V-BAC

Good Day! - posted on 01/11/2011

I'm planning a VBAC. I progressed well in labor and made it to 10 cm. My baby was breech and that wasn't discovered until 10 cm (because of a bulging bag, my water didn't break until 10cm so they couldn't feel if it was head or butt when they checked me). Because I progressed normally, the doc and I feel confident that I'll be able to have this next baby vaginally. When a baby is born vaginally, the fluid is squeezed from the lungs. A c-section baby is more likely to end up in NICU for breathing problems due to fluid in the lungs. A vaginal birth is a quicker recovery for mom. There is a risk of uterine rupture with a VBAC, but it is less than 1%. The risk of baby having breathing issues is a higher concern than uterine rupture.

Sarah - posted on 01/11/2011

I had a v-bac after an emergency section, and it was so much better.
Find yourself a supportive midwife and do some research into your options.

Vegemite - posted on 01/11/2011

i had a n emergency c-sec with my first due to baby being in a bad position and not able to turn. It was horrible, I'd been in labour for 9 hours and pushed for 2 of those. The second I was told by my doctors that because the section was done because of the baby and not anything i was affected by i should have a v-bac. After lots of thinking and research i agreed. Second time was 7hrs also with 2hrs pushing and a third degree tear. For pain I had gas and light epidural, I was up and showering after breastfeeding and eating,so about 20min after. The V-bac was the best way to go for me, even with a large tear recovery was much less painful. I'd rather a few hours of pain than a few weeks any time and I bonded right away with my second baby but couldn't seem to bond with my first until after i recovered from my c-sec at about 8 weeks.

Sophie - posted on 01/11/2011

I had a c-section the first time b/c I had a mild case of placenta previa and they found that the fluid in the amniotic sac was getting too low. I don't know what's going to happen this go round, but I would much rather NOT have a c-section if at all possible...

Amy - posted on 01/11/2011

I LOVED my vbac. I could hop around and take myself pee an hour after having him. I felt like plain ole me with no pain after I had him. It was phenomenal. My epidural didn't take with him and you know what, it wasn't so darn bad! I think if at all possible, avoid the c section. I could not have managed well with my toddler and a new baby if I were split open. The few hours of labor pain were OH SO worth not having any pain when my little one was here. I also had issues nursing with my daughter - they said c sections don't get you some kind of hormone that aids milk production. I had zero problems nursing son. All around, it was the absolute best experience ever. I would not have had more than two if I had to c section again. My vbac went so well, I'm having another. It is an indescribably joy to give birth naturally. Do lots of research and at least try it. Also...try not to get induced because many inductions end in c sections. That's why I had mine. Really really educate yourself. It's worth it.

Louise - posted on 01/11/2011

It all depends on why you had a c section in the first place. If your pelvis is to small to allow the babies head through then you have no choice but to have another c section. If it was an elective c section for no clinical reason then I would definitely say go vaginally. I had tow vaginal births followed by a c section and the vaginal birth was much easier. I was up and walking around within 20 minutes after my son was born and home within 6 hours. When my daughter was born by c section i was bed ridden for 24 hours after surgery with a catheter and quite uncomfortable for at least a week. Picking up the baby was a major problem as I am sure you agree. Picking up a baby at 10lbs with a stomach full of stitches was not fun. Talk to your midwife and see what she suggests and then talk to the hospital that will deliver your baby. If you decide you want a vaginal birth write a birthing plan and give it to the hospital staff.