Natural birth after c-section?

Shanna - posted on 09/16/2010

Jeri...it depends on many factors...namely the reason behind your prior c-section and TYPE of C-section that you had. Many physicians recommend against VBAC if you had a "traditional" c-section. Nowadays many people try and give LTCS (Low Transverse C-Sec) but if you had to have a c-section last time and they gave you a vertical incision it is definitely less like the doctor will recommend VBAC. The main issue with VBAC is uterine rupture, because previous incisional areas are weaker and rupture easier making for a much high rate of fetal/maternal demise from hemorrage. Also in order to get the baby out successfully you need to have the 3 P's (passenger, pelvis, pressure) meaning the size of the baby is very important, and the coincides a bit with pelvis...do not want cephalopelvic disproportion. In other words, if you have never had a prior vaginal delivery the pelvis may not be able to open in such a way as to provide passage of the baby, and there hasnt been a previous baby passing vaginally to give way. Lastly, there is pressure, and this is concerning to you because prior c-sections may have deemed the myometrium (the muscle/contracting part of the uterus) unable to build sufficient pressure to pass the baby out vaginally.

With all that said it is still being done, and CAN be done. You will have a TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean), and they just may monitor your progress a bit more than average. Good luck, and I am sure all will work out well.

Nicole - posted on 08/15/2010

VBACs are possible! check out sites like ICAN. Here is a link about the new ACOG VBAC guidelines. It is about time! Also, here is a link to a wonderful birth story from a mama who finally had a VBAC after three c-sections:

http://www.acog.org/from_home/publicatio...

and the birth story

http://iinformedparenting.blogspot.com/2...

CYNTHIA LYNN - posted on 07/27/2010

After 40 weeks of pregnancy, with a husband on deployment to Iraq, I was told that I would have to be induced since the baby obviously had her own plans and didn't want to come out of her Mommy. Thankfully, my husband was able to get leave to be with me on the day I went into the hospital. I told the OB that I wanted to do it all naturally, no drugs or anything. But after 20 hours, I gave in to an epidural only to get some rest in hopes of having strength to push my daughter out. Things didn't work out though and I never progressed beyond 5 cm. I also got a high fever and was told I had an infection around my uterus and it was safer to do a CS. After 27 hours in labor, my daughter was born by emergency CS. I never had problems bonding with my little princess since I insisted they bring her to me to breastfeed as soon as it was possible. I also hope for a VBAC for my next child and have come to terms with my CS by dwelling on all the wonderful things about my daughter. Like everyone has said, it doesn't matter how the baby was born, as long as he or she was healthy and so was Mommy. God bless you and your precious little one.

Bonnie - posted on 07/21/2010

I had a C-section with my son 4 years ago after a 24 labour. He was 10 pounds 8 oz. I delivered my daughter naturally a year and a half ago, but she was 6 pounds on the dot. It is a very different experience. But I was so drained with my son, I did welcome the c-section. He just would not come. I do have to admit, the bonding experience right after birth was closer with my daughter. At least my son had his daddy with him. I was in recovery for 4 hours and didn't see my son during that period. Don't be hard on yourself over the c-section. You just make the choice that is best for you and your baby. It's hard not to feel bad when you have an idea of what the birth will be like. I have chalked it up to the baby has their own birth plan and really doesn't care what we have prepared for 9 months. :)

Jessica - posted on 07/19/2010

i had a c-section with my first because he was a week late and i wasn't dilated. then when my water broke i couldn't pee...that's why i had my c-section. then i almost died after they took him out...my second one i did a c-section too because i was afraid it would happen again. there is nothing wrong with a c-section. and nothing wrong with a natural birth either. just talk to your doctor and do what's best for you and the baby...a healthy one is all that matters, not how the baby got into the world

Christine - posted on 07/18/2010

There is a less than 1% chance of a uterine rupture if trying a VBAC after a caesarian section. Which means a 99% chance of not having a rupture! You should obtain a copy of your medical records from the hospital you gave birth in. You could find a midwifery group who provide counselling and who can take you through your first birth so that you understand exactly what happened and why. They will use your medical records to do this. As someone else has mentioned, you need to know if the hospital you are planning on giving birth in supports VBAC and are they aware of your preference for this? You also need to know how long the hospital allows you to be in labour for - the duration of a person's labour can exceed the allowance made for by the hospital, which is why some labours end in a caesarian section when there is actually no medical emergency. I had an emergency caesarian with my son and have only now started to work through why and how it happened so that I can be better educated before having a second child. Good luck!

Morgan - posted on 07/18/2010

There is NO shame in a csection birth. You did what was safest for you and your baby and you gave birth to a healthy baby. There is nothing wrong with that at all. There are lots of moms who should have had a csection and did not and there babies hurt or worse died in the long run.

Definately talk to your doctor about this. It can be dangerous and there are serious complications that can come up for both you and the baby if you have a vaginal brith after a csection. you want to do what is best for you and the new baby. I wish you the best of luck.

Rose - posted on 07/11/2010

Your daughter is your little blessing - enjoy her - no matter how she got here. She is healthy, you are healthy and you love her. You can have other children. Rejoice in your blessings!!

Heidi - posted on 06/09/2010

YES! My son was a C/S and my beautiful baby girl was a VBAC, all 8lbs 15oz of her! :)



GOOD LUCK!

Maria - posted on 05/25/2010

Im with Rebecca, please check out the ICAN network, they can help with all sorts of things, including hleping you find a provider who will help you if your desire is to try to have VBAC birth ( IT CAN BE DONE!!)

Lynette - posted on 05/25/2010

I had a c-section with my daughter(2nd child) because I had placenta previa. This time around I don't have that problem, and I'm opting to go the VBAC route.(due in July) My doctors encourage it, and in my case, since I've had a vaginal birth with my first child, I'm a good candidate. I'm not sure why you had the c-section the first time, you will have to talk to your OB when that time comes. There are some reasons they won't do a VBAC.

Oluwaseyi - posted on 05/06/2010

Hmm, you do not need to feel any guilt about giving birth via a c-section , the most important thing in pregnancy is that you both come back alive!! The mode and manner I consider irrelevant as long as that objective is actualized! As to it being possible to have natural birth after CS, yes it is very possible to do so...I am a living example!! I even call mine a supernatural child birth!! the baby came out in less number of pushes like someone who had done it b4!! My doctor was amazed! Glory be to God!...its usualy called VBAC, if there is no health reasons for you not to go natural, go for it by all means...it's a wonderful experience! Best of luck

Kimberly - posted on 05/05/2010

I am proof that you can have 2 csection then have a natural birth!
my first born was an emergency c section due to her having her head tilted the wrong way my second was a planned c section ( we were waiting to try have him natural but he stopped growing so had to come out)
And my 3rd, well he was going to be my 3rd c section but he had a mind of his own coming out natural 3 weeks 2 days early in the ambulance on the way to the hospital
We are thinking about having a 4th and it would have to be a planned csection, but i am more than okay with this as i would rather have a baby in my arms healthy born via csection than not one and all.

Marisa - posted on 05/05/2010

It depends on why you had a C-section the first time, but if you are healthy and generally "able" to give birth naturally, you should be eligible for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section). Not all doctors will do this, not all hospitals will do this. So, you have to do some research, but I know plenty of women who have had VBACs successfully.

That said, it seems like you might have some post-pardum depression issues to deal with before getting pregnant again. Maybe consult a post-pardum doula?

Lisa - posted on 05/04/2010

It is possible, well i hope so as im trying for VBAC this time, my 1st was natural and my 2nd was breech born by C-sec 18 months ago. Good luck, hope you get your VBAC. x

Tracy - posted on 05/03/2010

It is possible to have natural birth after c-section. I myself had two c-sections, then naturally 3 times. My first pregnancy there were problems with the my son and they were terribly concerned so they gave me a c-section. Second prenancy was twins, I was fine until one of then decided to flip herself into a breech position, breaking my water in the process. I had really wanted natural but was really given no choice. My third pregnancy I had my mind set, I was doing whatever I could to go natural, and I did. I went with a Midwife, and she made it possible. I haad to do a consultation with a doctor, who said I was healthy enough, and that was that. Being through the ywo, I would still choose natural anyday, with or without drugs, I've done both lol.

Rachel - posted on 05/02/2010

I had a section with my second. She was breech. In January I had a natural birth just 15 months after my last section. Was only in the hospital for 50 minutes when my son appeared! No problems and obviously with that time frame, no drugs!

Melissa - posted on 05/02/2010

oo hunny you still gave birth to her.. my god they cut you open to give her life.. you had your body cut open and they reached in and pulled life out of you.. thats definatly giving birth in my book.. and she wasnt taken from you.. you have her!! you should be proud and feel special because you are!! regardless if we do natural or c-section us mommies gave life and what is better than that?? dont be depressed you are still a mother, you gave birth regardless what part of your body she came from and again you let them to be blunt cut you like a fish to bring that life into this world.. you are beautiful!! now your question.. ok well i went through 14 hours of labor then they had to do any emergancy c-section and in my case they had to take him away i didnt even get to see him untill they were done! but anyways i was told that anymore babies i have which i am trying to concieve one a little girl hopefully right now that i nor anyone else that got a c-section can not have natural birth due to the fact that women were ripping open.. but it may be different to different doctors/hospital but again i know you dont wanna hear this but thats what my doctors/hospital said that next baby i have or any after that i cant do natural because women were ripping open at their scars.. but again different states, hospitals etc. different rules.. but dont ever feel like you didnt give birth and dont be depressed caz you went through alooot to give birth to her and dont let anyone tell you different you are beautiful and an angel!! god bless you♥ and if u need a friend request me xoxo

Britney - posted on 05/01/2010

Yes it is possible. I have had 2 natural births after my first was with a c-section. GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATS!!!

Nettie - posted on 04/29/2010

Yes you can, I had 2 natuarl births and then my last one was by c section. I had the same kind of feelings you are having... I didn't feel an instant bond with her because I didn't do any of the work... or maybe it was just because I was in too much pain. I am going to look into having a VBAC with my next child.

Kirsty - posted on 04/27/2010

Absolutely it is!!! In fact it's a much better option than a repeat c/s, depending of course on the reason for your original c/s. I'll be having a VBAC this time, but my options are more open because I've already had a spontaneous VB.
Best advice? Research, research, research!!! And stay away from Obs, they're surgeons after all. Your best chance of VBAC is with midwifery let care. Where are you?
Google VBAC and you'll get a ton of reading material. Read a lot, and have someone on your side who knows what you want eg doula and don't be bullied into booking a c/s before your due date. A GF of mine had a repeat c/s yesterday at 39 weeks - she didn't stand a chance!
Good luck - recovery is a breeze compared to c/s - and stay active. Lying flat on your back pushing uphill is the best way to end up back in theatre.

Sarah - posted on 04/26/2010

Absolutely is possible (of course, all cases are different, so the possibilty is depending on the type of incision you doc performed with your csection, among other factors). My 18 m/o a born via c-section, and my 6 m/o was born VBAC. My doctor tried to discourage me from going VBAC the entire time I was pregnant with my second child, and for various reasons, at his advice, I even scheduled a planned c-section for my second child. His practice advertise that they specialize in VBAC which was part of why I went there. Only well into my labor at the hospital did my nurse say, and I quote, "Well if you wanted a VBAC you picked the wrong group... they rarely ever allow it." I guess that my body just didn't agree witn my doctor! I went into labor almost a week before I was scheduled and thank goodness, because my recovery from VBAC was much more speedy than from my section. Anyway, my advice is to check with ur doctor and hospital to make sure they allow/advocate a VBAC. Then, check with your doctor to see if it is possible for you. Also, I understand that you may feel you were robbed of your delivery with your child. I felt much the same way when I had a section. Now, the deliveries are so far in the past that the joy I have with just having them here with me makes me forget any worries I may have had over their deliveries. Your feelings should get better, but if they don't, please consider seeking a doctor to help with the depression. Baby blues can turn into full blown post-partum depression. I hope this info helps. Good luck with all!

Cimone Louise - posted on 04/25/2010

yes it is possible, I did it! but my personal advice is DON'T to it !! I was torn to sheads!! and still have the most horrific memories of the "Natural" birth. not only that, the nurses treat you like you've done it all before and don't give you a second thought, they ignore you as you've had a" natural" labour. instead of fussing over you when you've had a ceaser!! definantly go for a ceaser or at least and epidural pre organise!! I have had post birth stress disorder I think as the trauma of the Natural birth was just horendus. there i a reason you couldn't give birth in the first place so listen to your body. you will get pleanty of cuddles as soon as the baby is safe. best wishes what ever you choose.

Amanda - posted on 04/25/2010

it also depends alot where u live. Im in SA, Australia and the Dr's here encourage u to try VBAC. I read an article in a magazine that a hospital in NSW has a no VBAC policy??

Jennifer - posted on 04/24/2010

Yes you can!! I had a C section with my first and had scheduled a C section for my second. However, she had different plans. She came 2 days before my scheduled C section and I barely made it to the hospital in time. She was born all natural. Talk to your doctor because you can do it. I had planned a C section because I had heard of all the things that could go wrong with a VBAC.

Amanda - posted on 04/24/2010

my first two were c-sections. i was told with our third child that i would need another, but was able to deliver naturally. i went into labour very quickly and barely made it to the hospital so there was no time to get me to theatre. he was born breach, only 9 months after my last section, and the birth went fine. it was not ideal, but it can be done. someone mentioned that you cannot be induced after you have had a section, but you can. the dr broke my waters with our second. i believe that your waters can be broken and the drugs given to help induce labour, but you cannot have the gels, due to a risk of uterine rupture.

Rebecca - posted on 04/23/2010

May I suggest to everyone here that you attend your local ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) chapter meeting. It's a wonderful support group for women who have had a cs and are recovering, are looking toward a subsequent pregnancy and are unsure how to proceed, or for first-time Moms who want to know the best ways to avoid a cs. Here is the international website: http://www.ican-online.org/ and if you click on the "Find a Local Support Group" link for a chapter in your area.

Good luck to all of you who are taking this journey!

Valerie - posted on 04/23/2010

i'm sorry you feel that way. But like one of the moms already said, God granted you the ability to conceive and then carry to full term and give birth. C-section is not an operation for light weights!!! You did well. Your parenting isn't determined by how your baby came out, so smile, she's here!!! As for the next pregnancy, do your research, call different drs to see which will be willing to attempt a vbac with you.
Personally, my first was a c-section and the next baby who was born 15 months later was a vaginal birth and the one after that (15 1/2 months later) was also a vaginal birth. But can i say that the second birth, although vaginal, took place in an operating room!!! weird but true. Both (vaginal and c-section) have pros and cons. Leave your fears at Jesus' feet. In all honesty, how will it profit you or your baby to be depressed and worried about something that really is out of your control. I hope your concerns are eased as you read the stories of other women who've been where you are.
God bless you Jeri.

Talisa - posted on 04/23/2010

I never had Labor pains, my doc scheduled a c-section for me when I hit 40 weeks and the baby wasn't even engaged. He said most likely I would have been in labor for 48 hours before they were forced to give me a c-section. at that point I just wanted the baby out of me and I didn't care what way.LOL My whole pregnancy I had been depending on a vaginal birth... but my c-section was not that bad at all, not having to go through labor pains is a plus. I don't know if I ever wanna have a natural birth.

Sarah - posted on 04/23/2010

My 1st was also a breech, and as with everyone else here, I was also disappointed when informed that I would be needing a c-section. I know several women from different circles of friends/acquaintances that went with a midwife the 2nd time around (although with a VBAC it is better to be in a hospital than at home regardless, just in case, where an OB can be readily available). Statistically, midwives actually have better success rates with this than OBs (who are first-and-foremost surgeons). Midwives are also better at helping you through the laboring process in natural ways, and listening to you and your body. I spoke with a mid-wife who actually calmed a lot of my fears about VBACs. I have a mildly bicorticate uterus, which OBs think would make any/all future babies facing in the breeched position. However, this midwife suggested a chiropractor who has actually worked with many other pregnant woman to increase the chances of the baby being in the correct position! I had never heard of this before! This chiropractor doesn't do any twisting, cracking, or physical turning of the baby. Her methods are very gently and natural, focusing on adjustments to the pelvis to give the baby the optimal amount of space to turn on his/her own. Not sure if this is going to work for me, but it has worked for other women, and it's covered under our insurance so I'm giving it a try! I'm currently 16 weeks pregnant with our 2nd child, and if the baby is in the correct position by 30 weeks, I can easily transfer to this midwife and the OB practice that she works with. Don't know if this info. will help anyone, but thought I would post just in case! God bless you all and your families in your pregnancies and childbirth, however it may occur!

Karen - posted on 04/23/2010

I'm currently 39 weeks and am going to attempt a VBAC. I had a c-section with my son because he was breech. The problem with a VBAC is that you can't be induced because the super hard contractions that induction causes can rupture the incision. As long as I dilate naturally, I should be able to do it. My doctor will recommend a c-section if I'm not dilated at my appointment today. She's going to come out one way or another! I'm more concerned about the recovery with a 18 month old son.

Jenni - posted on 04/23/2010

I had a VBAC (vagfinal birth after C-section). My first deliver was very hard and after not progressing for a long time the Doc informed me that C-section would be the best way to go. I was very disappointed but realized it would be best for the baby. The VBAC was only 14 months after the C (which they discourage)but it went well. The recovery seemed much better, and if I have a choice I will not go back to C-section.

Heather - posted on 04/22/2010

My doc said the same thing as Alison's. I was in labor for 26 hours, but did not progress after 3cms. I got a fever and they decided to do a c-section.
When my doc told me I would be having a c-section, I was very upset! I had planned on a vaginal birth and my mind was set on it. But when my doc said, the goal is to have a healthy baby and it would not be safe to wait. I was able to let go of my plan and focus on what matters, the safety and well being of my baby. I feel when I have my next baby I will be more mentally prepared and if I end up having another c-section, that's the way my body works. As long as I have a healthy baby that's all that matters.

Alison - posted on 04/22/2010

It all depends on why you had to have a c-section. I talked with my doctor after my delivery, and basically he said I have a 60% chance of going naturally next time. Since I never progressed passed 4cms, there is no way to know why I wasn't able to deliver naturally. He said, had I got to the point where I was 10cms, and pushed and she didn't move, I would most likely have to have a c-section again.

Next step is to make sure your dr and hospital that you go to actually allow VBACs. Most are changing their current policies on VBACs to allow more of them.

I hear ya on how you feel. I tried to go naturally, and also had to have a c-section.

Jenneil - posted on 04/21/2010

I too had a c-section after a hard labor with no progress. Turns out my hips are fussed and I will never be able to deliver naturally. I look at it this way...I have a beautiful baby that the Lord gave to me. It doesn't matter how she came, the point is that she is here and she belongs to you. Realize that God is there in the delivery room working through the doctors to help make this miracle happen in the best way for mom and baby. Every person is different just because you had a c-section the first time doesn't mean you will have to have another.

Becky - posted on 04/21/2010

Yes - it is commonly known as a VBAC. You'll have to talk to your OB about it as not all docs agree with it. I definitely want to try for a v-birth, I also had a c-section with my first. I never have felt depressed and felt like I never gave birth to him. It's not just about the birth moment, you took care of her for all those months and sacrificed so much, so never feel like you never really gave birth! Just cuz she came out of the oven instead of the microwave doesn't make you any less of a mom!!