C-section and then having a viginal Birth?

Carol - posted on 12/17/2009

I had 4 c-sections before I had a v-bac and then another v-bac or would it been more correct to say a vag. birth? I did have complications with the 1st. v-bac. I wore a catheter for 6 weeks due to a fistula between the uterus and the bladder. Not uncommon with mothers having multiple c-sections. Nowadays hospitals and doctors look differently and more progress has been made to help women to have successful v-bacs after c-sections. As I had my first c-section in 1984, then ’86, ’87, and finally in 1989. Four years later in ’94 and again in ’96 were my v-bacs. I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for my sons. (Yes I had 6 boys.) Having a good doctor preferably one who deals with high risks pregnancy if necessary as I had, would help you with your decision. By the way, I didn’t have Lupus but I did (do) have fibromyalgia. I know it's not the same but you still have good and bad days. Good Luck to you and your baby. Carol Smead

Marlene - posted on 12/15/2009

Natural labors after a C/S are pretty safe, even if you go o'due or are having twins, but having labor induced or augmented greatly increases chance of uterine rupture!

When considering whether to have a repeat C/S or VBAC, many factors need to be taken into consideration, like type of incision (vertical or horizontal) type of sutures used (interupted or continuous) how many layers it was repaired with (one or two) and type of suture material (chromic or vicryl) Those risk factors you cannot change. Your doctors C/S rate, doctors you can change. But if all else looks good, think, do you want days even weeks of pain recuperating from major abd. surgery, with a new baby to care for, or hours of discomfort before your baby is born?

BTW choose care givers wisely. It is not necessary to automatially do a C/S for a breech baby, it was a choice you & your doc made. Most breech babies can be encouraged to turn with a simple exercise you do yourself at home. If that doesn't work, a Chiropractic alignment usually does. Most docs don't tell you that, they don't even learn these techniques in med school 'cause they make more money in less time if they section you. And remember breech babies have a slightly less favorable outcomes, no matter how they are delivered, not to mention 4 times the maternal mortality with operative vs vaginal births! C/S only protects the doc from getting sued. The World Health Org. has said only 2 - 5 % of C/S are really needed, and altho a C/S rate less than 1% is losing babies that could have been saved, when the C/S rate rises above 15%, they are doing more harm than good! C/S rate for MD's is now over 32%, while CNM's are at 12% and CPM's have 4%. All with comparable stats.

Kathryn - posted on 12/15/2009

Yes, you CAN have a successful VBAC! If you plan on having a hospitail birth, make sure you discuss it with your OB. A lot of hospitals won't even "allow" a woman to attempt a VBAC. Breech babies can be born vaginally as well. Default c-sections for breech babies seems really silly to me.

Stacie - posted on 12/15/2009

I had my first son c-section. Then 5 years later, had my second vaginal birth. I couldn't believe how much faster the healing process went! Not to mention, I got into my old clothes faster. Although you can't schedule the birth as easily as with a c-section, I would rather have mine the regular way.

Natalie - posted on 12/14/2009

I am a doula which is a birthing assistant and have stood through natural and c-sec. I am a mom of three beautiful boys all natural and I would like to strongly suggest natural. It is a very difficult process to go through but with the right love and support system it will also be the most precious experience you will ever have. Consider getting a doula to help u or even a friend or family member who can stand next to you and your hubby and support u both. Enjoy the experience you will treasure it for ever.

Kim - posted on 12/14/2009

it is not as bad as they say it is! You will be fine Good luck

Kelly - posted on 12/14/2009

i had a emergency c section with my first baby and felt a little bit robbed of the labour i had wanted. my plan had been completly natural and i ended up with epidural c section the lot. 22 months on i had my second baby which i just went with the flow and after a long first stage of labour i had the perfect natural birth with just gas and air. 12 hours later me and their dad was reunited with our son to start our new life with his beautiful baby sister. both labours were hard but worth it. my advice is just go with what is right for you and your family good luck.

Becky - posted on 12/13/2009

i had an emergency c-section with my 1st then had a natural birth 2 yrs later.That was 15 yrs ago.I recently had my little girl and that was a natural birth and the easiest labour i've ever had.I found havin an epidural helped with both the natural births but this last time the best as now when u have 1 u can still feel your legs and are able to push the baby urself.Thanks to a gr8 midwifey team i had and the support of my husband.I felt the best i ever had.everyones experience is different just go with how u feel,U'll know whats best for u at the time.good luck.x

Kylie - posted on 12/13/2009

My 1st was an emergency c-section, 2nd a natural birth and 3rd an elected c-section. To be honest I don't remember much of the natural birth except the little darling being handed to me. You have the option of pain relief and I'm assuming you have loved ones around to be with you. Put any horror stories you may have heard out of your head and enjoy your pregency. When its time to give birth remember theres nothing you can do to stop it and try to relax. At the end of the day once you have that precious baby in your arms it would have been worth all that you went through to get him/her there. Good luck sweetheart and don't forget to add a pic on here so we can all see your blessing when it arrives.

Christabel - posted on 12/13/2009

My obst. said "you are a young, healthy woman with no complications from your C section. He informed that there were some risks with scars opening due to the strain on the connective tissue. However the risk factors apart from this, were very low. My health at the time of the second pregnancy was also very good. I was aware that something could go wrong (since I also did some research) however I also know that the standard of care in Australia is very high. I did have a friend who told me that there was a lot of opposition to VBAC. I never came across it and I was very glad to be able to experience a VBAC.
So good luck and "be alert but not alarmed" as our previous PM once said.

Megan - posted on 12/12/2009

Congrats on your pregnancy! I had an emergency c/s with first and went on to have a wonderful VBAC! I would do some research and become knowledgable and informed. There are great websites out there like the ican website. I also have a VBAC blog that has some great resources and info that I learned during my experience...if you are interested it is www.thepathtovbac.blogspot.com. I agree that taking a childbirth class is good, a great one is the bradley method classes. VBACs are safer than repeat c/s and most women are successfull. I am so glad I had a VBAC and would recommend it to those that have no medical reason to have a repeat c/s. If you have any questions I would love to help. Hope all goes well for you!

Amy - posted on 12/12/2009

I'm 30 weeks and am trying for a vbac in february. I would advise finding a doctor or midwife that is extremely supportive, and surrounding yourself with supportive people, especially during labor. Without support, it will be difficult, especially if your dr. likes to use c-sections. There's a VBAC community here on circle of moms that has some great advice too. :)

also, www.ican.org is a good website that offers advice.

Janet - posted on 12/12/2009

My first two children were born via C-section. The other two were vaginal delivery. I found that you heal much faster and feel better sooner with a vaginal delivery. I would suggest you take childbirth classes and be familiar with the different methods of pain management available. My last child gave me an incredable amount of pain with back labor, and he was the first of my kids that I felt I needed an epidural with. Go in with an open mind and while a birth plan is good, no one can be prepared for all the possibilities. Natural is nice and a good ideal, but pain management is very important and can make the experience much better when it is needed.

Patty - posted on 12/12/2009

My first son turned breech the last two weeks of pregnancy and I had a c-section. He's now 5. My younger son is now almost 7 months and I had a vbac (vaginal birth after c-section). I left my options open for pain relief since I didn't know what I could tolerate, and ended up getting an epidural (Thank You GOD!). After that it was like a party... great encouragement from friends, family, nurse, and doc. Many things have been better with second son and would recommend vbac if possible. I say... go with the flow, leave options open, don't be afraid to speak up about your needs or wants... and try to enjoy the experience... and just love on that baby after! :)

Cheri - posted on 12/12/2009

my 1st child was an emergency c-section & 3 1/2 years later my 2nd child was a vaginal birth....................I prefer the natural way any day over a c-section.........neither is easy, but I've experienced both................walking is a great way to keep in shape for the big day

Julie - posted on 12/11/2009

my eldest was a c-section then i went on to hav 3 natural births. but im telling u nw no advise will prepare u for the day. im sorry im not trying to scare u im just telling u the truth.

Alina - posted on 12/11/2009

well i had a c section and am now 24 weeks with my next baby. i am planning on having a vbac and so hope it works out. i have had 4 vaginal births before so i know what to expect as far as the norm goes. just be informed is my advice. it is best on your body to have a vaginal birth. recovery is much quicker. and easier. make sure you know what the doctors bail out policy is. how far will they let it go, that sort of thing. i made sure i knew all of that and it does help to ease the fears a little. good luck and i will also be reading about others experiences with vbacs. i am curious how other attempts went as well.