CS after VBAC

[sunshine_sieben]

Scooby,
I assume you mean VB (Vaginal Birth), not VBaC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean)? It sounds like you've only had one bub so far and that was a vaginal birth... Sorry, I don't mean to be a know-it-all, jut trying to clarify...

C/S are usually done before your due date, at 38-39 weeks. This is so that you don't go into labour. They prefer being able to plan for the operation, I think, rather than having to do an "emergency" C/S.

If I was you, I would see whether I could get a second opinion about the neccesity of a C/S this time around. Your tear sounds pretty full on, your mother's even more so. But there are lots of reasons women tear, and some ways to manage/prevent it or reduce the severity.

Also, there is a case for going into labour before having a C/S. Some health professionals are of the opinion that it is better for both mother and baby if labour has started before the C/S was performed so that it is as close as possible to the physiological process of a natural birth. So this might be worth exploring, too.

Oh, and as Lisa said, some women find recovery from a C/S very easy, others don't. There is an increased chance of infection (along with other possible complications). You are also usally not advised to lift your baby in the first week or so after the birth. Some women find BFing more difficult, partly because the usual hormonal upheaval of a natural birth hasn't happened, partly because the scar might be painful and they find it more difficult to find a comfortable position for BFing. Having said that, some women find recovery from a vaginal birth difficult, too, especially if it was a difficult, long, drawn out labour.

Good on you for trying to get lots of info before making your decision!

Sasa