Hi Kate, Many things can influence the outcomes of a birth. Overcoming your trauma is very important for your next birth.It takes time and a lot of soul searching. Be very selective in who you talk to or who you see for counselling.
One of the main causes of C/S is induction of labour.If a woman's cervix is not ready to open or the baby's position is not ideal, the induction invariably goes pear shaped. Add to this an epidural and we get fetal distress (abnormal CTG).Then we get failure of breastfeeding and postnatal depression because the natural hormones of birth are interferred with. It is also very difficult for a woman to say no to an induction when you are being told your baby is at risk of dying if you are "overdue".It is a bit like a game of russian rulette. No-one knows who is going to be dealt the C/s card or the PND card or the normal birth card or the dead baby card. All of these things can mess with your head. You need to tell yourself that you did the best you could with the information you were given at the time. You did a dam good job of bringing this precious little person into the world and you are a fantastic mother. Next time round arm yourself with heaps of information. I would suggest the Birthrites web site as a good starting point. Find a Dr who is supportive of VBAC. Stay positive, don't beat yourself around for things that have happened. I have looked after many women who have had a hospital VBAC and they are totally transformed by the experience. I have also looked after many woman who have attempted a VBAC without success, but have had a very empowered C/S and also felt healed after a previous birth trauma. Hang in there, stay positive! Thanks for listening.