Vaginal delivery after a C-Section (Vbac)

Yulia - posted on 12/24/2010

Hi there! I had my boy 6 years ago and I didn't have any complications with my pregnancy until the end. I was at the hospital having contractions when the nurse came and said that the baby's heartbeat rate changed. The doctors thought that maybe there is a cord around baby's neck so I had to have emergency C-section. I understand how you felt - depressed about it. My husband said most important that the baby and me were fine...but my boy had arrhythmia for a year after the delivery. My next pregnancy I was hoping to have Vbac and I did! I had a baby girl on Dec. 16th. I sighed the paper for Vbac, my OB said it's better if I try to have Vbac cause if I want to have another child I have more chance have it without any complications. I'm happy I had vaginal delivery, it took an hour to push the baby out but I took epidural, I was trying to handle pain during contractions but it was too much pain. When I got epidural I didn't feel any pain at all. I delivered the baby at 5:14 am on Thursday and went home on Friday at 7pm.
Also my OB said that I could change my mind and have c-section any time I want but of course I didn't wait 6 years to have another c-section.
Good luck girl and wishing you best with the delivery! I'm glad there are women who still try have vaginal delivery if they can instead of just scheduling c-section ...

Jill - posted on 01/22/2009

Hi, I also had an emergency c-section w/ my first son, I went into labor and I knew he was breech, so I didn't have a choice, I was very disappointed as well. With my 2nd son, I really wanted to go Vbac my doc was willing as long as the conditions were favorable. My boys are 15 months apart, she told me that the time in between pregnancies doesn't really matter. The day came, and it was long! They treated me like a first timer, since the 1st one didn't come out that way! He was 6lb 15 oz and healthy. I wish you well as I 100% understand that need to have a natural normal delivery!

Tamara - posted on 01/22/2009

Quoting Sarah:

Quoting Tamara:

Quoting Laura:

Acutally  mom and baby could die if the uterus ruptures during labor. I don't know about the above comment about developmental delays being related to v-bacs. That was probably just coincidental, but if something goes wrong, I do know that mom and baby are both at risk.

Please keep in mind that rupture risk with an uninduced VBAC is only .5%

Yeah, But it's the 5% that nobody ever thinks that they fall in.....I was in a LOW % as well...and look what it cost me...I just don't think risking your life is worth it...

You misread my statement.  It's not 5%.  It's HALF a percent.  However most doctors will refuse to attend a VBAC due to CYA policies.

Susan - posted on 01/21/2009

I had a C-section in 1982 and a natural (vaginal) delivery in 1987. No problems, but your O.B. will know best. The 1st was loosing oxygen because of the location of her umbilical cord when she dropped into birthing position. I was also very disappointed when they put me to sleep and it was hours before I was able to see my beautiful girl. The 2nd was a big boy but everything went perfectly and his Daddy and I were both able to see him enter the world. Of course mine were 5 years apart. Good luck and God Bless you.

Michelle - posted on 01/21/2009

I had an emergency csection with my first son.  Unfortunatly I cannot ever have kid's vaginally, so it's not an option for me.  But i would suggest that you rate your pro's and con's.  Everyone is different.  And if you have pregnancy complications already like the hypertension and boarderline gestational diabetes then My suggestion would be to do another csestion.  I had gestational diabete's and could not have an epidural because of a previous back injury.  But the outcome is suppose to be one of joy and celebration but remember that your ultimate goal is to have a happy, healthy baby,  no matter how it get's here.  Good Luck on the decsion.

Sarah - posted on 01/21/2009

Quoting Tamara:

Quoting Laura:

Acutally  mom and baby could die if the uterus ruptures during labor. I don't know about the above comment about developmental delays being related to v-bacs. That was probably just coincidental, but if something goes wrong, I do know that mom and baby are both at risk.

Please keep in mind that rupture risk with an uninduced VBAC is only .5%

Yeah, But it's the 5% that nobody ever thinks that they fall in.....I was in a LOW % as well...and look what it cost me...I just don't think risking your life is worth it...

Jennifer - posted on 01/21/2009

I had an emergency c-section with my first child and two and a half years later I had my section child vaginally, 15 months after that I had twins vaginally. My OBGYN said that I shouldn't so I told him that i would try it with or without his help. Both natural births were completely uneventful. my second child was over 7 lbs, the twins combined were over 11 lbs and all went smoothly. I recommend that you get a second opinion. Just make sure there were no complications during the c-section, or other health risks to you or your child!
~Goodluck!
Jennifer

Andrada - posted on 01/20/2009

You just need to find a really good OB. I had toxemia as well with my fisrt child and had an emergency C 6 weeks early. I had a VBAC for my daughter 3 years later. I as induced due to high blood pressure again and had an epidural. No problems. My daughter was almost 8 pounds and I am tall and skinny and she popped out. She has no developmental delays (her older brother is autistic) and is probably ahead. She crawled at 4 months and walked at 10. She will be 2 in March and is already talking quite a bit and naming objects. Vaginal delivery is so much easier than a C-section that it is worth looking into. 2 days after my daughter was born I was up and getting ready to move into a new house.

Maggie - posted on 01/20/2009

I didn't get mine b/c I never dilated and my OB wouldn't induce on my second baby. But don't give up. I had no support either. My mom, husband, and best friend all were against it. It can be just as safe as any other delivery. If you trust your OB and the hospital you will be fine.

Caroline - posted on 01/20/2009

More and more practitioners are refusing to allow VBACs for fear of that 1/1000 that have a uterine rupture, where the c-section scar rips open, endangering the mother and child. I suggest ALOT of research, so that you understand what led to your c-section in the first place. Is it likely to happen again? Is it preventable? If you believe that you can do a vaginal birth, not just off the top of your head, but with facts and research behind you, contact all practitioners in your area, clinics, doctors, midwives, and find out if they offer VBACs and meet with them to see if they are truly supportive of your choice and will follow your wishes. You are in a great position, not yet pregnant, researching and looking for your options now. I see that someone posted that children suffer from VBACs. This is not factual. If you are healthy and your child enters the birth canal you and your child are in minimal danger. If your cervix is too small they should be able to determine that with some certainty.

Althea - posted on 01/20/2009

Yes it is possible however you are right not too many docs. care to do it. I am a doula and I have seen it happen. I don't think I see your location in your email, I can certainly check it out for you. In the mean time keep checking and good luck.

Sarah - posted on 01/20/2009

hi i had an emergancy c section on my first due to the baby being disstresed so i was scared to have a normal delivery on my next i decided to have an elective c section but he thought other wise and i had a really fast and nomal birth the same thing happened with my third hope the same can happen for you.

Sarah - posted on 01/20/2009

hi i had an emergancy c section on my first due to the baby being disstresed so i was scared to have a normal delivery on my next i decided to have an elective c section but he thought other wise and i had a really fast and nomal birth the same thing happened with my third hope the same can happen for you.

Amber - posted on 01/20/2009

Just a few words of encouragement to you.  Go for a vbac!!!  There is no risk of disorders, quite the oppositre is true.  Children who have been born c-section are much more likely to have complications, one being colic (as mine did).  As they travel down the birth canal excess fluid is naturally pushed out of their asophogus, this does not happen with c-section and they have a much higher risk of GURD, reflux and colic than any other babies.  As far as the very small chance of uterine rupture.  What nobody will tell you and most doctors don't even know this.  It is caused by the drugs that are given to you while in labor.  The drugs that are used to induce or "speed up labor" have an ingrdient in them that causes that rupture.  The other drugs that you are offered or that most women ask for because they don't want the pain are actually narcotics that are in the same family and have many of the same attributes as heroine.  So before you decide to go to a doctor and have an epidural for pain and all the other drugs to speed it up and so on, just remember that all of these drugs ARE going into your baby as well as you, especially so if they are administered early. 

As far as being to small or having a narrow pelvis and all of these other terms that are actually fancy phrases for inconveinent for the doctor.  Please keep in mind that our bodies are designed to give birth to any child in them.  Our pelvises are not to small.  My great grandmother gave birth to 3 babies naturally all over 10 lbs.  She was 4'9" and 95 lbs.  I had a vbac with my son and he was drug free weighing 10lbs 3 oz.  If you are standing, squatting, moving your pelvis in a hula motion, walking, between gravity and your motion it is almost impossible to have a baby get stuck, be in a bad position or "fail to progress".  What is nearly impossible is to find a doctor who would allow that as it is not convienent for the doctor to do anything but have you lie on your back and catch the baby when it comes.  Lying on your back and staying stationary in bed are two of the worst things you can do in labor.  And the main reason people feel pain in labor is for two reasons.  Pain and anxiety, two items of which are in high supply in a hospital. 

I stand in agreement with Jo Flint about midwives.  With a midwife you can be in the comfort and privacy of your own home and familiar surroundings.  It's not about the hospital and their staff and routines, it's about you and your husband bring a precious new life into the world.  We don't have midwives in our area so my husband and I are doing an unassisted home birth in water (so comfortable and relaxing).  I am having a dear frind come over and act as a doula for me.  She has had 6 homebirths and wouldn't have it any other way.  Once you have, you will likely agree. 

You will certainly have plenty of choices to make, I hope that you consider what I said though and if you have any questions about any of it, don't hesitate to ask.

Amber - posted on 01/20/2009

Just a few words of encouragement to you.  Go for a vbac!!!  There is no risk of disorders, quite the oppositre is true.  Children who have been born c-section are much more likely to have complications, one being colic (as mine did).  As they travel down the birth canal excess fluid is naturally pushed out of their asophogus, this does not happen with c-section and they have a much higher risk of GURD, reflux and colic than any other babies.  As far as the very small chance of uterine rupture.  What nobody will tell you and most doctors don't even know this.  It is caused by the drugs that are given to you while in labor.  The drugs that are used to induce or "speed up labor" have an ingrdient in them that causes that rupture.  The other drugs that you are offered or that most women ask for because they don't want the pain are actually narcotics that are in the same family and have many of the same attributes as heroine.  So before you decide to go to a doctor and have an epidural for pain and all the other drugs to speed it up and so on, just remember that all of these drugs ARE going into your baby as well as you, especially so if they are administered early. 

As far as being to small or having a narrow pelvis and all of these other terms that are actually fancy phrases for inconveinent for the doctor.  Please keep in mind that our bodies are designed to give birth to any child in them.  Our pelvises are not to small.  My great grandmother gave birth to 3 babies naturally all over 10 lbs.  She was 4'9" and 95 lbs.  I had a vbac with my son and he was drug free weighing 10lbs 3 oz.  If you are standing, squatting, moving your pelvis in a hula motion, walking, between gravity and your motion it is almost impossible to have a baby get stuck, be in a bad position or "fail to progress".  What is nearly impossible is to find a doctor who would allow that as it is not convienent for the doctor to do anything but have you lie on your back and catch the baby when it comes.  Lying on your back and staying stationary in bed are two of the worst things you can do in labor.  And the main reason people feel pain in labor is for two reasons.  Pain and anxiety, two items of which are in high supply in a hospital. 

I stand in agreement with Jo Flint about midwives.  With a midwife you can be in the comfort and privacy of your own home and familiar surroundings.  It's not about the hospital and their staff and routines, it's about you and your husband bring a precious new life into the world.  We don't have midwives in our area so my husband and I are doing an unassisted home birth in water (so comfortable and relaxing).  I am having a dear frind come over and act as a doula for me.  She has had 6 homebirths and wouldn't have it any other way.  Once you have, you will likely agree. 

You will certainly have plenty of choices to make, I hope that you consider what I said though and if you have any questions about any of it, don't hesitate to ask.

Jessica - posted on 01/20/2009

with my first i had 2 have a c-section no complications really i was just induced a little early and my cervix wouldnt dialate. with my second i was like you and really wanted to experience a vaginal birth. i dont know of any websites i just pulled out the old fashioned yellow pages and called around to all of the ob/gyns and clinics in my surrounding area and finally found a doctor who would perform a vbac. he told me that lots of docs and even hospitals are shying away from the vbacs because there is a 1% chance that the sutures from your c-section will rupture. inside that 1% chance if they do you could bleed out and need a transfusion or your baby could suffocate in your blood and it COULD cause brain damage. he also said in his 14 yrs of practice the sutures only ruptured once on a patient and the mom and baby were just fine. i weighed my options and chose to try it my doc stressed that i might still have to have another c-section and that i shouldnt be disappointed if i do. this time i waited went into labor on my own stayed clear of the epidural (just got demerol in my iv every hr or so) and still my cervix wouldnt dialate so i had another c-section. but that was me. best of luck to you! i say if you can find a doc go for it if you end up with another c-section it doesnt matter b/c thats what wouldve happend if you couldnt have found one!

User - posted on 01/20/2009

vbac does not cause developmental delays!

My First born by Csection is 2 years behind with schooling no matter how much we all try. All 3 of my other children born by VB are fine total normal at school for their develpoing age.

Their are many advantages health wise to opt for Vb, for both Mum & Baby. However a big disadvantage with Csection is Group B Strep (GBS) should u be a pos carrier and it gets in to either u or ur babies blood stream it can cause Sepsis(Septicemia) menigitus, pnemia. I was pos with #3 and neg #4 tis was another reason y I wanted to avoid another C section unless extremely life threatening.

And the end of the day the being pregnant carries many  risks to both mum and babe, and even after birth. I almost lost both of my sons.1 at C section -fist 24hours were unsure of survival cause placenta was very dead(may be for 4 weeks) no water, again few week later after hernia op went wrong and 2nd son born healthy spon vbac at 3 weeks old was rushed to hospital, he was close to dying from Neonatel Sepsi in which he received fantastic medical attention. So okay we are lucky and now I take all bad things to really appreachate the good things.

Now I have 4 great kids, but because of health reasons mainly for me as I am now more high risk, we are making sure number 5 will not happen.

Sheila - posted on 01/19/2009

About 20 years ago, my friend had a c-section with her first child.  One year later, she deliverd vaginally another healthy baby.  I don't know medically now what they say, but.....

www.vbac.com 

don't know if this website will help or not??

Tamara - posted on 01/19/2009

Quoting Laura:

Acutally  mom and baby could die if the uterus ruptures during labor. I don't know about the above comment about developmental delays being related to v-bacs. That was probably just coincidental, but if something goes wrong, I do know that mom and baby are both at risk.

Please keep in mind that rupture risk with an uninduced VBAC is only .5%

Sarah - posted on 01/18/2009

Quoting Laura:

Acutally  mom and baby could die if the uterus ruptures during labor. I don't know about the above comment about developmental delays being related to v-bacs. That was probably just coincidental, but if something goes wrong, I do know that mom and baby are both at risk.

I am proof they happen. My uterus ruptured at the spot of my previous c-section. I nearly died and my son drowned inside of me...It is not worth the risk. I will have to live with this the rest of my life.....Your life and the babies life are more important then experiencing a natural delivery.  Trust me please....

Sarah - posted on 01/18/2009

Please please please think long and hard. If I had it to do over again I would. I had a c-section for my first in 1991. He was breach. I had 2 VBAC deliveries after. one in 1993 only a 5 hour labor after water breaking and first contraction. My second VBAC was in 1997. Again my water broke and Labor started only 5 hours again.....On my 4th child, (3rd Vbac) I was induced...by a midwife my doctor was supposed to be on the floor but I never saw her. after 10 hours I knew something was wrong. My water had not broken and I have never gone past 5 hours. I started Hyperstimming on the cervidal and it was pulled. I asked for a c section and was denied. I was told I could to the cervidal again or pitocin...I asked for a c-section again and was denied. I asked to see my doctor and the midwife said that was not an option. I reluctantly began a pit-drip...several hours later The unimaginable happened. My uterus ruptured. I was Hemmoraging and my son was drowning inside of me...My doctor was NO where to be found and I was close to dying...My Midwife could do Nothing!! after some 45 minutes to an hour I found myself in the OR finaly and my son was delivered. I had lost so much blood but they elected to sew me back together instead of a Hysterectomy.(I eventually had to have one 2 yrs later do to so many problems with scar tissue) My son was revived.9 years later he is severly Braindamaged. He is living in a hospital for children requiring 24/7 nursing care and hour from my home. He is the equivilent of a 3 month old baby in a 9 yr. olds body...My advice...go for a repeat C-section. Your life and your babies life are much more important then experiecing a normal vaginal delivery......Please Please Please do not take the chance. My life and the lives of my family have never been the same. My sons life was in essence taken from him....Even though it was not my fault I will carry that guilt for the rest of my life...A mom is supposed to take care of her children...I will hope that what ever choice you make comes out good.....Take care....

Connie - posted on 01/18/2009

Hi, My first baby was take by emergency C-Section. The placenta detached and I was bleeding badly. My second baby was born healthy and happy by vaginal delivery. I didn't have any problems and everything went just as it should. My OBGYN let me decide if I wanted a C-Section or VBAC with my second child. Good luck to you and do what you feel is right for you.

Ann - posted on 01/18/2009

I don't believe there is any proof that VBACs cause any developmental delays later. Where are the study results? I would like to read them. I think any comments along these lines are ill-advised and incorrect.

Ann - posted on 01/18/2009

I had a C section for my first. It was 4 weeks early and he was breech. All very fast and scarey. Hated the recovery but wasn't too worried that the birth wasn't vaginal. Have had two children since, both vaginally. Had to fight for the right to have a vaginal birth the first time. Doctor didn't recommend and made me have a scan at 34 weeks after which he told me I had a funnel pelvis and the baby would get stuck. The mid-wife gave me support and a great book full of stories about women having vaginal births after C sections. (One woman had a vaginal birth after 4 C-sections!). I decided to give it a go. Sam was born after just under 3 hours, no complications, or stitches. By the time I had Georgia I had no worries about vaginal births and I found it rewarding. She was born in 2 hours, no complications. I think you should research as much as you can and make an informed choice. Go for it. They can always perform a C section if you are not progressing. The way I saw it I only had it because Ben was breech so when the others turned out not to be why couldn't I have them vaginally? Some doctors are reluctant but don't really have a good reason to be.

Katrina - posted on 01/18/2009

hi i had a vaginal birth after my c-section and everything was fine hun my doctor gave me a choice although it does depends on how long after your section eg over a year

Jo - posted on 01/17/2009

Laure, you are correct about the risk if there is an actual rupture. I agree with you that it is just coincidental if a baby has a delay after succesfully being delivered vbac.

Laura - posted on 01/17/2009

Acutally  mom and baby could die if the uterus ruptures during labor. I don't know about the above comment about developmental delays being related to v-bacs. That was probably just coincidental, but if something goes wrong, I do know that mom and baby are both at risk.

Christina - posted on 01/17/2009

Thank you for all your great responses! It makes me feel so much better and much more excited about trying to find someone who would support me with this decision! I will do whatever it takes to have another child vaginally. I will still be open minded about the possibility of needing another c-section! I guess that if I have to have another one it was just not meant to be for me but I pray that I am a good candiate for a Vbac. My baby's head was stuck in my canal for a while because he was looking towards the right instead of facing down so he just wouldn't come out and the fact that I had high blood pressure (so therefore I had to be induced 2 days early than my due date) was what made my doctor decide on a c-section. I will do what it takes to avoid high blood pressure (better diet & excersice) to try and get that vbac! I will also make a doc's appointment as soon as possible to talk about this depression I've been feeling because of all this! Thank you all for your responses and your encouragement! XOXO and have a wonderful 2009!

Jo - posted on 01/17/2009

for the record- vbac does not cause developmental delays! the risk is to mom, not baby! the above thread may have been confusing vbac with vacuum delivery -which is EXTREMELY dangerous and does indeed carry a great risk for the baby which may include developmental delay. jo lyn, RN

Jeanne - posted on 01/17/2009

Hi Christina,  I had my first child c-section due to her being breech.  I can't really say if I felt disappointement or not at not having her vaginally but when I became pregnant a little over a year later my doctor suggested vbac to me.  I did vaginally deliver my son 21 months after I had my daughter.  Everything went very well for us and my son who is now 13 years old is very normal in every way possible.  I always tell people who ask me which was better that they both have there positive and negative aspects.  With my c-section it was over very quickly and I didn't have to go through the pain of labor but the recovery was ALOT longer.  With vaginal delivery you get for better or worse to experience the pain of labor but recovery was very quick for me.  I was camping with baby a week later.  As I said before my son is now 13 years old.  During that period of time I think it was pretty accepted in the medical community.  My doctor was very encouraging but was very clear that the first sign of a problem and he was taking me in to do a c-section no questions asked.  I truly wish you the best.  I think the most important thing is to find a doctor or midwife that you are comfortable with no matter which delivery you have.  Good luck to you and many blessings.

Tina - posted on 01/17/2009

My first was a c-section and weighed 7lb. 13oz. Since then I've had two successful VBACs; one weighing 9lb. 5oz. and the other weighing 9lb. 4oz.  

Educate yourself and find a supportive dr.  Exercise and eat healthy!  People try to scare you with statistics, but the truth is that VBACs only have .3 greater chance of uterine rupture than a normal vaginal birth.  You can do it!

Peggy - posted on 01/17/2009

I had a VBAC 3 years after my cesearean.  I had a great mid-wife who understood how scared I was.  She talked me through everything.  I was actually worried about going VBAC, thinking c-section would be easier.  I am so happy that she talked me into going VBAC.  Now that my kids are 13 and 10, when I tell their stories of their birth, they each have an exclusive story to tell.  VBAC was easy and it was great to actually get up after the birth and clean up. :).  I would suggest you get a second opinion about going or not going VBAC.  Of course its been 10 years since I have had one, but talk in great lenghts with your Dr to see what your best option would be.  Good Luck!

User - posted on 01/17/2009

I had emergancy C section first in '99 then vbac in '02: '06: &'08. (oh & they were quick vb last one 1:20 mins)

Something I've learnt on the way!

-doctors like to mess with intervention cause they reckon it's been proven then change their minds following further scientific evidence! PANTS.

-Mum's the word FOLLOW UR INSTINCT!.....they will put the administering thingy  in your hand to get u ready for theatre, as soon as u get to hospital, well try too, although they wont take no for an answer ask them to come back later when u can cope with the contractions

-U will be classed as high risk only cause you've had c-section -DO NOT LET THEM PUT U DOWN, I used feel stressed.

-I think my pelvis disorder (spd/sgd) was from op just undergoing a treatment with chiropractioner -TOTAL RECCOMMEND should have gone earlier my #4 was more painful on actual delivery, my girdle was skewif, both parts of front pelvis are twisted & tilted

-Have loads of sex and pineapple in ur last month avoid things like wheat (caused my hypertension twice then on third child noticed the pattern) too milk cause of hormones

-sounds daft but i used to sit and do a bit of home mediation, chant, pos thinking...this baby will have a normal happy healthy delivery!

-And yes i felt very bad after having c-section too! Have found everyone else i know who had one is the same. But hey my boy was very ill 3ib10oz, 37/40, no water. so kinda gotta tke good with the bad on the one. & the team & scubo were totaly fabulous,

GOOD LUCK, STAY HEALTHY, BE POSITIVE, REMEMBER FOLLOW UR INSTINCTS. xxx

Cheryl - posted on 01/17/2009

I had a c-sect with my first (breach). My Dr. refused to do a VBAC for the 2nd so I had to go to Gainesville, FL (trama center in case of uteran rupture). I had a wonderful experience there and everything turned out just fine. I am glad I went to all the trouble. Most of my friends/fam told me to just have the surgery. I was determined to have that dream birth...watch the birth and baby on my chest when done. I got to have all that thanks to being determined to do it my way and a few friends who had done it too. I found out it I would've been more at risk to have another c-sect. Safer to VBAC. I say go for it! My recovery time was soooo much quicker.

Laura - posted on 01/17/2009

My first child was born by c-section because she was breech.  I was very disappointed, thankfully I was able to deliver the my 2nd and 3rd daughters v-bac.  My second child was born exactly 2 years after my c-section and my 3rd child 4 years after my section.  I had no complications with either delivery.  I realize the complications that can happen with a v-bac delivery, but if it is possible I would recommend it.  For my having a child born vaginally was something I just had to experience.  Good luck in your search.

Kirsten - posted on 01/17/2009

I haven't had any kids by C-section but I would suggest that you find a midwife in your area and meet with her even if you don't have her deliver your baby.  Midwifes are trained in helping women give birth naturally and they tend to be much more open-minded and more willing to work with you than traditional doctors.  It would be good for to sit down with a midwife and get your quetions answered and some advice on the best way to do a VBAC.  I had a midwife for my naturaly delivery and I loved her, she was there with me during labor and helped me through.  Good luck whatever happens.

Sheri - posted on 01/17/2009

My sister in law had her second child VBAC and had no problems. James is a perfectly normal, healthy boy with active imagination and very intelligent. He was not a very long labor in comparison to her sister who didn't arrive till c-section 24 hrs after labor started. The kids are about 2 1/2 years apart and everything went very smoothly.

Kara - posted on 01/17/2009

I had vbac for #2 after emergency section for a baby who was facing the wrong way.
You need to have a dr who supports you and a hospital delivery. My two births were less than 2 years apart.
It really depends on the circumstances around your 2nd pregnancy and I would suggest that if you found yourself in the same situation your Dr should not allow a vbac. Know that there are risks, but realise that these can be smaller than other complications.
BTW My son (#2) is not developmentally delayed!

Rachel - posted on 01/17/2009

I had a my second child natually after my first one ended in an emergency c-section. I talked with my doctor and because my first child got stuck in the canal we had to do the c-section-he just wasn't coming out. When i got pregnant with my daughter i told him the whole story with my son(we had moved so had a diffrent doctor) and he agreed to allow me to try to have her vbac, however we had a room waiting for me should i need to have another c-section. If you truely wish to have your child natrually ask your doctor. However because you have/had high bloodpresure, you might really consider just the c-section so everyone stays healthy.

Erin - posted on 01/17/2009

I was (until recently) going to have a VBAC and I was excited because I too had lots of bad feelings about not being able to deliver naturally with my first. I just found out that I have a narrow pelvis and my baby is going to be 9 pounds so I won't be able to deliver naturally. It was disappointing but I am relieved I don't have to wait any longer nor go through the pain of labor again. Keep your chin up, and look around many doctors still support vbacs unless its medically dangerous to do so!!!

Christa - posted on 01/17/2009

DON'T DO IT! I understand as a mother who has had two c-sections and will not get to deliver vaginally - its frustrating. But.....as an educator (special education preschool teacher) I have known babies born with a V-bac that have had problems later. I wanted a vbac with my second child and my mother (who is also an educator) said "No Way I have seen too many children with developmental delays after a mother had a vbac" Trust me, it was a hard decision for me to make, but I couldn't risk it in the long run. It's your decision but there are risks...

Trish Walt - posted on 01/17/2009

Hi Christina - my name is Trish and I had my first child as a C=section because she was too big and 9lbs 8.5 oz. I was toximic as well. My family doctor sent me to a specialist who stated i had to have a c section asap because my feet were swelling which is caused by the toximic. Baby and mom were well. afterwards all turned ok. My 2nd child who came 7 years later....they told me was going to be over 10 lbs so i would have to have another c section, they treated me for border line diabetes and everything once again turned out ok but I ended up going in to labour 1 week before the due date. I was only in labour 7 hours and out pops my second child who weighed 7lbs 5.5 oz... The only troubles i encountered during was nothing. I enjoyed having the vbac i was on my feet much faster then having to wait to do things because you have an incision and waiting for it to heal on top of being at home with a baby it much harder. I would say go for it if you to have the vbac. It was great to experience the natural child birth. The labour pains that go with and actually know what other moms who experience it go thru..Good luck to you in the future.

Michelle - posted on 01/17/2009

i just had a VBAC.. easy peasy.. under 2 years since having a c=sec for the second of twins.. had first naturally.. 3 1/2 hour labour and she flew out..

they keep a close eye on you.. monitoring etc..

good luck

i hope you get what you want cos it is special.. but then again it is specia;l no matter how you have the baby..

Jenny - posted on 01/16/2009

I do know that some hospitals along with doctors will not do Vbacs because of lawsuits. My doctor has done them before but didn't recommend it.

I went through the same thing. After 22 hours of labor I was only dialated at 5 centimeters. After numerious attepts they could not get the epidural to work (or spinal) so I felt every contraction. They ended up putting me under so I wasn't even conscious when she was born.  I say this because as much as I went through I was extremely disappointed when I had to have a C-section. I felt cheated, I planned for months and it did not go the way I had dreamed it would. When I had my second I did a ton of research on Vbacs and between reading the risks and the horror stories I read made it clear to me that the risks are too high and I didn't want any medical issues to stand in the way of bonding with my son in the first momentsof his life. My expierence with my second c-section was much different. First the epidural worked, I hadn't gone through labor so my body wasn't tired. I actually got up and walked around the night I delvered, and I didn't need a lot of pain meds. I got to hold him while I was still on the operating table, and began nursing right away. It was much better then the first one. I still feel like I was cheated out of he birthing process but in the end my health, as well as my baby, was more important.

Good luck with your next pregancy!

Jo - posted on 01/16/2009

Vaginal Delivery after a c section (v-bac) can be done. You will need to find a doctor who is willing to do it, which depending on where you live may be difficult but not impossible. It is important for you to know and understand the risk and balance that with the benefits. The information I am going to give you is a guideline. Without knowing your complete history and a few more details of the labor and delivery I cannot know for sure that this would all hold true for you, but it should give you a start in obtaining information and consulting with MD's or Midwives (personally my preference). MD's are leaning towards c sections more and more because of lawsuits (even though c/sec are abdominal surgeries which are not simple surgeries). The reason a c-section is initially done is a big indicator to determine if a repeat section needs to be done. One factor is which type of incision was done, midline (an incision going up and down) is something that could prevent v-bac because of the hi-risk of rupture. The transverse (side to side) still has that same risk but at a much lower rate. A lot of c-sections are done because "the baby is to big"! This is a bit misleading - many petite women have given birth to large babies vaginally (my mother was 5'2" and had 3- 9# 15 oz babies vaginally). It is more how a womens pelvis moves during pregnancy. It sounds like you are a perfect canidate for v-bac.

The depression your feeling is commen among women who had spent months planning a vaginal delivery and ended up with a section,. An attempt to v-bac will let you try again. It is important to plan that if it didn't work, you would have another section, but in planning in advance you will be prepared.

It is important for you to know you are not a failure for having a c section. Please talk to someone about how you are feeling. Depression can sneak in there and take away the enjoyment you should be having with your first child and the anticipation of more.

Laura - posted on 01/16/2009

The delivery of your child is one of the most precious and memorable days of you life. I am sorry that yours did not go as planned. Often it doesn't because babies have a mind of their own. It sounds like you may have some unresolved ill feelings about your delivery. Maybe talking with your doctor about that would help to resolve this depression. As far as looking towards another pregnacy and childbirth I would advise you to keep you thoughts open.  I have seen V-bacs be successful, however they are dangerous.  You need to understand the significance of what can go wrong with v-bacs. I would advise you to talk at length with any doctor that would be willing to do that. A lot of doctors aren't doing them anymore. That all being said, you need to do what feels right in your heart.  Find a doctor who understands your heart and your desires. Don't know anyone in your area sorry. Best of luck to you and your growing family.    (from a labor and delivery nurse, and fellow mom)