the birth experience, I took a shower about an hour after he was born with NO pain at all, I walked to the bathroom about 15 minutes after he was born with NO pain, and I felt like I could take care of him better afterward. It didn't hurt to cough or laugh, and there wasn't much recovery to deal with. It was wonderful!

Kimrose - posted on 09/15/2010

Hi there - I get so mad when I read what "the doctor said" re: VBAC knowing that facts are skewed and that women don't always realize that lawsuits and physician preference play a HUGE part in recommendations for repeat cesareans vs. VBAC. Sidenote for anyone that doesn't know that even ACOG recently released NEW VBAC recommendations - as in more women should be encouraged/supported in trying to VBAC. I'm saying this coming off months of LOTS of research about my own situation. I had a natural labor/pushing w/my first when they realized he was breech -UGH. Had to have an emergency section/general anesthesia :( It REALLY affected me and I was devastated. I also have a "T" incision from that surgery b/c my son was "stuck"/so far down the birth canal. That means I'd be pushed more towards a section by your average provider. Personally, I've done WAY more research than I would have liked - but felt necessary. And I'm planning my own HBAC - due next Feb. :) You ABSOLUTELY want to be w/someone who supports your VBAC - not that it's cut and dry - but the 4+ years you'll have since your section is only a positive re: your scar. I'd say don't just "listen" to anyone's input (even mine ;) and do your own research on VBAC - you'll hear LOTS of opinions, and what you really want is the facts to make your own decision. Once statistic that always stays with me - a Mom is 2 - 4 x more likely to die as a result of a c-section than a vaginal birth. When you're "already a Mom" even that one fact isn't small to me - and I always wonder if women who are told "you should have another c-section" are EVER told statistics like that - makes me angry personally. GOOD LUCK w/gathering your own information and making the BEST choice for you and your family! :)

Hayley - posted on 09/13/2010

You sound like a good candidate for a VBAC. They look at the reason why you had one first time & check your scar & a few other factors but I think you will fine to go naturally. I had my son via emergency c-section, I didn't progress past 7cm's so they it put down to him being too big. 3 yrs later I had my daughter. They said I could go naturally but after doing a late ultrasound they found that my daughter was just as big so unfortunately I had another c-section.

Heather - posted on 09/13/2010

I wanted a VBAC for my second. My OB suggested that I not. He told me the risks to the baby and I made a decision not to have one. Everyone is different. Check with your doctor to see. Good luck and best wishes!

Krista - posted on 09/13/2010

Talk to your dr. for a definite answer, but I don't see why you couldn't try. Many people have had a VBAC. GL!