Has anyone had a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Ceserean)?

Clare Denise - posted on 06/06/2012

Yes I had Twins by C sec...and then 18months later I pushed out a large boy 9llb 8ounces...so they(Doctors) weren't happy as the twins were my first C sec.....and so close later I had our last bou...he is the last one of six children......But yes and normal delivery just he was so fat......lol but I wasn't sure either as I was older and I didn't like the C section at all.....Enjoy and be determined its your Babies....not the Doctors.....

Danielle - posted on 06/06/2012

I had a VBAC and no complications, labor wasn't extended, just normal time, likely similiar to a first baby. I did find it easier to recover from a c-section just since it only hurt getting up and picking things up verses the VBAC it hurt to sit :) But I am having my 3rd now and planning another vaginal delivery.

Shobhaa - posted on 06/06/2012

I had my first baby girl when i was just 19. I had a c-section in a government hospital and was told that my next would be a c-section too. When I conceived my second daughter, I went to a private nursing home and conveyed this message about c-section to her. She did a thorough check-up and told me that I have 100% possibility of having a vaginal birth. Since we were a bit scared on the day i was to deliver she had the operation theatre ready (she said she was sure of a vaginal delivery, but kept did that just so that I was comfortable) Finally I delivered normally and both the bay and me were fine under her expert care. Do consult with your doctor if it is 100% possible in your case and then go ahead. All the best...god bless u and the baby :)

Marika - posted on 06/06/2012

Hi, my mum had me with a c- section and she tried for a long time to have me naturally, like you, and had my sister VB with no problems at all. But you have to have a doctor that is with you 100%. Good luck!

Zoe - posted on 06/06/2012

I had a VBAC, and it was well worth it. I had very strong believes in what I wanted with both my births, but unfortunately with my 1st nothing went to plan, I didn't want any pain relief and defentley not a c-section but due to complications I had to have everything and a emergency c-section, all was ok with my boy and me, but I was let down by my midwife regarding my stitches, I had read in my book that after some time she should take them out, on the vist when that should of happened she did not mention anything about it so I brought it up, she told me they were dissolvable, turns out I was right all along after 2weeks of pain and agony I went to the doctors and turns out it had got infected and the reason why it hurt so much was my skin was trying to heal around it, as soon as she took them out all the pain &discommfort disappeard.
When I got pregnant again I was very addiment I wanted normal birth, but at some of the hospital appointments I had to go to, because of problems during my 1st birth, they were telling me it would be better to have a c-section gain, or thats what I had to have. I stood my ground and said no I wanted a normal birth, then I finally got to see my doctor that would be there for the birth and I tols her what I wanted and how strongly I felt, she was totally on my side but did say you must be prepared to have. A c-section if needed, which of corse I was incase there was a problem. But there wasn't, well they had to cut me because they couldn't hear a heart beat so lost a lot of blood and got 3rd tears turns out my baby was perfectly fine, just couldn't get the equipment in the right place. Ended up having a needle in my back and stitches but well worth it all. Looking back at my photos of both births, my 1st I looked so out of it with all the pain reliefs it was awful but with my 2nd I looked fresh as a daisy.
Don't let anyone putyouoff or force you to do something your not happy with, it's your body, your child and you doing all the hard work. Just be prepared to have a c-section incase something goes wrong but just because your chances are a little higher of having a nother c-section does not mean that's what you've got to have. Stick to your guns. It might not happen again and regrets are not worth the paper there written on.
Hope all goes ok, please keep us up to date.

Julianne - posted on 06/06/2012

My first child was breach, so I had to have an emergency C-section. I had two children after, both VBAC. No problems. And I had my last at age 40! Good Luck.

Rita - posted on 06/06/2012

Yes I also had a VBAC and like the fact that I experienced both. I prefered the C-section seemed that I healed better and faster afterwards but all in all was good.

Alia - posted on 06/05/2012

Oh I just wanted to add that if you are able to have a VBAC I would recommend that you make sure they don't try and give you pitocin. It causes unnaturally strong contractions which are hard on you and the baby and often contributes to the necessity of a c-section. I asked what they were going to give me and when the nurse mentioned it I asked if I "had" to have it and she said no and that all I had to do was tell them I didn't want it. A typical VBAC runs a 1% or less chance of uterine rupture but with pitocin the chance increases to 28%. It just isn't worth it. I had my VBAC completely drug free and I would recommend it to anyone. Once again good luck and congratulations.

Crystal - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a VBAC 8 months ago. Best decision EVER! My water broke at 0600 and my son was born at 0923. When I arrived at the hospital I was fully dilated. So even if I had wanted one, no epidural! It was pretty intense but not overly so. Best adrenalin high ever! 30 minutes after he was born, I felt back to normal. I felt amazing, like I had conquered the world. Like the previous post, it was hard to sit still. I wanted to leave the hospital immediately! We stayed overnight just for safety's sake.

Obviously, it all happened really fast, with no complications whatsoever. The risk of complications is actually greater with continued c-sections. Do a little research to find out for yourself. Also, I'd suggest watching, "The Business of Being Born," by Ricki Lake. It looks like there is a sequel to this movie as well. I haven't seen it, but I'd bet it's just as compelling. I'd also suggest reading "Ina May's Guide To Childbirth," by Ina May Gaskin. She's the leading midwife in the states. Her book changed my perspective on delivery in an amazingly positive way!

Alia - posted on 06/05/2012

I know you said you've already made your decision but I wanted to add my experience and advice in case you'd be interested. I had a c-section with my first son after being in labor for 14 hrs and pushing for 2 hrs. I was so afraid of the "pain" of a vaginal birth and because I had so many people tell me to get an epidural I decided to have one. I can't say with certainty that was the cause of my c-section but it was obvious my progress halted shortly after receiving it. With my second son (born April 5, 2012) I was determined to have a VBAC. I went into labor around 8:30am, went to the hospital around 10:30am and had him by VBAC at 12:41pm. I would wholeheartedly recommend a vaginal delivery vs c-section any day. As soon as he was out I was back to my normal self. Once they had me move to the recovery room I felt no pain and was so full of energy and happiness at having him the way I wanted that it was hard to get myself to sit down. With my first son I had trouble with breastfeeding, he had a moderate case of jaundice, and I suffered from PPD. This time around my son is completely healthy, we've had no problems with breastfeeding, and absolutely no depression. I feel so close to him and my experience having had him vaginally and having them place him on my chest immediately afterward was the most exhilarating and happiest moments of my life. I sincerely hope you are able to have that kind of experience as well. Best wishes to you and your baby and good luck.

Maya - posted on 06/05/2012

Another VBAC here. Way to go! I was very impressed with my gynae.

Belinda - posted on 06/05/2012

My girlfriend had a VBAC2 (vaginal birth after two caesareans). She was met with a lot of resistance in the medical field but was determined to try so she hired a doula to accompany her in the birthing suite and her vaginal birth was successful. She loved it and is rightly proud that she stuck to her guns and her the birth she wanted for her healthy baby boy.

Sharon - posted on 06/05/2012

I fought hard for a VBAC and have never regretted it. My first was a c-section after being breech. My VBAC was 7 yrs later. There were no complications and recovery was SO much easier. Godd luck!

Kate - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a c section with my first, and an unexpected early delivery with my 2nd child, she was 7 weeks early and I had no idea I was in labor due to being terribly sick. I can honestly say that in my opinion, even with having the natural birth vbac (my story is truly chaotic) If I had it to do over again I would prefer vaginal delivery over a c sec. The recovery time seemed much easier to me. The biggest problem most women have doing a vbac from what I'm told is going into labor, so if that is what you opt to try, walk, and have lots of sex! It helps!

Tanya - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a c-section with my first after a labour of approx 18 hours and not dilating past 4cm, bubs was 11lbs 3.5ozs, and my second also a c-section after a very similar labour and again not progressing past about 4-5cm, she was 8lbs 7.5ozs. Both were posterior. When I got pregnant with baby number 3 I was absolutely determined to have a natural birth. My hospital basically told me that because I had had 2 previous c-sections that I had to book in for a third. I told them that no, I was determined to at least give VBAC a go. In short I had a successful VBAC!! My suggestions would be to do some research on VBAC and the pros and cons. Obviously uterine scar rupture is the most obvious risk and something that is very serious that you need to consider. But for me having 2 kids under 3.5 years and not being able to drive or pick either of them up was not something I wanted to go through. It is great that your husband is supportive as you probably will encounter some people who won't encourage a VBAC. I was literally in the birth suite and hadn't even got on the bed yet and the nurse told me that trying for a VBAC after 2 c-sections was absolutely impossible. But I proved her wrong. So do your research and stick to your guns. Obviously I was going to do everything possible to have a VBAC but at the end of the day if they had of told me it wasn't a safe option then I would have had another c-section. I was only given a 10-15% chance of a succesful VBAC. But I figured it was worth giving it a try considering a c-section would be the result anyway. But for me having a natural birth was a lot easier in terms of recovery (not in terms of labour - ouch) My labour was 3 hours and no time for an epidural damn it! oh and she was 9lbs 1oz (and 9 days early). I do suggest trying to labour in as much of an upright position as possible. With my first two I was on the bed the whole time and with number three i spent most of the time standing up.
Anyway good luck with it, I hope you get to deliver her naturally.

Tori - posted on 06/05/2012

I also had a C-Section for my first (breech) and then had a VBAC with my second. I had other complications with my first (significant hypertension). I was in the hospital for a week with the section. I healed well and did not have a bad experience with the section at all. Like you, I wanted to have a VBAC to avoid surgery again. I am glad that I did. I was able to leave within 24 hours and was able to pick up my three year old (something I wouln't have been able to do with a section). I did LOTS of research and it is generally safer for you to have a VBAC than a repeat section. We tend to think of them as routine, but a c-section is still major abdominal surgery. It can also lead to adhesions on the scar tissue which can be problematic in the future. My second DD was upside down and I almost had to have a section. I ended up with a 2nd degree tear and would still choose it again. I have a friend that had twins via section for her first and then two subsequent VBACS. She is very happy with her choice too. My advice is go for what feels right. You can always aim for a VBAC and then change your mind. As with anything to do with birthing babies--it is all on their schedule and plans and not ours :) Feel free to respond with any additional questions. Hope this is what you were looking for.

Colleen - posted on 06/05/2012

I have had 2 VBACs and both were awesome and uneventful. My 1st was a c-section... dilated fully and pushed for 4 hours but she was stuck and just wouldn't come out (was face up). Struggled with the decision to try VBAC for my second since there is risk but decided to go for it with the support of my husband and doctor. My delivery was a breeze the second time and the 3rd was so fast that I had no time for the epidural.

Doris - posted on 06/05/2012

Listens to your Dr. My sister in law wanted to have a vaginal delivery after a c-section and when the baby's monitor started to show trouble, she had a c- section in a hurry and her bladder was cut in the process and that was not a what she really wanted. Be careful.

Delia - posted on 06/05/2012

Get opinions and shared experiences from other circle members. Get facts and very helpful information from vbacfacts.com

Your may also find http://www.theunnecesarean.com/blog very informative as well.

Penny - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a VBAC almost 18 years ago, I was happy I did, I had 2 doctors at the time, one wanted me to have a C-section, the other said no because I was making progress, slow as it was, it was still progress. I had a 2 year old at home at the time and knew it would be much easier going natural. So I delivered natural and all went well.

Teri - posted on 06/05/2012

I was in labor for 3 days and then I was put on pitocin to dialate quicker. I went from 4 to 6 really quick then stopped. I was on pitocin for about 8 hours, then doc finally done a c-section. Really, it all depends on if your doctor has told you that your body just can't deliver naturally. I had no complications during my pregnancy either, it was just that my pelvis wouldn't spread apart to deliver naturally. Doc told me that it had nothing to do with how small or big you are, or how young or old I was, but that my body just wasn't capable of delivering naturally. I have been told that this is very common. I would check with your doctor and see what he/she says about the VBAC.

Kimberly - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a nearly identical experience. My first was 2 weeks late and even w pitosin, it became clear after 30 hours of labor that we were not getting there. When her heart rate started decelerating, I was given an emergency c-section. I was miserable.

I enlisted an herbalist, eastern doctor, who specialized in womens' issues to induce my labor with my 2nd pregnancy. I went 2 weeks early and had a very successful vbac with an epidural. I bounced out of bed in the morning and never looked back. BEST decision ever.

God luck with you delivery. I'm sure you will be fine.

Kim

Joanie - posted on 06/05/2012

Hi, I am Master's prepared Obstetrical Nurse.... as far as if you should have a VBAC after a C-Section, it depends on a couple of things.
First: Where did they make the incision on your uterus? Most of the time they try to do it in the lower section (thicker section) of your uterus to prevent the chance of the uterus rupturing in subsequent pregnancies. If your baby was in a lot of distress they may have done what they call a classical incision vertically down the front of the uterus. If they did the lower tranverse incision on your uterus (now I am not talking about the one on your skin) then it is probably alright for you to have a vaginal birth after delivery.
Second: How many times have you been pregnant? The more pregnancies you have had or the more multiples you have had thins the uterus more, so there is a higher risk of the uterus rupturing.

If you have not had any of these situations then it is perfectly okay to have a VBAC. Have you read on what happens when the uterus ruptures in labor? Both the mother and baby's lives are at major risk.

Joanie

Caz - posted on 06/05/2012

yea i had probs having my first daughter and had a c section and had my other daughter a viginal birth

Michele - posted on 06/05/2012

I was 32 when my uterus ruptured so I was young too. Don't blow off the risk ppl yes it can happened successfully but what about the ones that do have the complications its not worth the risk. You could never imagine going home from a hospital after having a full term healthy baby inside you and going home with out her in your arms. Then going to visit her at the cemetery. I would never want to talk about this but I felt like there was a reason I saw this discussion I been getting emails for like 2 years from circle of moms and never even looked at any of these discussions except by accident I saw this one. Just please think carefully about your decision.

REBECCA - posted on 06/05/2012

My first child was a c-section. he has a large head apparently and didn't want to be born the natural way. but then my next child and third child were both natural births and then my last was a c-section for her health. i haven't had any problems with anything. my oldest is 24 and my youngest is 12. they are all happy and healthy. i have more problems from the c-section because of scar tissue than anything else.

Terri - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a c-section with baby number 1 . i have had 4 V-backs with no problem . when i asked my Dr. about it with baby #3 because everyone told me i was high risk his relpy was a woman that has never had a baby before has more of a chance of their uterus rupturing then I did . that its just an excuse to make more money . I am also a doula and support V-back deliveries . YOu can do it if you have support . any questions message me and i can give you my number and we can talk

Kate - posted on 06/05/2012

I had VBAC
I had a c-section with my first pregnancy (twins) due to failure to progress after a 36 hour labour.
My second pregnancy went well and I was offered the choice or section or natural birth. I chose natural after careful consideration and decided that I wanted to know what giving birth was like seeing as this was going to be our last baby!

However, for me, after a rough labour (long and very assisted) I realise I should have gone with my instinct - a c-section. I recovered quicker from my section that my vaginal birth. That said, everyone is different and I am particular petite in that area! I know that now!

You have to go with your gut feeling and the advice of your doctors/midwives. There are risks to both after having had a section once - as you'll have been told

All the best, what ever you decide, one thing to remain focused on us your beautiful baby being placed in your arms ;-)

Katie - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a VBAC! It was wonderful! I had no problems and the recovery is amazing! Vaginal birth is the way to go!!!

Katie - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a VBAC! It was wonderful! I had no problems and the recovery is amazing! Vaginal birth is the way to go!!!

Ayla - posted on 06/05/2012

No but I am planning i am planning on having one with my next baby. C-sections are horrible and to easily handed out! Good luck on ur quest x

Katrina - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a VBAC after having my first son emergency c-section. I was actually high risk due to seizures. My OB/GYN did let me know that know that there is always the possibility of having another c-section after the first while trying to deliver vaginally. However she also told me most times it doesnt happen. I had no problems what so ever and everything went very smoothly for me. I think as long as you go in to it prepared knowing that it is possible to end up in a c-section you should do great. My OB also said it is best to do a VBAC as much as possible. Good luck in your delivery and decision.

Janine - posted on 06/05/2012

You can have a vbac no problems. Just can't be induced.

Alison - posted on 06/05/2012

I had two VBAC after my C-section and they whent very well. You are the same age as me and if you are healthy and low risk then you should be fine. For my first VBAC my doc had the sergeicl team standing by just in case my scare opend in the insid. but all whent well. 39 houres for my first VBAC and then for my second it was within 12 hours. But all three of my children are doing very well. Go in witha positve attitud and that will make a difrace too. Good luck.

Michele - posted on 06/05/2012

I'm sorry Melinda but I don't think you should risk having a vbac. I had a c-section for my first because she was breach. Then when I was pregnant five years later my doctors talked me into a vbac saying its safer then a c section only 1 percent chance of uterine rupture. Well when I went into labor at term I was in the hospital they also gave me potosin to speed up the contractions which I later found out makes the increases the risk of uterine rupture. I was in labor over night and 12 o clock the next afternoon I kept telling them I was in pain. Well they kept telling me everything was all right but even through numbness I felt all the pain. They said the baby had a normal heart beat but turns out they were tracking mine not hers. I kept telling them I think my uterus ruptured but no one believed me 6 hours later they finally noticed something wrong and I almost died my uterus and bladder ruptured. I woke up to find out my Beautiful baby girl Ashley had died. She lost to much oxygen and couldn't save her my perfectly healthy baby died from vbacking. when I went to meetings for share I found out this kind of stuff happens to more ppl then u can imagine. Please don't take the risk! I also should point out that I supposedly was at the best hospital in NJ and had great doctors yea right. Thats why doctors don't want to do it no more because they first thought it was safer and now had a lot of troubles and baby's that died.

Constance - posted on 06/05/2012

Yes after one csection wd always to consider u may have to have another csection but normal delivery worked for me twice and yes I expexted csections but was glad that I was able to deliver and with my last baby when she was born by emergency c section at 34 weeks weighin 3 lbs 13 oz I am blessed she is now a happy healthy active 8 year old

Amy - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a vaginal birth after a c-section. I am also a labor and delivery nurse. I wouldn't if I were considering you had to labor so long. I think you will have a long labor again. You always have to remember that the doctor may need to have a c-section at Amy point during labor including when you are 10cm dilated. I did great but only was in labor for about 5 hours and was 3.5cm.

Constance - posted on 06/05/2012

Was gonna say that exact thing but my girl is 20 now and has a year old boy and he makes up for everything! My younger girl is 8 and she has always been good. Waiting for her teenage years like her older sister but I b ready lol

Laura - posted on 06/05/2012

Discuss this with your care provider, but be prepared to insist on being able to try for VBAC. My daughter delivered her first child by CS because of breech presentation and recently delivered her second via VBAC with no complication at all. This labor was about 24 hours start to finish, but not all "hard" labor. She did enlist the services of a doula (I highly recommend this) and did get an epidural for the last 4-5 hours of the labor/delivery. Its so doable....I hope you are able to try.

Jill - posted on 06/05/2012

My second child was delivered cesarean section. I had four more perfect pregnancies and vaginal deliveries, all without any complications. If you have a chance to deliver vaginally it is an experience I wouldn't pass up!

Cheryl - posted on 06/05/2012

odd isn't it, that we both had to have c setions with our girls but our boys were just fine! Just proof girls love to give mommas a hard time! lol

Christine - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a c-section with my twins back in 09. I had a successful VBAC in March with my other son. I have HBP normally and ended up with GD but was still able to have my VBAC. It was much easier than my c-section

Constance - posted on 06/05/2012

Yes I had my first c section at 35 weeks due to high bllod pressure then had 2 normal deliveries and then had to have a c-section at 34 - believe me normal delivery is a lot easier - and both c sections were girls low birth weights and the normal deliveries were boys low but good birth weights

Michelle - posted on 06/05/2012

Melinda,

I had my twins by emergency c-section then two years later had my thirds VBAC. The only issue I had is that my water broke 12 PM Monday and did not deliver until 3AM Wednesday. I had to stay in the hospital after my water broke and ended up having to be induced which kept me in bed other than having to stay laying down it was a good experience and both births were different but glad I did it.

Jacqui - posted on 06/05/2012

I had a natural birth 6 years after my first son was born by emergency csection. I was advised to have another c section as there is a risk of rupture on the old c section scar (even after 6 years). I thought long and hard and asked to try naturally as there wasn't anything wrong with me physically. After being endused I gave birth to a healthy 9lb baby boy and have never regreted my decision to give birth naturally. Do what you think is right, listen to their reasons, but go with your instincts. Good luck and best wishes xxxxx

Cheryl - posted on 06/05/2012

yes I did have one and it was way better of course then the C-Section, I fought to have it and finally found a doctor that was willing to let me try.

Cristina - posted on 06/05/2012

Hey Melinda,
I'm actually in the same situation as you. I ended up having to get a c-section after several hours of labour but simply couldn't get past 5. She seemed to be pressing up against the umbilical cord with each contraction so they determined it would be safest to do the surgery in order to not put the child under any unnecessary stress.
My daughter will be 2 years old in August and I am currently pregnant with our second child and due in September. My OB and I have had several discussions about which route to take and he has been EXTREMELY supportive in the idea of going ahead with a VBAC. I am 29 years old with no healthy issues at all and he feels that the necessary time between pregnancies has taken place in order to proceed with a VBAC.
What has your doctor said about it?

Nicole - posted on 06/05/2012

Hi Melinda,
My first delivery was exactly like yours Melinda. I had a homebirth VBAC for my 3rd after 2 C sections. I tried to have a VBAC with my second but that didn't work. The alternative birthing center in the hospital in my area (that means they use midwives) would not allow me to labor there because of insurance (malpractice). I looked into a homebirth and chose 2 midwives and an aprentice to help me, one of which was very experienced in VBACs. (My sister in law is a midwive in the Michigan area). It's a completely different model of prenatal care as well as delivery care. It was a very organized delivery that had a hospital back up plan just in case. I am not going to stated any opinions but just know there are other options out there and I am not comfortable with the hospital choosing my labor and delivery for me. Good luck with your pregnancy and congratulations.

Sarah - posted on 06/05/2012

It is a personal decision. I know my Dr. told me after two C's they "don't allow" it. I was going to try a VBAC with my second child, but when I got into labor I started getting the back labor and intense back to back contractions and I was only dialated to a 2. I then decided for me I didn't want to go through 20 hours of labor again, just to have the same result (C-section). I would say TRY IT, you know your body and when things aren't right. You can always make the call while in labor. Many people have successful VBACS!

Karen - posted on 06/05/2012

My first son was delivered after induced labor, very quickly (2 hours, 5min) and no epidural. I didn't really know what labor was. Then I had an emergency c-section with my second son (I had placenta previa and knew form 8weeks on that a c-section was how I would deliver, just didn't know I would start hemhoraging and need an emergency C-section) in August 1993. I then got pregnant again very quickly and in November of 1994 delivered my youngest son VBAC with no issues. I did have an epidural...but it was the first time I actually "enjoyed" child birth.