VBAC vs elective CS - were you as confused as I am?

[Miss E]

Ok, I'm not too sure of what the point of this post is... guess I just need to get it off my chest. It would also be nice to know that I'm not alone in these thoughts or hear others experiences with this dilemma...

With DS I was induced because my waters broke and labor had failed to progress after 4 days. I ended up having an emergency CS after what was a pretty hideous labour, with DS being posterior and then getting stuck with an anterior lip.

At the time I was a bit disappointed because I had hoped to have a natural birth. But didn't focus on it too much and instead enjoyed my precious little boy. As time went on I pretty much came to the conclusion that next time round I would try for a VBAC...

But now that I'm UTD I'm not so sure that I want to...

In some ways it's like the first time around where labour is this 'big unknown' but then I have this hideous induction experience too (and I 'know' that an induced labour is typically a lot more painful etc than one that progresses naturally). Part of me is afraid of a natural birth... There's always the chance that I could end up with another emergency CS (which would be a huge disappointment) and on the other side of it there's the fear of a forceps and a severe episitotimy (a friend just had a really nasty one which is probably a big factor in this fear).

Then on the other hand there is the option of an elective CS. I'd know exactly what I'm in for and I know what to expect in terms of recovery. On the logistical side of things (which really shouldn't come into it) it would be easier to manage with DS in terms of the delivery, but then the recovery would be difficult, but DH will be home for 4 weeks too.

So here I am weighing up the pro's on con's over and over. Yes I've got plenty of time to make up my mind... And I'm very lucky that my OB is pro-VBAC, but will support whatever choice I make....

Argg.. not sure what to do????

Thanks for reading/listening x

[Beach Mama]

You sound exactly like me and your reasons for C/S were the same as mine! I think the whole thing is, is that we were induced and forced into medical labour before our bodies were ready. I ummed and ahhhed for a while wondering what to do and if it would just be easier than trying for a VBAC - then when I decided to go for a VBAC if I found myself panicking and wondering if I was doing the right thing, I would refocus on the fact that nothing is set in stone. Just because you plan for a VBAC doesn't mean you have to have one ITMS. Also doesn't mean you will go into labour even after 14 days as I found out

I think the best thing you can do is start reading VBAC birth stories, get some books like Silent Knife, and VBAC Companion and although it isn't a VBAC book per se I loved Labour of Love. read read and read some more and then make a decision keeping in mind our bodies are made to birth. Yes your first birth didn't go to plan but it doenst mean your second one will be the same. You also know that you carried posterior, like I did so I did everything I could to get the baby into a more favourable posse by not leaning back etc.

As for recovering, every person I know who has had a vaginal birth, even with tears and forceps etc has had a better recovery than me with 2 c/s. It is major surgery at the end of the day and I was very hesitant to put myself through potentially life threatening surgery for no good reason. Yes an epi/tearing is a risk but so is surgery. ( Hope I don't sound preachy - am just passionate!)

Good luck hun and keep asking questions and at the end of the day you need to do what is right for you and your baby xoxox

[wysiwyg]

Hi,

I recently had my second, went for a VBAC but was unsuccessful here is link DS Birth Story - but although was not an elective c-section - it was far more "planned" than the first and was a good experience. If I was making decision again I would try for a VBAC again, because it was worth a shot and I don't see that an elective c-section could really have been any better experience than I ended up with. Also although recovery this time is going fine, I hate not being able to lift my toddler, and it makes life very awkward (I have been told no lifting her for 6 weeks - she is about 15kg) - my mum is here so is ok, but is just awkward so I think a VBAC would have been far better from that point of view.

At the beginning I had similar thoughts to you, but in the end decided VBAC worth a shot and would just make sure I had thought about at what point I would go for the section this time so that I wasn't too exhausted - I am really happy with my decision - I got to have another go but also had a positive c-section.

[*Belle*]

Hugs, its a real hard decision. Firstly every birth is different, you can approach this a few ways.

1) you can try for VBAC and get prepared but if you need to be induced at the end of the pregnancy and decide you dont want to, ask for the c/s (Elective) at the last minute (ie 40 weeks) when they are talking to you about induction.

2) Elective c/s - my first birth experience is the same as yours in the fact I had induction and emergency c/s after 36hrs, I had elective c/s for my 2nd birth and the recovery was soo soo much faster and better than the first, the reasoning was I wasnt in labour or as tired. Also it is more calming in the fact you know whats happening, ie, you have the spinal block, it takes affect, you go into theatre they operate, the birth the baby via the c/section and then you hold the baby. Ask if you can have baby in recovery with you, I did this for my 3rd c/section and it was awesome and really helped breastfeeding.

I recovered faster again from my 3rd elective c/section than the first, walking normally after 3 days no more painkillers, driving after 3 weeks etc no pain.

PM me if you want to chat about anything.

Try not to worry about the decision making, do you need to make a decision is your Dr asking you to or will they wait until 38 weeks or so?

[LMS]

Just popping in here to say that I have been in the same position. My first was natural, no drugs just lots of hard work plus a problem with the anterior lip, but they pushed it back several times and she came out fine. 2nd labor was just as long, got to 10cm and the anterior lip stopped her from coming but was told to keep pushing, she flipped into brow presentation and I needed an emerg c-sec.
I am so torn as to what I should do. This week I am all for a vbac but last week I just thought I wanted it to be all smooth sailing and not be hypa and stressing about what may happen, especially in the full throngs of labor, so a C-sec was on the cards. I just want to keep control, all this said I would love to have a natural birth again if I could be promised that it would go smoothly.

Good Luck with your choice. Go with your heart.

[LMS]

can i do this?

[Miss E]

Kanda

I'm still umming and arring about what to do. I've just been doing some reading on anterior lips. From what I can tell they are very common, but usually only problematic in first labours. In my case they tried everything to rectify it and got nowhere, so after 2 hours I had to have a CS.

From some of what I've read, they suggest that if you had an anterior lip with your first and birthed your baby you are unlikely to have it with your second But that contradicts your experience....

For the last week or so I've been thinking I will try for a VBAC, but then after doing all this reading on anterior lips I can't help but think I'm likely to have one again and the odds of if not being resolved are much the same as last time.

It's such a hard choice to make isn't it. I hope you're able to make a decision you're comfortably with