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

Shakera - posted on 06/03/2012

Of course you can do it. I had my first at 33 with a c-section and second at 37 with a vaginal. Originally, I was scheduled for a second c-section, but I went into labor ahead of the scheduled date. While in the delivery room, I told my doc to let me try it natural before they took her. When it started to be long and drawn out for me to reach 10 cm, they gave me something (can't remember the name) to speed up the contractions. Shortly after, I was pushing my daughter out as I looked at her in a mirror. I say go for it!

Susan - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a c-section with my first child and 3 VBAC after him. Of course, the first one in 1978 was because my baby was a facial presentation and not because I didn't dilate. Back then, the practice was, 'once a cesarean, always a cesarean'. Fortunately, my Dr. was a forward thinker and the others were vaginal births (even my still born from placenta abruptia). My best friend had the same Dr. as I did. All her births were cesarean though, because she did not dilate enough during the first birth. I am not sure if that is the reason or because it was her choice. If I were you, I would ask my Doctor if the problem of not dilating enough is typical in following births, then use your best judgment or follow Dr. recommendations.

Erika - posted on 06/03/2012

epidural will increase your chances of having another section. It slows down labor and because you can't get out of bed to allow gravity to help baby descend, it increases the chance of failure to progress. I too am planning a VBAC in August. I've had three vaginal deliveries and a c-section for my fourth after the cord ended up in front of him so he didn't descend. I've been doing research as well and the prevailing information is that the hospital will push you towards another section if it's taking too long. Sad, but true. Make sure your doc is going to be there. Most docs have rotation and if you go into labor and it's someone else, will they be as supportive. And definitely talk to the staff at the hospital. Because let's face it, doc comes in at the last minute and is not the one you will be dealing with and taking advice/orders from throughout labor. Good luck and I truly hope it works for you. I would choose vaginal over section every time :-)

Tracy - posted on 06/03/2012

Unfortunately I tried to have a VBAC delivery for our second child and it was the worst experience ever. Labour went fairly well until 7-8 cm then the problems began. Long story short - mid-forcept delivery with the worst episiotomy ever! Our son was lucky to be born without permanent problems despite some initial scares. I was in unbelievable pain and could barely sit for at least two weeks. The OBGYN said we were both lucky things turned out positive. Prior to becoming pregnant with our third child we made sure that we would have a scheduled Csection. This was the best decision we ever made. That delivery was so much easier than the VBAC. I felt so much better after the Csection and regret trying the VBAC to this day. But this is just my experience. You have to weigh the risks carefully as both options come with risks.

Angie - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a VBAC with my 2nd child, and would highly recommend it. Recovery time is much faster, which is nice especially if you have other little ones around. I scheduled one with my 3rd but our local hospital will not allow you to do a VBAC after c-section, so i scheduled it an hour away, but my water broke 2 days be for i was scheduled to go in and i ended up having to have a c-section.

Carolyn - posted on 06/03/2012

I had the same situation with my son in 93. The docs actually told me after all the trouble and the emergency c section not to entertain the thought of a natural delivery. When I decided to have my daughter 4 years later, I found a doctor who thouroughly believed it could be done. I went through the long labor and they were almost at the point of calling for a c section again and within 45 minutes I went from 4 cm to 10 and with just 2 pushes there she came!! It can be done!!

Sherry - posted on 06/03/2012

My first child was an emergency c-section. I delivered VBAC for my second, however, even though I had no labor at all until my water broke and I was 10cm dilated, my slightly small pelvis and my daughter's big head made for a horrible delivery and I had to push so hard that I tore tremendously. I ended up having a labial hematoma that required immediate surgery along with third degree tears. I was literally dark purple for days!! If it wasn't for my small pelvis and my baby's big head, I imagine I would have had no labor and very short hard labor and possibly had her in the car. Needless to say my recovery from the VBAC was far more painful and difficult and I believe I suffered from nerve damage because of the trauma. Even though my daughter had no ill effects and was totally healthy, I opted for a C-section for my third child to keep from damaging myself even further. I think you should go with what you feel is best for you. Good Luck!

Holly - posted on 06/03/2012

Two Vbac's , which my doctor in couraged. I was was very satisfied with my decision !!! With the second I almost missed my window for the epidural , it went so quickly!! Go for it!!

Tracy - posted on 06/03/2012

Also at the birth center you do have a natural birth and you could have a water birth. I gave birth two my two older boys in a hospital (natural birth) but with my daugher I did a water birth and it was the best birth I could have ever wanted..... And I was 38 when I had her :)

Anne - posted on 06/03/2012

Had 3 vaginal births (10.9,10.8, & 11.2). Because of birth weight we decided to try 2 wks early. Ended up with a c-section, cord wrapped around baby's neck. (7.6) 5th child was vbac 2 wks early. (8.8) All went well, no problems at all. My youngest is now 17 years old.

Sonia - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a VBAC with my 2nd son, I felt relieved when I achieved this. He was assisted through forceps as I wasn't able to push him out by myself. Good luck!

Jennie - posted on 06/03/2012

Yes Melinda I had two boys after my first boy.I had a C-section for my first boy and the my other 2 boys was by Vaginal birth ! It is possible and I even tell other Moms to be the same thing,Every pregnancy is diffirent as is every birth wheather it be C-section or Vaginal birth!

Tracy - posted on 06/03/2012

The best thing to do is talk to a mid-wife. I did not have a cesarean... But I have had two friends that have and then had there 2nd child at a birth center. We live in Washington state and have birth centers. I know some states don't. If you live in a state that does, I would check into it.

Tracy :)
Good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 06/03/2012

Hi Melinda!
I have 3 children, and my 2nd child was born via cesarean section. I was encouraged to have a VBAC and I did and my last birth went perfectly! My first baby boy was born vaginally, but I was on blood thinners and was unable to get an epidural, so that birth was very painful and traumatic for me. My daughter was born via c-section and the pain in recovering was horrible. So when I got pregnant with my 3rd, I knew I wanted to plan as best I could to have the best birth possible and I did. I'm so glad I decided to have a VBAC. There were no complications, I got an epidural, and I got to enjoy my youngest son being born. I highly recommend it!

Ashley - posted on 06/03/2012

Okay so I'm not sure that I completely qualify, but when I was 17 I had an emergency surgery to remove one of my ovaries and a fallopian tube. I was cut from hip to hip and basically had the same kind of recovery. The doctors said that it was similar to a c-section in the area of recovery. I had 8 weeks out of work, couldn't drive during that time and all my stomach muscles had to reattach. When I was 22, I had my daughter, 8 lbs 12 oz. 21 inches long vaginally and had absolutely no issues what-so-ever. I had the epidural (which I strongly recommend because I was able to enjoy the birth of my daughter in relatively no pain), and the only pain I really had came the next day. To compare the recovery, I would opt for a vaginal delivery over a c-section any day. Not only was the recovery time quicker, the pain after a vaginal delivery (although painful in it's own way) was a lot less than the pain after the other surgery. I was able to carry my daughter around, and care for her without being basically bed-ridden. Hope this helps in some way. :)

Leigh Ann - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a C-section in 2000 at age 28 and then had a VBAC in 2007 at age 35. It is possible and just make sure you find the right OB doctor. There are many out there that will not even consider letting you try to have a VBAC. I was so grateful that I had the VBAC. It was a wonderful experience with my husband of 2.5 years. I ended up having back labor but my husband helped and then when I got the epidural, I was finally able to relax and get some rest before the hard stuff began. My son did not rotate properly so I had to lay on my left side and then after multiple tries, I asked to try to get up on all 4 and see if that would help and it did. I had remembered hearing about that position when I was in nursing school and it surprised even my OB doctor. They were hesitant because I had an epidural but I was able to maneuver my legs so my husband stayed on one side and the nurse on the other as It turned from my back to up on all 4. Good luck and hope that it goes well for you if you decide to try a VBAC.

Sherri - posted on 06/03/2012

I am a CPM -Midwife and I have beenbacs attending vbacs for 33 years. So I have done more than 500 vbacs and attended over 3,000 births. I do them either at home or birth center.
I only transport to the hospital 1 % out of all those births. For the most part VBAC's are very successful and safe. One of the key things though is finding a Midwife who has done many vbacs, you will find more support and confidence because hopefully see has seen many, many successful vbacs at home so she herself has the confindence in each woman's body in the birthing process.
Of course if you ask a MD, most of them are going to discourage them, they are not in favor of them ( even though ACOG told the doctors to back to doing like before). There is more money to be made in doing surgery and it has never been shown to be safer than a vaginal birth unless there is a true emergency- which are truly uncommom. I am on facebook or my email is lastfrontiermidwife@yahoo.com if anyone wants more info. There is tons of good information on the internet showing the real thruth about birthing. Get on ICAN like listed.
Sherri Holley

Deanna - posted on 06/03/2012

In Canada, our mw are not allowed to do v-bacs, but I really wanted one, and I wanted a home birth, so we did it ourselves. I am a nurse, and my mom followed my prompting. I have easy deliveries, and this went really well for us.

TAMELA - posted on 06/03/2012

Yes it was Awesome, after having a c-section w/my first child I was able to have my 2 girls VBAC !! it was way better than a c-section !! I Encourage you to go for it, It will be an Experience you will never Forget !! Good Luck !!!!

Rebecca - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a C section after 38 hours of induced labour dilated 5cm after all the effort. I decided that I did not want to be induced again but if I went into labour naturally then GREAT I'd go for it. Booked a C section as close to my due date as possible. I actually wanted to book it at 2 weeks after my due date to give my body extra time but 'they' wouldn't let me. I knew that my body wouldn't progress in labour, but I really really wanted to go into labour naturally without being induced as I feel that's what stopped me progressing. Don't know if this helps...

Docswife - posted on 06/03/2012

I had an emergency C with my first daughter after 36 hrs of labor (only progressed to 4 cm, cord was wrapped twice), pitocin induced/on and off, fetal distress 4x (HR as low as 40 bpm)...2 yrs later I had a wondeful VBAC with my second daughter! Doc admited me to the hospital for slow induction. The recovery time was much faster and I have never regretted my decision. Only negative came 9yrs later. I had urinary incontinence which doc said was due to my VBAC. As a result, I had the urethral sling. Still no regrets, my VBAC was beautiful. Just check with your doc and ask questions.
Good luck and God bless you and your family with your new baby daughter.

Helen - posted on 06/03/2012

I have 4 children every birth is different. After havind a C Section with my first due to breach and never going into labour I was automatically booked for another C section with my second 20 months later and having developed gestational diabetes (which I did not get with 3rd or 4th).
I did my research and questioned this and was told that there was no reason that you could not have a "Trial of Scar" which is what they call a natural birth after C section. The fear is that the scar will tear and I was told that I wouldnt be given an epidural as the way they know that it is tearing is if you are in pain in between your contractions. They will monitor you for fetal distress. My labour was long being my first and I stopped dilating at 4 cm for about 4 hours. They decided to give me an epidural and I guess my body just relaxed and I was giving birth to my little girl within an hour!! My third child was delivered naturally 20 months after that in about 2!/2 hours with no pain relief and no epidural as there was not time. My fourth 5 years later was by C section due to pre eclampsia and fetal distress and all I can say is that although I am glad to be able to have had natural births andI understand that recovery is harder and longer with a c section, at the end of the day I was so grateful to have my baby safe and well and that all my children were delivered healthy regardless of which way it happened. You are no less a person or mum if you deliver by C section...assess each pregnancy and birth individually and decide whats best for you and bubs!

Diane - posted on 06/03/2012

Against my doctor's wishes I delivered my fourth son, Joshua, VBAC thirty four years ago. My first two sons were born vaginally in 1970 and 1974. #3 Matthew(1975) was leading with his chin, we were both under stress. All of my labors were very long, slow to dilate. I was usually late and my babies were rather large. I was given pitosin. For Matthew I got morphine. I was devastated. I felt that I had failed us both. I am not someone who likes hospitals or using druggs. I had used natural childbirth for my first two sons and I was a la leche league breast feeding counselor. I thought my baby would be born a drug addict. He is now a fine, healthy, intelligent man, a father of two and a wonderful husband and son.



When I became pregnant with our 4th son, I was determined not to have another Ceserean birth. I had three very active sons at home. I did not think that a C-section would be advisable for me. My husband supported me and we discussed my wishes with the doctor. My darling doctor listened to all the reasons I had for my decision. He agreed to allow the natural childbirth that I believed in so much. He did hook up all kinds of monitoring equipment to my huge belly and I was not allowed the freedom of roaming during labor as I had with the first two boys.The labor was just as long as the first three and I was exhausted as usual but I did not have an incision to heal while chasing my active family and caring for a new baby. My skin makes ugly scars with the slightest provocation, so vanity also played a part in my decisionmaking.

We were fortunate that the problems that my doctor was concerned about did not occur. The VBAC experience was OK. Good luck.



Grandma Diane

Sam - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a C-section for my eldest, followed by two successful VBACs - the doctors tried to convince me to have a C-section for my 2nd, but I wanted a VBAC and am so glad that I did. By the time I was pregnant with my 3rd, they were happy to let me go again :)

Elizabeth - posted on 06/03/2012

My daughter was breech and had to be a c-section for only that reason. There was no other problem with the pregnancy. I really wanted to have a VBAC with my son. Not getting an epidural increases your chances of have a vaginal birth esp. with a VBAC. So for that and some other reasons I did a all natural birth. I labored for 17 hours before my son was born. 30 minutes before I had him I was 7 cm, 10 minutes after that I was 10cm and starting to push. My son and I were healthy and my recover was fast!

You can do it! And women who have done it both ways and then have a third almost always choose VBAC. =) I know if I have a third and it is a normal healthy pregnancy I will be going VBAC again.

Ali - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a c-section after 25 hours of labour and getting only to 7cms dilated also. I was exhausted and my son was getting distressed so we opted to go for the c-section. 22 months later I had my daughter VBAC after only three hours labour. My doctor said I could try as long as the labour didn't go too long and I didn't have to push for too long (I can't remember the time frames he gave -it was 7 years ago now). I could not believe how much easier it was to recover from the VBAC than the c-section. As long as you have good medical support I would encourage you to give it a go if you are keen.

Shirley - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a VBAC after a cesarean and I had no complications. The recovery time was so much faster. If at all possible I would suggest you going with a VBAC. Good luck !!!!!

MISTY - posted on 06/03/2012

My daughter whom is 11 was breach my whole pregnancy. At 36 weeks they tried to turn her and it was a no go. then i had her at 38 weeks via emergency cesarean section. Because, she was coming pretty fast i dilated to a 4 in 30 mins. Well I had a beautiful baby girl in less than an hour upon arriving to the hospital. Well I got pregnant with my son right away. They are only 13 months apart. I was scared about another cesarean, but to my dismay my obgyn wanted to do a VBAC. So, at 40 weeks i was admitted to the l & d. I came in at 2:30 a.m.....and of course I wasn't doing anything. So at 7 am doc came in an started pitocin. I had to have an enema and then he broke my water, all heck broke lose. So, at 4:58 I had a beautiful baby boy. I also had to have an episiotomy.I was trying deliver him naturally but they wouldn't let me do it because I had a cesarean before and it was so close in births. It was a precaution. just in case my incision came open. So there you have it my birth story.

Jeanne - posted on 06/03/2012

Hey there,

YES I did. My son was a C Section, due to him being breach and he was 2 months prem, so after trying to give birth naturally after an hour they called for an emergency C section. I really didn't want one, but had no choice. When I fell pregnant with my daughter I was adamant that I wanted a natural birth. I had loads of complications in my pregnancy and was nearly 42 at the time. My midwife was excellent and very supportive and if it wasn't for her I may have been sent down the C Section track again. Thankfully my girl was the right way and I had a quick birth - waters broke at 7am, delivered just after midday.

In my experience a natural birth is far easier than a C Section in so many ways - (should point out I had NO pain killers at all). If you can handle it no pain killers is good as then the baby comes quicker, had I had any the baby would have been delayed. Also so much better for the baby! :) OK so it hurts, but the pain is short lived :) unlike a C Section where you can't drive for 6 weeks and cannot pick up anything heavier than your baby! Very hard when you already have 1 child. I recovered alot quicker with a natural birth and was up on stools painting babies room about 2 weeks after giving birth. I cannot understand those that choose a C Section over natural........??

My advice to you is go for it. If I can do it, anyone can! I had alot against me too, so if its what you want then set your mind to it and follow thru. Hope you have a good midwife that supports you? Prepare yourself in your mind and your body as much as you can and I am sure it will be fine.

Good luck :)

Mary - posted on 06/03/2012

My VBAC was an incredible experience. No drug inducers like pitocin (the hospital won't allow it with VBACs) and fully natural. It was incredible. Make sure you are strong in your belief to have a VBAC and research, as others have said. We only had ONE hospital in our area that would do a VBAC. So glad the Lord made it possible for us to be there.

March - posted on 06/03/2012

My first child was by C-Section because she was a Brow-birth and they couldn't turn her. My 2 sons were born VB. The oldest was born 22 months later and my youngest came 7 years later. Both were good deliveries. Talk with your doctor. Mine encouraged me to try VB first and I was closely monitored.

Emmalina - posted on 06/03/2012

My sisters first birth was by c-section then had 4 more kids by VBAC And everything went fine

Tatiana - posted on 06/03/2012

Just a note... if you were to have to have another C-section it is not the end of the world. I understand that you want to have the experience of a natural birth but all that really matters is your child enters the world safely and is healthy!

Tatiana - posted on 06/03/2012

YES! I had 2 natural births with my daughters. My son ended up being breech, so he was a C-section. When I got pregnant with my 4th child, the dr. said they saw no reason that I could not have him vaginally. There is a very small chance of rupture of the scar, but remember having a repeat C-section is a risk in itself. Having any kind of surgery is a risk. I had no problems with my VBAC. Best of luck!

Colleen - posted on 06/03/2012

I have had two very normal VBACS and I was much happier with them than the csection.

Julia - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a VBAC at 29. It went fine absolutely no problems. I don't understand why the medical world is making a big deal of this now. It was standard practice in 1999. Go for it!

Dorothy - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a vbac after two c-sections. It was the easiest delivery and I am thankful for the experiene. If your doctor is welling to do it, I'd say go for it. It is rare to find a doctor with the experiene and wellingness to let you try. As a side note, because it was a vbac, I had to be induced and delivered 10 days before my due date, but my son was born a healthy 8 pound 11 ounces.

Barbara - posted on 06/03/2012

I had my second child by cesarean and my third VBAC however it was not because I didn't dilate. If you are doing it in a hospital I don't see why you can not try again. If the baby moves into distress and you do not go past seven again they will do a c-section anyway. However it will be in a hurry which might not be so much fun. My third delivery went just fine though it was pretty long. It is a great feeling to have a child naturally so I do not blame you for wanting to try again.

Nikki - posted on 06/03/2012

I had to unfortunately have a c-section with our first daughter due to her being breech, this time round however I successfully managed a VBAC using a birthing pool at home :) It was such a wonderful experience and so much easier than the c-section, my midwife and husband were a wonderful source of support :)



I had a 14 hour labour and used the birthing pool right up until just before I started pushing, only used entanox from 9cm and the only reason I didn't deliver in the pool was due to getting out to be examined. At this point I wasn't really bothered either way where I delivered, ended up delivering standing up in our living room lol.



It can be done good luck to you, hope you get to experience your own VBAC

Lisa - posted on 06/03/2012

I had my c section may 1988, my VBAC was June 1989 with NO complications. Don't worry and Definetly do it I they are comfortable with it. My son will be 23 Wednesday and he is a father now.

Crystal - posted on 06/03/2012

Yes. I had a VBAC after Ceserean. Absolutely positively have the VBAC and don't be pressured by anyone to do another C-section. I had a c-section for my firstborn that I felt was only made necessary because of the insistence of the doctor and various nurses pressuring me to take pitocin to induce labor. I so regret acquiescing to their pressure to inducement. Anyway labor was way more intense than it would have been without it and after many hours I still wasn't dilating and it put my baby into distress. I then had no choice but to have a c-section. I had my second child in London and I much preferred the hands off experience and was so pleased that there was absolutely no pressure to have a c-section, even though I was 45 years old with a prior c-section and in America considered a high risk pregnancy. Well, it couldn't have gone more beautifully. I had a marvelous mid-wife do the delivery and it was by far the most empowering experience of my life. Have the VBAC!!

Melissa - posted on 06/03/2012

haha my maiden name was melissa anderson lol anyway back to the subject at hand, yes i attempted a vbac with my son. i had failed to progress with my daughter and only got to 5cm after 26 hours, and with my son (who was born 10 pounds 10 ounces) i laboured for 14 hours (excruciating agony!) and got to 9cm, but then had another c sec, my temp started steadily rising and as it did his heartrate was going down, and also i was compleatly and utterly spent by that time so at that point we decided to call it a day and get him out, and after he was born they told me he was very well stuck cause he had such a large head and they were surprised i got as far as i did and they didnt think he would have made it out anyway. it was very upsetting to have had to go through that agony to end up with another c sec but i made my piece with it and at least i tried hey? i suggest going for it cause if my boy was a bit smaller i def would have gotten him out, i certainly got a lot further the second time round! unless you are expecting a very large baby i wouldnt think you would have any problems so go for it!

Bobbi - posted on 06/03/2012

I had two VBAC's and found them much better than the c-section, even with the complications (minor) that I had. Both were done by midwives. My last baby was a c-section only due to odd positioning when I went into labour. Four children n 2 c-sections n 2 vbac's, I'd prefer the VBAC's :)
Hope you get to experience a VBAC.

Cindy - posted on 06/03/2012

I had my first v-bac in 1992 when it was relatively new to do that...it was the doctor's offer. He said normally if you had a c-section then you had the rest that way. What made the difference is the way that the c-section was done. Vertical abdominal cut always a c-section, horizontal cut possible v-bac.

Stacia - posted on 06/03/2012

I had 2 VBAC's after my first son was born by C-section. My doctor said that it depended on the reason for the c-section as to if he would let me try a VBAC. My reason was I stopped dialating at 7cm because my son was too large to fit through my pelvic bones. My next to sons were a full pound lighter then the first one so they fit fine. My suggestion is to discuss it with your doctor and see what he says.

Nicole - posted on 06/03/2012

I had a VBAC at the age of 19 and then a C-section when I was 33. I was miserable with the C-section. Will take vaginal anyway but the health of mommy and baby come first!

Anna - posted on 06/03/2012

Hi I had my first child by emergency c-section, 6 years later I had my son by VBAC, it went really well except I was already 9cm dilated when I drove myself to hospital and couldn't have epidural. Another positive was also that the doctors didn't want me going overdue, so I had a sweep 2 days before EDD. I felt I had been cheated by having a c-section so was determined to go vaginally with my son. The only drawback was that the hospital insisted I had to have drip ready in place in my hand, which I pulled out twice and repeatedly told them that I didn't need it!!! As long as your doctors believe that you can do it VBAC and you also believe then go for it, you will have plenty of support in the hospital and they know what they are doing. Good luck I hope your VBAC goes well.

Beverly - posted on 06/03/2012

I had 2 c-sections and then 2 natural births. Don't let anyone try to tell you it can't be done. You may have to doctor shop to find one that will let you go into labor, but it is well worth the effort. Good luck to you.

Jennie - posted on 06/03/2012

I had 2 after my csection. All went well

Virginia C. - posted on 06/03/2012

Easy-peasy. First child was a c-section due to last minute frank breech presentation. Yes, I did go to 10 cm with no pain killers, but it didn't help!
2nd was a VBAC. No problems with delivery and recovery was soooo much better. All the hormones kick in properly. Do not feel sliced and diced. Recommended.