I considered VBAC very strongly for my second pregnancy and was all for it until 35 weeks. Had long discussions with my husband and Obstetrician. The Obstetrician was 100% for me going for it but also honest that in my situation there was a 70% chance of having a c-section in any case after long labor. (had pre eclampsia again and also a hip dislocation problem i was born with) No one can predict how your body will react and how things will go. I chose C-section again - knew what to expect and how my body would be after a C-section. It all worked out very well and i'm glad i went the route i knew. I am due in February for my 3rd c-section and more scared of this one only due to the fact that i have 2 other children at home and will need help.
All the best Jessica - it is your body, your baby and completely your decision.
I know when I had our DD via C-section, the first thing everybody asked was 'why'...I got upset at first, and then mad... I guess I figured because I never questioned anybody's decision/ability to have a vaginal birth that I was really disappointed that others thought they were better equipped or better educated to make judgements about my body than I am...
I just wanted to pop in and offer you support and warm wishes really, I don't think I have much information to add.
I am considering an elective caesarean if I have a second baby and while I don't feel the need to justify that decision (I'm a lot more confident in my decision-making these days LOL), I'll just explain why to get across the point that everyone has different circumstances and everyone has to do what's best for them.
I had a VB last time and although it was very long and DD was posterior and it ended in a forceps delivery, on the whole I was pretty damned pleased with myself at the time. Except that, I suffered from SPD (unstable pelvis) throughout the pregnancy but was told that it would go away soon after the birth. I had not done enough research and did not know that the position I was put in for 2.5 hours with my knees against my chest to push DD out was the worst possible position I could be in for my SPD. DIdn't feel a thing at the time because I'd had an epidural BUT I was in chronic pain for six months afterwards unable to walk, stand or bend and even now, 15 months later I am still not back to normal. My lack of mobility left me housebound for six months and my relationship with DP suffered immeasurably.
So I am left with a choice of having to dot every i and cross every t if I want another VB, having a doula, writing a detailed birth plan that says EXACTLY what positions will be bad for me ... or, pushing for an elective caesar. And at the moment, even though I'm not even pregnant, I am veering towards a caesar.
Now if anyone REALLY tried to talk me out of that in a judgemental way, I'd tell them where to get off. It's my body, I decide what I want to do with it.
Jess: You are the only person who knows whats right for you all of the others who will always have strong views and opinions dont know the inside of your life and your body or your pregnancy/ies. I applaud you on your determination to succeed in what you feel is safe for you and your baby every mother will do this instinctively, its apart of being a mum.
Ninja turtle: I read your post, you sound much like me, my 1st bub was 10 lbs 2 oz 38cm head no labour so a c section was reccommened and now we know why, with my 2nd I was determined to have a VBAC until the end, and scans were indicating another monster bub, sure enough he was 10 lbs 13 oz and 40 cm head so these are prime examples of just doing what you feel is safe for yourself and the baby.
And I know many can birth really large babies but not ALL women can, My 2nd bubs head was engaged and stuck in the pelvis when they were pulling him out by c/s, so thats just proof you go with what your initial motherly instincts are, and Jess if thats c/s for you I say go for it love, you know whats involved and what to expect, you'll do just fine.
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