Want to have another c-section but cant get a date put in what should I do??

Melinda - posted on 04/11/2011

Hi! I really appreciated what Rebecca Coleman had to say. The gals who put the "business of birthing" film together have a wonderful community that you may find helpful to join. I hear that you are linking your fears around your complications with a concern of having a successful vbac. That is one of the amazing and empowering parts of a natural birth... an allowing and releasing to your bodies innate ability to birth your baby. Are you aware of your kidneys having an adverse effect on an actual birthing or is this just a concern? It sounds like you are just scared, and I commend you for reaching out to find your own voice and power in this place. So many of the pains and potential problems that women face can be in a fear/pain/tension cycle and this typically begins with be in the unknown. I encourage you to embrace the wisdom of your body on this one and maybe look into connecting with women who have had successful vbacs themselves. I know that you just want to make the best choice for you and your baby... my best wishes and love to you on your journey!

Elizabeth - posted on 04/27/2010

The midwife probably wants you to try natural because the more c-sections you have the weaker your uterus gets. After so many you won't have the choice to do a natural birth. Why do you want to have a c-section? Are you worried or scared about a natural birth. Alot of mothers are worried about the pain. It's really not that bad. I've had 2 children natural and 2 c-section. One natural was with meds and one without. My last 2 I had no choice about the c-section. One was too big to have natural and the other was she wasn't in the birth canal. It didn't bother me to bad about Taylor being to big. I got to at least try to have him natural. But I regret not being able to have Destiny natural. My husband didn't even get to be with me during the c-section because it happened so fast and there was no time to get him ready too. Having a child natural is an experience you will never forget. And no one can really explain the feeling you have afterwards. I know with me it was one of the things in my life that I didn't want to miss. But in the end it is your choice. Just ask yourself is this the one thing you don't want to miss or is it not that big of a deal.

Anne-Marie - posted on 04/20/2010

Your midwife is crazy. I have a 9 month old born by C-section, my Obstetrician told me if I had another baby he would ONLY deliver it if it was by C-section. He is a very well esteemed & knowledgeable man of his field here in Perth, Australia. He told me that once you have a scar on your womb wall (caused by your previous C-section) that when you are in labour the baby takes the path of least resistance (so to say). Might be the vaginal canal but it might also be at your scar point, he also told me he has delivered 4 still births because of this and won't deliver another baby this way. C-section is your choice, don't let your midwife bully you!!!

Bethany - posted on 04/17/2010

i haven't had a chance to read every response, so hope i'm not repeating other info. it is dangerous already for you to be having another baby so soon after a c-section because the fascia (the connective tissue that encases your organs, bones and muscles) is still only at 50% strength 9 months after a c-section. after mine, my dr told me it was really important to not get pregnant for at least 12 months. you do have an increased risk of rupture because of this. although i am going for a vbac next time i am pregnant, i am waiting the reccommended year. in your case, with the serious health problems and risks you are facing, i would definitely get another c-section. best of luck to your family!

Cynthia - posted on 04/17/2010

Its important to ask yourself how many children do you want to have?



If you only want two, have no concerns about insurance, are happy to put up with the pain and discomfort, gas etc involved post c-section and the levels of risk to both yourself and your child. (sorry that sounds judgmental though I don't mean it to be, but dispite the common place attitude to c-sections these days the risks are always the same, just as there are always risks attached to v-births) then go ahead and plan your c-section.

A factor in how many children you may have with c-section is dependant on scar the heavier the scaring the less children you will be able to have, this may also affect a v birth but you would have to consult with your doctor for accurate information.



The advantages of a V birth are generally a quicker post birth recovery, better baby scores and less breathing problems. V birth can be very hard as in a back labour where the baby's head and spine lays along mums spine or relatively easy when baby's head and spine run along mums abdominal wall. Easier births are also found in taller mums and in mums with wider pelvic cages. And deliverying girls tend to be easier than boys because head size tends to be smaller in girls than in boys.

Your midwife and doctor will also watch for any of the factors which lead to your first c-section, Talk over your choices, risks reasons and fears with your husband, doctor and midwife.

I can tell you there is a great satisfaction in a successful vaginal birth, but the truth of the matter is the birth of a living healthy child is the out come parents doctors and midwives all want regardless of method of delivery.

Maxine - posted on 04/16/2010

I have had both a c section and natural.Although I won't be going through it again but if i did i would go c section.Had problems from pushing and had fissures in bottom.ok csection you are soar around tummy but no stretching down there.Yes it is your decision in the end.

Charlotte - posted on 04/15/2010

by the way it is too soon to have a natural birth u do have to have 2 yrs apart with a c section so i think u should have another c section to be save the midwife should not be evan tellin u to go for a natural birth its too soon evan my doctors said if i was under 2 yrs of my first c section i would of had to of had another i ended up havin another any way they would only let u go a sertan amount of time with a natural any way cos of the scar good luck again x

Charlotte - posted on 04/15/2010

hi i have not long had my second baby after 3 yrs of havin my first i had a c section with both i thought the first one was fine but when i had my second i found it was worse it was horrible for me i wish i could of had a natural i did try but i was not going any were so i had to have another c section,its up to u rilly dont for get if u ever have any more kids u will have to have a c section so this is ur last chance to try for a natural good luck charlotte x

Pooh - posted on 04/15/2010

I have two boys and both were C-Section. The first was an emergency C-Section and the second was scheduled. It was so easy the second time. I was up walking around a couple hours after my C-Section and I was home from the hospital after only 2 days. Natural child birth may be fine for some people, but I have a low tolerance level for pain! I actually watched them cut me open and do everything with my last child. My husband and twin sister was in the room while my last son was born. I say do what you feel comfortable doing.

Here - posted on 04/15/2010

honestly...there is nothing wrong wih having a natural birth after a c-setion...i did and i'm so glad i chose to...expecting my third and i'll be having that one naturally too. the only problem you miht have doing it naturally is tht your c-section scar isnt very old so there is a risk there...but ultimately its up to you

Louree - posted on 04/14/2010

There is a book on V back surgery which addresses having natural after Caesearean. I chose to go ahead and do this after my third child was a C-section at age 30. Then at age 40 i delivered naturally a breech baby. I hated the long recovery process after my first C-section(spinal headache lasted for over 4 months) and not up and around for weeks after the birth. I had to be able to go back to my part time kindergarten job at a C hristian school. I was nursing, and even allowed to take the baby with me . He slept the majority of the class time.He'd go to sleep around 8:30 or 8:45 a.m.. I'd put him in the side room and he slept until my break for 15 min. at 10 a.m. I'd feed and my aide changed him. Then he slept until 11:30 a.m. At that time I put him in a swing to watch the class for the last half hour. Now, I will say that delivering a breech baby was very painful(for the half hour of pushing him out(he was also sunnyside up. That part made me decide if I had to redo the delivery, I would have a C-section or if there was something else for pain that was safer(epidural?) I'd go with that. I just don't like all the possible side effects and risks that go with all the drugs.

Elizabeth - posted on 04/14/2010

I have 3 children - the 1st was a natural birth - 2nd planned c-section as many complications - the 3rd planned natural as I felt like I was cheated out of giving birth on the 2nd. This became a decision that I still regret today. Things went badly wrong, and I was forced into an emergency c-section. After my husband overheard the surgeons say my scar had been splitting before they opened it, and they'd nearly lost us both. This had caused them to do more of a hack job than a cut! Then they put on so much tape that once removed I couldn't remove all the sticky stuff which then caused the wound to re-open. I spent the next 3 months barely able to walk, while it tried to heal itself. I missed out on being able to do things for my baby cause I couldn't even do them for myself. Even now - nearly 3 years on - I still have complications with the scar. My advice would be that if you think you might need a c-section then make sure you fight for it, as lots of people who had a 2nd emergency one have had the same problems - which a bad infection, but that could just be cause same hospital. Check out your local hospital rates of success if you can. All the best.

Dana - posted on 04/14/2010

I agree with Nicole and everyone else who is saying that it's too soon to have a VBAC. Good luck!

Nicole - posted on 04/14/2010

It's dangerous to go VBAC with less than 2 years between births. Talk to your doctor! Being around to take care of your two children should probably trump anyone's stance on VBAC.

Melissa - posted on 04/14/2010

Do what makes you comfortable. period. This is especially true seeming that there were medical issues in the past.

Brenda - posted on 04/14/2010

1 am a 60 year old mother of 3, and all my children were born natural,there is nothing like giving birth naturaly if you can,because once that baby is in your arm,s all the pain is forgoten,soif you can have a natural birth do so it is a wounderful feeling,but if for some reason you can not then have the c section,as you said in the end it is up to you.

Tanya - posted on 04/14/2010

first of all I would get a doctors opinion and have an ultrasound done, I wanted to go 'v-back' (is the correct term) I went to a doctor that specializes in v-back and she recommended an ultrasound after a full history of my 1st pregnancy, it turns out that my uterus was very thin and therefore had a higher risk of rupture. you cannot and should not have any pain medication during this procedure also, if something does go wrong you might be able to let the doctors know in time. Women do do it but I was also told by several doctors who were involved in my first (an emergency c) that I would have to wait at least a year if not more b4 becomming pregnant as my wish was to go v-back your original incision need proper time to heal. If you feel safe going for another c, DO IT. it is your body and your call not anyone elses no matter how experienced they may be! Never let anyone make those types of decisions for you, I regret alot from my 1st pregnancy and concequently was n ot able to have more after my 2nd due to my original section, so be your own boss and make an informed choice. There is a greater risk of loss to your baby and/or yourself from v-back so get another opinion IF you are thinking this route, if not its a non-issue ..change your midwife!!! best of luck x

Dorothea - posted on 04/14/2010

I would recomend a new midwife. They are suppose to support you, not dictate.

When it's your body and your baby, there is NO over reacting!!! Your most important concerns should be the health of you and your children, not what someone else wants you to do, be it spouse, doctor or mid wife.
Good luck,and congratulations on the addition to your family.

Heidi - posted on 04/14/2010

do what u want in the end if u r happy everyone else should support youor decision!!

Allison - posted on 04/14/2010

If it were me in your shoes, I would speak with a third party (physician or qualified midwife) and discuss your concerns and desires. Get the facts, then make a decision that is best for you and your situation - but keep in mind that even the best laid plans do not always work out, especially when it involves the birth of a baby.

My first was an emergency c-section, she was premature and breech. I assumed my 2nd had to be c-section, so I scheduled it for 1 week prior to my due date. She arrived 5 weeks early, V-BAC w/no drugs, just minutes after we arrived at the hospital. When I was expecting my 3rd the Dr. asked what I wanted to do, since I had successfully delivered both ways. I told him with the unpredictable nature of my kids and pregnancies that we wouldn't make a plan, we'd just see what what happened. With her, I went into labor, went to the hospital and had a natural birth with drugs. Given a choice if I ever did again I would go with the natural birth, no drugs (if it was fast!)

Meagan - posted on 04/14/2010

My doctor would say NO WAY to a natural birth this soon after a c-section. I had a c-section 9 months ago, and my doctor said to wait a year to even get pregnant so that the uterus wall has time to heal completely. She would not deliver me naturally this soon. There are too many serious risks. Maybe you should find a new midwife. One that's been to medical school.

Jennifer - posted on 04/14/2010

normally they don't put in a date for a c-section until closer to your due date. my first born was an emergency c-section. i was 6 and half weeks early, water broke, no signs of labor and he was breeched. found out the reason way was a heart-shaped uterus. when i got pregnant the second time my doctor kept pushing for a natural birth... i can't do natural births. because she kept pushing and telling me what i needed to do and not listen to me, i switched doctors... made it very clear to me that i needed to when i told her the baby wasn't moving anymore and she didn't care. i then got to go get an ultra sound every week and they did movment counts. put in a c-section date for 2 weeks before my due date, and had another emergency c-section a week and half before that date. which once again my child was breeched. anyways the main point is if she not listening to your concerns or anything else you need to switch doctors/midwife right away.

Merlo - posted on 04/14/2010

Going natural is way better to recover from, But c-section does make a better delivery and maybe have a selection on the specific day to choose from. Another thing: most people that had a c-section for a specific reason are more likely to end up with another one for the same reason. (ie.breech, failure to progress)

Gail - posted on 04/14/2010

Once you have 2 C-Sections, you can never opt to go natural again even if you want more children. Do you have toxemia?? C-Sections are considered major surgery. It is alot more stressful on your body to heal from surgery than to deliver your baby natural.. If you have the medical concerns you mentioned in your post, you could be considered a high risk to go C-Section. If it were me??? I would try to have it natural, and of course you can always get an epidural. I ended up having 3 C-Sections. But with the first 2, my doctor allowed my body to have a chance to deliver naturally. My boys heads were too big to safely fit through my pelvis opening. Even though my 3rd son was small enough to be born naturally without danger to him, I had already had 2 C-Sections, and there was a chance of uterine rupture if I had gone natural. Think about it. Whatever your gut feeling is...you should go with that. Good luck!

Eve - posted on 04/14/2010

Do want you want! It's your body and your baby. I wanted a natural birth with my first, but ended up with an emergency C-section. With my second, I considered a V-bac (my doctor did them), but the baby was late and I wasn't dilating, so I went my doctors recommendation and schedule a 2nd C-section. Healed quicker the second time, and I have two healthy children, so no regrets. It's a very personal decision, get information from others, but do what you think is best and don't feel guilty. Good luck to you.

Jill - posted on 04/14/2010

I just had my second child 3months ago. Both my children were delivered thru csection. I was very confused myself which route to take the second time around. My first was emergency csection and it was a difficult recovery. I really wanted to go natural and have that experience as well as a quicker recovery. But I read alot online about some of the dangers of vbac after csection, especially when the births are close together. My instinct told me to schedule a csection (better safe than sorry) and Im glad I did. I have a feeling I would have had to have one anyways. The recovery was MUCH easier this time and I feel its because it was planned. I hate reading that people who have had natural births assume women who have had csections are trying to avoid or are scared of the pain of labor. There should be no shame in it and its certainly not taking the easy way out. I would go with whatever decision gives you the most peace and security for you and your child.

Ashlee - posted on 04/14/2010

If you try to go natural just because the midwife wants you to, you'll just end up regretting it. And aside from that, if you try to go natural, you could end up having a c-section anyway. Which, speaking from experience, is NOT fun as opposed to having it planned and doing it the way you want to begin with!

Abasiaka - posted on 04/14/2010

I had a c section with my first, and i am due for for my second in another 3months. I am going natural this time. Aside from talking to you dr to know what is best, its important you talk to God about it, he will make everything beautiful and see you though which ever option you go for. Thje bottom line is a healthy mum and baby.

Alison - posted on 04/14/2010

I had already had a c section with my second then I got pregnant again i wanted a nautral delivery because i was with a new partner but i shpuld of gone for a c section cause i had problems so i would go for a c section

Evelyn - posted on 04/13/2010

the recuperation for a natural birth is sooooo much easier than a c-section (i've done both - natural with no drugs at all and major emergency c-section where i was knocked out in less than 3 seconds!). not only that but you get to enjoy your baby right away, no worries about the drugs, no abdominal pain, natural is how it was meant to be and if you can do it, try to experience it, it's just so much more special! ----- wait, just read another one of your posts.... with medical problems, if your chances of ultimately really ending up with a c-section after trying naturally well then maybe just avoid potential health problems to you or the baby. ultimately that's what happened to me, I would've delivered my twins naturally (even if second was breech) but my water broke early (at 31w5d) and because at that age the neck is too delicate and the second did in fact turn breech that morning (had been down for weeks!) we had to go with emergency c-section for his safety. despite how I feel about c-sections, i had two super healthy preemies that are now thriving!

Tamra - posted on 04/13/2010

I'm sure you're supposed to wait 2 yrs before trying for a natural birth as you are at risk of putting opening up the old scar. If you only gave birth 7 months ago and are due in 3 month then I think you should have another c section to be on the safe side.

Tanika - posted on 04/13/2010

With my first child I had a c-section and then I get pregnant with my second. I decided I had wanted a c-section so my doctor ask my am I sure that is what I want. He scheduled me a week before my due date. It was easier for me to get another one and the healing was a lot better. It is all up to you don't the doctors or anyone tell you what you should do. If fell it will be better than let her know you want to do it and it is your choice not hers.

Vicky - posted on 04/13/2010

I know I had 2 c-sections. My Dr. told me that at one point they recommended that you could vback after a c-section, but when I had my 2nd he told me that they saw in influx of women hemorraging when doing vbacks after a c-section. I had already decided on a 2nd c-section, because I wanted my tubes tied, but that let me know that my decession was right. Do what you feel comfortable with....you have to be happy. Good Luck!!

Elizabeth - posted on 04/13/2010

Melissa, PLEASE , get a hold of people in ICAN (ican-online.org). It stands for international cesarean awareness network. This is a big decision, and they can really help you figure out what's best for you and your babe. Scar separation is not something you should worry about. The chance of that happening is less than .001%, and a separation is NOT the same thing as a catastrophic uterine rupture (CUR). CUR is something that is a result of severe malnutrition throughout a woman's pregnancy. It has nothing to do with any prior surgery.
I've had both a cesarean birth and vaginal births after my cesarean, and I can tell you that, for me, the VBACs were wonderful-the best decisions I ever made!

Triny - posted on 04/13/2010

Well, I had 3 C-Sections and on my second pregnancy things were not going as planned. My due date was already 2 days late and I had not dilated. The doctor still thought I shud try for the normal delivery but I decided that it was safer to just do the C-Section. Really the C-Section is probably less traumatic so don't feel guilty if you decide to go that way. There could also be complications in a normal delivery after having had a C-Section. You should go with your gut and not by anyone else's experience or ideas. Do what you want to do? It is your decision and whatever you decide either way it should be safe for you and the baby. I know there are lots of people that have a successful vaginal delivery. Good luck and I am sure you will be just fine.

Kristina - posted on 04/13/2010

I had my 1st 3 with epidurals & wouldn't change anything! I wanted an epidural with my last one but I arrived at the hospital at 1am & she was born at 1:13-no time for an epidural. Natural is soooooo painful but I'm so blessed to have had a natural birth. Soooo painful yet soooooooooo worth it! But it's ur choice. Good luck!

Alison - posted on 04/13/2010

From what I know, you should NOT try a VBAC 10 months after a c-section. Plus a scheduled c-section is ALWAYS easier than an emergency c-section. Don't let the midwife decide for you, because you are the one who has to live with the decision.

I really don't want to tell you what to do, but the c-section sounds right.

Tatjana - posted on 04/13/2010

I say yes do what you wish, but i also can say that the bond between a mother is more tight after natural birth, that is a proofen fact. Fact is one should let nature take its course, its for the body definately better , C - Section is a risk even now a days, an Operation is an Operation, and weaken s the body. If nothing speaks against it try natural birth.
but then its your choice, but healthwise better for your body ... just because you had problem first time around does not mean you have them this time ... but talk it over with an professional .

Jodi - posted on 04/13/2010

mY DOCTOR RECOMMENED ME TO HAE NAOTHER C-SECTION SINCE I HAD MY 1ST ONE CSECTION, SO I WOULD SOOO SAY GO WITH THE CSETION

Rebecca - posted on 04/12/2010

A midwife's job is to assist in a natural birth if you have a chance at having a natural birth it's her job to encourage you to have a natural birth. You won't change her mind. They can be very stubborn because all evidence points to natural birth = best birth. There are less complications after a natural birth than there are in having a c-section. Take all her advice and consider it. If you still want a c-section it could be better that you do.

Make an appointment with her souly for the purpose of talking about all advantages and disadvantages of the two options. Write down all questions you may have prior to the appointment as they will evade you when you get there. Afterward you may feel more determined to have a c-section or you may feel confident to give natural birth a go. Either way you'll feel better about what choice you make.

Watch a Documentary called "the business of being born". it's a real eye opener to what birth could be like.

Angie - posted on 04/12/2010

Find a doctor that will go over the pros and cons of both types of delivery with you. Medications are so hard on the kidneys and liver and since you're already having issues, it may not be wise for you to have an elective c-section but it's best to get an experts opinion on that. Good luck.

Melissa - posted on 04/12/2010

Thanks guy's... Every little bit of info is helping... I know what my choice would be I know I should properly try natural but I don't feel confortable bout going natural with the problems that I'm having at the moment... The hardest thing is tryin to get the midwife see where I'm coming from...

Rebecca - posted on 04/12/2010

Personally I think there is so many more negatives to having a repeat c-section than a natural birth but if you don't want to have a natural birth and you try it, it could work against you. It only takes one small intervention with a natural birth to completely destroy the chances of it succeeding.
I think midwives are wonderful when you want a natural birth but when your heart isn't in there then it opens up the doors to all the interventions doctors and in some cases the midwife will want to do. In the end you would be better off having the c-section.
Personally this time I'm going to have a home birth. I didn't like all the interventions leading up to my c-section and I believe that is why I couldn't give birth last time. But I really want this and I feel my body will respond to my positive attitude and willingness to have a natural birth.

Good luck, Just try find a doctor that will book you in early for a c-section if you can't get one on your due date.

Keep persisting and let us all know when you get your way. There are so many posters where you don't hear the result you've been waiting for.

(if the next doctor says the same and can't book you in, make an appointment with another one and try again)
Remember it's your body, act confident when you see the doctor and tell them you have weighed your options and you won't take no for an answer.

Dana - posted on 04/12/2010

I say do what you want. You know your body better than anyone else does. My doctor kept pushing me to have EVC, where they turn a breech baby manually from the outside, to avoid having a C-section. I was adamant that I did not want that done. He kept pushing for it. I ended up going into early labor and found out a had a certain condition,a bicornuate uterus, there was no way that the procedure would have worked and it would have been quite dangerous to try it. So, bottom line, sometimes you know whats best. In this case it's not a dangerous choice if you decide to have a C-section.

Abbie - posted on 04/12/2010

From what I have heard, I have never dealt with a midwife, but they prefer all natural and are not in favor of c sections in the least. Have you had a natural birth? I would assume no because I think this is your 2nd child now. So what are the chances of you having a good healthy labor or going c section again? That would be my #1 question for them. If you aren't getting what you need then find a new doctor!!! I fyou want another c section have one, that doesn't make you a bad mom!!!!!! I don't sections are that hard, but others think they are the worest ever!!

Melanie - posted on 04/12/2010

My best advice would for you to think about your recovery. You already have a 7 month old and with a new baby are you going to be able to look after them with a c-section. At the end of the day it's your choice have the baby the way it makes you happy. I've done both ways and for me recovering from a c-section took a little longer but i preferred the birth. My daughter was 36 hours of labour and i was shattered. Personally i would go c-section again because i found it easier. But then i had a 4 yr old when i had my son. You can choose which way just think it through and tell your midwife your choice. Good luck with the birth xx

Rebecca - posted on 04/12/2010

Talk to a doctor that's in the hospital you are birthing in and they will set you a date for a c-section. Doctors prefer to do c-sections it keeps women from birthing all day in their ward.

Firebird - posted on 04/12/2010

If your midwife won't 'let' you put in a date for a c section then perhaps you should consider finding someone else to provide your prenatal care. This isn't about what your midwife wants, this is your pregnancy and your body. You know your body best, stand your ground.

Melissa - posted on 04/12/2010

I do understnad the risk of a c-section but wit the medical problems I'm having at the moment I really dont feel safe going natural... I know it most likely the best way to go with already having a son but its my medical problems that say to me that I should have another c-section... I have also seen a professer bout it all and he said that if I'm not happy going natural he will do a c-section for me but its my midwife that wants me to try natural and I feel untill she here I want to try and go natural she will not let me put a date in for it...

Schyla - posted on 04/11/2010

My first was a c-section because I didn't ever dilate even after THREE bags of pitocin and 13 hours of hard contractions (i effaced fully but only dilated to a 4) so with my second the doc didn't even want to tempt me going into labor (we almost lost our first one) so when I was about two months out he scheduled my second c-section not a word about a date until I was past the go ahead point, (36 weeks) well she made up her own mind and came 11 days before her c-section was set (and yes they did a second c-section) witch was a week before her actual due date. She was due dec 5 set her c-section for nov 27 she came nov 16th. From what I've heard midwifes are all about natural births and that's ok if your body will let you do that but I would talk to your OBGYN about your wish for a c-section this time as well and your probably safe to bet that they will do one about a week before your due date! unless your health or that of the baby's is in jepordy. but talk to your doctor see what he has to say that's what he's there for.