Any VBAC moms?

Just curious to know what made you decide to do vaginal delivery after a c-section, how was labor compared to when you had the c-section, were you induced when you had the c-section, how far along were you when you went into labor with the VBAC, how big was the VBAC baby in comparison to the c-sec baby? Any other info.? I had a talk with my doc yesterday about delivery options and I would like to try for the VBAC but I'm so afraid of the risks involved, I'm still unsure. The doc said we could keep talking about it as the pg progresses. Anyway, if any of you have done it or know anyone who has, can you give me the lowdown? I want to make an informed decision. TIA!

oh gosh, this subject makes me nervous. I know a couple of people that tried this and their babies died. I even heard of both the mother and baby dying due to uterine rupture. Personally it's not something I would risk no matter what but I'm proud of you for researching it, contemplating it and making whatever decision you and your husband make. They say the risk is small, and it probably is.
I can send you info on uterine rupture if you'd like. Maybe someone can send you info on positive VBAC exeriences. I know that it IS possible :)

I also had a c section with Jake and with all the risks out there I wont do a VBAC...not something I want to put my unborn child through...but ive also heard of a lot of people having successfull ones....so good for you!! I hope you get to do what you want to do.

Hi Michelle!

I'm planning a VBAC with this baby. Do you have the VBAC Companion? I checked it out at the library and later on found it at Half Price Books. It has some good info and I've also found the boards on Babycenter and Ivillage helpful. I really like the way Ivillage is organized. There was a recent post on Babycenter of someone who experienced a uterine rupture--everything turned out fine for her so it's a good story to read.

A couple of things I've decided so that I feel comfortable with my decision:

I won't be induced since that would increase my risk of uterine rupture. If I go overdue, I'll schedule a repeat c-section.

My dr. wants me on continuous monitoring and I'm fine with that.

My suggestion is to read, read, read and discuss everything with your doctor.

I believe the deciding factor of having a VBAC should be what you are comfortable with.

I had a horrible first birth experience due to multiple complications during my first cesarean delivery and i wanted so much to have a birth experience like you see on Baby Story. I went back to my old physician/ob that I went to before my first child, had my chart faxed over and discussed how I could avoid a second negative experience.

My first delivery in a nutshell was overdue, I had a 10.5 lbs baby, a lot of blood loss, I was minutes away from losing my uterus since it would not contract from all the hours of trying to push out a 10.5 lbs baby w/ a low lying placenta, My heart rate became tacky implying possible stroke, and I was anemic for some time after delivery leaving me somewhat lethargic. Lauren had meconium/lung complications for a few days. In short - my first dr. let me go overdue, did not monitor my baby's size and did not listen to me when I expressed concerns of symptoms I was having - or the protein levels in my urine. I learned the hard way, you need a Dr. that respects your opinions and sees this as a team effort.

My labor part of that delivery was awesome. I was 2 cm when I walked in, my water broke and I progressed at 1.5 cm / hr. I pushed effectively and was rested. It was just that she was HUGE! Thank GOD I requested a cesarean over forceps, can you imagine having an episiotomy AND a cesarean on the same day?!

My Second Dr / and pregnancy put me on a diabetic diet regardless of my negative diabetic test results, I was on an exercise program and we monitored Ian's size very closely toward the end. I was induced at 39 weeks - I was 2 cm's already at induction. I was enduced with a cervical gel and then broke my bag. I had a four hours of "active" labor and I pushed for 20 minutes. Ian was 8 lbs and 2 oz. I got to watch him be born in a mirror, I got to grab him beneath the arms and pull him up to my chest. It was that wonderful experience I always wanted. I did have a third perineal degree tear that took months to feel "back to normal" in the bowel department or for intercourse again, but I took stool softeners and I wasn't "in the mood" anyway.

I think there are a lot of things to consider. Did you have complications with anesthesia or cesarean the first time. What was the reason for your cesarean? How did you progress during your first labor? How long has it been since your first cesarean? Did you have a transverse incision? How does your doctor feel or your hospital feel about VBAC?

There's no right or wrong way to do this, just do what your comfortable with. :)

Thank you so much for all the replies. My doctor is doing exactly what Carol's is: No induction, constant monitoring, possible c-section. She told me the risk of uterine rupture are 1 to 2%; small, but still there. My husband would rather schedule a c-section but I would like to be more informed on the subject even if we are leaning toward surgery again.

Julia, to answer your questions:

Did you have complications with anesthesia or cesarean the first time? None whatsoever. My surgery went very well with no complications.
What was the reason for your cesarean? Failure to progress past 4 cm after 11 hours of labor. I was induced at 41 weeks. Max was not reacting well to the Pitocin. His heartrate was slowing down, I had a fever and no dilation.
How did you progress during your first labor? See above. :lol
How long has it been since your first cesarean? Max will be 20 months when this baby is due.
Did you have a transverse incision? I'm not sure what that is. My incision is very, very thin (almost can't see it) and right on the hairline.
How does your doctor feel or your hospital feel about VBAC? My doctor says we will keep talking about it on every appointment. She says we can make a decision as the pg progresses. She's awesome. My hospital is Baylor in downtown. Not sure how they feel about VBAC's.

Oh, and a friend is sending me The VBAC Companion.

Who's your dr. Mine is Dr. Payne at Baylor - We LOVE him! Baylor is pro VBAC - they do them all the time. They will monitor your labor closely for any signs of distress and will have an OR ready and your IV in in case of any emergencies. They have a VBAC course and support groups available at Baylor also. I think Baylor is a great place to deliver, not the "prettiest" hospital cosmetically but top notch staff and technology with caring beside manner.

I read the VBAC companion and found it very informative

Good luck to you whichever way you go and here's to an easy delivery!

Beetlebug on the board delivered her second child VBAC as well and was happy with her delivery results. She's taking care of her sick kids this week, but maybe she will post about her experience later.

I highly suggest the VBAC Companion as well. Linda Worzer offers a private VBAC childbirth class and consultations for individuals. She is a wonderful doula and childbirth educator, and can answer a lot of questions for you. Her webiste is http://www.naturalbeginningsonline.com

Julia, my doc is Tracy Hays. I love her. I had Max at Baylor and it was a wonderful experience overall.

Here's a link you may find useful:
http://www.ican-online.org/
It's for the International cesarean awareness network.
I agree that Baylor downtown is great. When my pregnancy turned High Risk my midwife told me that Baylor is the best hospital for a natural delivery. They have a great staff. My nurse was wonderful:)