So I need help/advice/tips regarding VBAC!

[Danni]

Ok, so last time with Mason I had an "elective" caesarean (even though I had no choice) as he was breech. So I knew from about 30 oddweeks pregnant that I would be having the caesar. Originally I was petrified but then I was ok about it.

The recovery afterwards was excruiciating. More so because he got stuck and they had to cut me open wider and use three people to pull him out. SO i had a lot more muscle pulling and bruising.

This time I would rather attempt a VBAC. So what should I know? I have my own midwife is very excited about me having a VBAC. I see her and her only throughout my pregnancy and she will be there for the birth and afterwards as well.

She has also made an appt for me to see a Senior Midwife who specialises in VBAC.

[Arimeh]

Get copy of silent knife.

Research, read stories, be empowered that your body can do this.

[NaeNae]

I am all for VBAC but there are risks associated with it as well.

There was a thread in BB somewhere on a VBAC that went WRONG you could search it if you wanted too.
When my time comes again I will be trying for VBAC but I want to be prepped for surgery just in case, so that in the unlikely event that it does go wrong there is less time stuffing around IYKWIM.

There are many successful cases of VBAC but you tend to hear more of the good stories where there were happy endings rather than the odd cases. I think you should do your research and deliberately search for the negative cases as well.

Knowledge is power hun x x

best of luck

NN x x

[Tanya]

Hey lovely.. so happy to see you are going to have a go at this

And I have to say, NaeNae, there are many risks with repeat c/s and some those continue long after the birth....

I think with any birth you should do lots of research, mostly so you don't get walked all over with threats (if you decided to have a hospital birth that is). I think the main thing to know is how to make your birth a success is what makes any birth successful. Try and stay fit through out pregnancy, stay active while in labour, try to avoid drugs during labour that may affect your ability to stay active, get lots of support and stay positive

Kelly did write up a post about acupuncture for c/s scars, maybe that is worth a read also.

I wish you every bit of luck and I will be here supporting you all the way

xx

[BellyBelly]

Doula - 50% less c/s when you use one... and the whole thing of a doula is that they are not employed by the hospital which is factored in with those results.

CalmBirth

Acupuncture especially from 36 weeks to help bub & you be as ready as possible, if there are hold ups and you go post dates the pressure will increase day by day.

Silent Knife

Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth

Pink Kit + VBAC Companion CD (one for mums and dads)

[NaeNae]

And I have to say, NaeNae, there are many risks with repeat c/s and some those continue long after the birth....

There is no debating this fact what so ever of course VBAC is the best option and is much safer (in my humble opinion). I was merely pointing out the fact that research should be done covering all options and was recommending that she have a read of the thread on a VBAC that didn't go so well so that way she can make an informed choice for the birth of her baby

There are risks no matter which way you look at it thats the nature of beast unfortunately.

[Ozziehoffy]

Hey Danni, can't believe you're 15 wks already!! I had a VBAC with Oskar and did the hypnobirthing/calmbirthing and HIGHLY recommend it. It was fabulous and really helped me a lot with dealing with things BEFORE the birth as well as during. There are quite a lot of stories on BB re: VBAC's and questions etc... I didn't really do a lot of research into it to be honest... I stumbled across BB and then stumbled across hypnobirthing (Christy I think it was had been talking about it) and that was it for me, I decided straight away that's how I was doing it and well, did it. The hospital did insist on me having a canula in ready JIC so I just let them do that wasn't hurting anyone IYKWIM...I felt like I was just humouring them with that...lol. They were VERY pro VBAC and supportive so that was more than half the battle in my opinion.

You're more than welcome to PM me with any questions about my experience if you like and I'll help you as much as I can. hope you get it

[Tobily]

Doula - 50% less c/s when you use one... and the whole thing of a doula is that they are not employed by the hospital which is factored in with those results.

CalmBirth

Acupuncture especially from 36 weeks to help bub & you be as ready as possible, if there are hold ups and you go post dates the pressure will increase day by day.

Silent Knife

Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth

Pink Kit + VBAC Companion CD (one for mums and dads)

All of this.

And I just wanted to add something else that so important for a VBAC...and that is the emotional "stuff".

Sometimes women who have had previous caesareans (especially those who laboured) can have alot of emotional issues to deal with in terms of regaining confidence in their body's ability to birth. Often they've been slapped with diagnoses like "failure to progress" or "arrested second stage" or what have you that make them feel that their bodies don't work properly. It's a real mindgame to work past those beliefs enough to get to a headspace where you really believe your body and your baby can do the job.

It sounds a bit fluffy and touchy-feely...but don't underestimate the impact that this can have. If you don't truly believe that your body can do it (and you can only get to this space if you address the things that happened in your last birth), you're in a really vulnerable position to be steered into another caesarean.

Only 15% of women will have a successful vbac in Australia at the moment and that figure is low not because vbac is really dangerous - it is low because most women are talked out of it at some point. I say that not to discourage you, but to emphasise how important it is that your heart and your head are in the right place. You can do this!

[Nai]

I am also going for a VBAC after an unplanned c/s with DD. Some of the things that I have found helpful are:

- First and foremost - find an OB who is pro-VABC AND who supports you using a Doula. Mine is pro-VBAC to the point that she wouldn't take me on if I was not going to go for a VBAC!
- Find a good Doula who you can relate to and who you trust
- Talk to your OB about how long they will let you go past your EDD provided everything is ok with the placenta, baby etc
- Look at natural induction methods leading up to the EDD such as acupuncture
- If you have to have monitoring make sure you can use a mobile monitor where you are booked in so that you can move around
- Look in to Hypnobirthing to worh through any emotional issues who have from the previous birth that may affect this birth
- and do your research!

[Danni]

Thank you all for your advice.

Where can I get a copy of silent knife? I can't find any on Ebay.

[Nai]

I think the Belly Belly store has some - if not, try Amazon

[Beach Mama]

D - Mel and I have a copy for sale in the classifieds if you want it!

[blackduckies]

All of this.

And I just wanted to add something else that so important for a VBAC...and that is the emotional "stuff".

Sometimes women who have had previous caesareans (especially those who laboured) can have alot of emotional issues to deal with in terms of regaining confidence in their body's ability to birth. Often they've been slapped with diagnoses like "failure to progress" or "arrested second stage" or what have you that make them feel that their bodies don't work properly. It's a real mindgame to work past those beliefs enough to get to a headspace where you really believe your body and your baby can do the job.

It sounds a bit fluffy and touchy-feely...but don't underestimate the impact that this can have. If you don't truly believe that your body can do it (and you can only get to this space if you address the things that happened in your last birth), you're in a really vulnerable position to be steered into another caesarean.

Only 15% of women will have a successful vbac in Australia at the moment and that figure is low not because vbac is really dangerous - it is low because most women are talked out of it at some point. I say that not to discourage you, but to emphasise how important it is that your heart and your head are in the right place. You can do this!

Hi, unfortunately I am one of these stats.. I have had 3 c-sections now, and have laboured 4 times. (Once successfully VB) I desperatly wanted to VBAC each time, but have to say the last time even though I had done a lot of homework and thought I was prepared the fear crept in and hampered my progress, ending in a c-section. I would say that each c-section has gotten easier for me and I think after labouring it is easier to say YES to one especially if baby is in distress etc.
I think you have a very good chance with a supportive doula, good luck do your homework, don't read too much scary stuff and most of all listen to your body when it comes to the time.

[CathyS]

My first baby was breech and therefore elective caesarean too. My 2nd baby turned head down and I had a fantastic natural birth with no drugs. Only the midwife at the hospital delivered him. I did need a little syntocin to speed up contractions, but otherwise, it went fabulously. I did end up with some stitches and my first ever haemaroid, which took a few days to get over, but nothing compared to the weeks of hell recovering from a c-section!

They did try to strap me to the bed with a fetal monitor on. But I told them i wanted to go to the toilet (I lied so I could get up..back pain was annoying me)....I stayed upright and active and delivered leaning over the bed!! I am SURE gravity helps!!

My 3rd baby unfortunately decided to follow her sister and be breech as well. So again elective caesarean. I don't know what this baby will do, but my fingers are crossed. I find natural delivery very satisfying. But whatever is best for the baby, is what counts in the end.