I want a VBAC but I don't know...

[BethMaassen]

Hey ladies. My DD is going to be 14 months on the 7th of June and I am currently 10 weeks pregnant.

when pregnant with DD I had gestational diabetes and she got really big toward the end of my pregnancy. at 4days over due, I went in to be induced because my doctor was concerned about her getting much bigger. Anyway, after 48 hours my doctor came to me, told me, seeing as they broke my water and I wasn't progressing past 4cm, that they needed do a cesarean in the morning, else it would start getting very dangerous for baby. I agreed. and this was the last thing in the world I wanted.

The whole thing was very traumatic for me, and I even went to a psychiatrist because of it and she suspected PTSD, but I never went back (because they ripped me off on the billing).

Anyway it has been very hard for me to deal with it, even now. But, now I am expected another baby, who is a complete surprise, my husband an I had not even decided if we wanted more kids or not.

That being said, at my last appointment, it was discussed about weather or not I wanted to schedule another cesarean. And I do not! I absolutely do not. I want to try for a VBAC, but she says because I had not waited at least 2 years it can be dangerous, and is going to look up statistics and sign a "i know the dangers of this and I am going to go ahead with it anyway" form.

I am having a hard time to keep from slipping into my "dark place" on this. And I just want to know, how many of you have had a successful VBAC and how long after your cesarean was it?

 

[Sass827]

I've always heard you only need 18 months between deliveries for a safe vbac. Maybe you should go get a second opinion?
I'm going for a vbac in August so sorry not to be able to give my own story. I do know the Duggar woman from 19 kids and counting has had 4 cs and 13 vbacs and I went and checked, her first delivery after her first cs was only 17 months later.
Hope you have a better experience this time! Emcs suck!

 

[Aliop]

Hey ladies. My DD is going to be 14 months on the 7th of June and I am currently 10 weeks pregnant.

when pregnant with DD I had gestational diabetes and she got really big toward the end of my pregnancy. at 4days over due, I went in to be induced because my doctor was concerned about her getting much bigger. Anyway, after 48 hours my doctor came to me, told me, seeing as they broke my water and I wasn't progressing past 4cm, that they needed do a cesarean in the morning, else it would start getting very dangerous for baby. I agreed. and this was the last thing in the world I wanted.

The whole thing was very traumatic for me, and I even went to a psychiatrist because of it and she suspected PTSD, but I never went back (because they ripped me off on the billing).

Anyway it has been very hard for me to deal with it, even now. But, now I am expected another baby, who is a complete surprise, my husband an I had not even decided if we wanted more kids or not.

That being said, at my last appointment, it was discussed about weather or not I wanted to schedule another cesarean. And I do not! I absolutely do not. I want to try for a VBAC, but she says because I had not waited at least 2 years it can be dangerous, and is going to look up statistics and sign a "i know the dangers of this and I am going to go ahead with it anyway" form.

I am having a hard time to keep from slipping into my "dark place" on this. And I just want to know, how many of you have had a successful VBAC and how long after your cesarean was it?

I am planning a VBAC with this little one (my first two were natural births, third was a very traumatic EMCS and I have/am dealing with PTSD following his birth. I can relate to the "dark place", I do not want another section, like 100% do not but there is horrible negative thought that creeps in that makes me doubt that a VBAC is the best idea, maybe I can't achieve it so why bother setting myself up for failure or something. I can't really explain it?? I am doing everything I can to work towards my goal of a VBAC (healthy, exercise, spinning babies, chiropractic care etc) and have to tell that little doubt to shut up. I will be 2yrs 9months post EMCS when this one is due. I really hope you get your VBAC

 

[BethMaassen]

I've always heard you only need 18 months between deliveries for a safe vbac. Maybe you should go get a second opinion?
I'm going for a vbac in August so sorry not to be able to give my own story. I do know the Duggar woman from 19 kids and counting has had 4 cs and 13 vbacs and I went and checked, her first delivery after her first cs was only 17 months later.
Hope you have a better experience this time! Emcs suck!

Well DD will be 20 months, almost 21 months when this one is due. I have no idea if that counts really.
But thank you. I am hopeful!

 

[BethMaassen]

I am planning a VBAC with this little one (my first two were natural births, third was a very traumatic EMCS and I have/am dealing with PTSD following his birth. I can relate to the "dark place", I do not want another section, like 100% do not but there is horrible negative thought that creeps in that makes me doubt that a VBAC is the best idea, maybe I can't achieve it so why bother setting myself up for failure or something. I can't really explain it?? I am doing everything I can to work towards my goal of a VBAC (healthy, exercise, spinning babies, chiropractic care etc) and have to tell that little doubt to shut up. I will be 2yrs 9months post EMCS when this one is due. I really hope you get your VBAC

I am glad I am not alone with the PTSD and the "dark place" My mother had a EMCS, and 2 cs after. and she kinda laughed at me when I was telling her how traumatic it was for me.
Yeah, I am afraid if I try for VBAC I will fail, or I or baby will get hurt or worse... but I really don't want to go through a CS again.

I read that sometimes a woman wont dilate as she should because induction forces the body into labor, even if it is not ready, which I am hoping is my case seeing as it was my first baby and I was only 4days over due. I rather think that than my body is broken for no reason.

 

[Aliop]

I am planning a VBAC with this little one (my first two were natural births, third was a very traumatic EMCS and I have/am dealing with PTSD following his birth. I can relate to the "dark place", I do not want another section, like 100% do not but there is horrible negative thought that creeps in that makes me doubt that a VBAC is the best idea, maybe I can't achieve it so why bother setting myself up for failure or something. I can't really explain it?? I am doing everything I can to work towards my goal of a VBAC (healthy, exercise, spinning babies, chiropractic care etc) and have to tell that little doubt to shut up. I will be 2yrs 9months post EMCS when this one is due. I really hope you get your VBAC

I am glad I am not alone with the PTSD and the "dark place" My mother had a EMCS, and 2 cs after. and she kinda laughed at me when I was telling her how traumatic it was for me.
Yeah, I am afraid if I try for VBAC I will fail, or I or baby will get hurt or worse... but I really don't want to go through a CS again.

I read that sometimes a woman wont dilate as she should because induction forces the body into labor, even if it is not ready, which I am hoping is my case seeing as it was my first baby and I was only 4days over due. I rather think that than my body is broken for no reason.

I have a friend who is having her fourth section (first for breech baby, rest elective) and she just does not get it, which I do understand as she didn't experience 'trauma' with her sections like I did. I think you need to empower yourself, immerse yourself in positive stories and research as much as you can to help your mind click into an 'I can do this!' mode, because you can! I used Birth Skills by Juju Sundin with my second child's birth and even used the skills to get me through the EMCS and recovery, totally recommend the book. I think a supportive OB will help you along the way as well. Lots of places have groups who could be a great support for you as well. I really really hope you get your VBAC

 

[pinksmarties]

I was the same as you with ds1, failed induction, 4cm and emcs. I had real bonding issues and stuggled so much after his birth. I became pg again at 10 months and for a long time and most of the pg I was focused on having a vbac. (there was 19mnths between mine). I did a lot of research about vbac but my Dr was very pro vbac anyway which helped.

In the end I didn't get my vbac, not because I didn't try (got sweeps etc and went slightly overdue) but as I wanted my specific Dr that did 'natural cs births', I had opted for planned 'just in case' I didn't go on my own. He really understood how I was after my first and in the end I got a lovely cs and a wondeful birth and second time around was a totally different experince but I would have loved to have got my vbac.

If you are UK then you shouldn't have much trouble getting your vbac even after getting GD with your first.

 

[BethMaassen]

I have a friend who is having her fourth section (first for breech baby, rest elective) and she just does not get it, which I do understand as she didn't experience 'trauma' with her sections like I did. I think you need to empower yourself, immerse yourself in positive stories and research as much as you can to help your mind click into an 'I can do this!' mode, because you can! I used Birth Skills by Juju Sundin with my second child's birth and even used the skills to get me through the EMCS and recovery, totally recommend the book. I think a supportive OB will help you along the way as well. Lots of places have groups who could be a great support for you as well. I really really hope you get your VBAC

Thank you, I will look into that book!!

 

[BethMaassen]

I was the same as you with ds1, failed induction, 4cm and emcs. I had real bonding issues and stuggled so much after his birth. I became pg again at 10 months and for a long time and most of the pg I was focused on having a vbac. (there was 19mnths between mine). I did a lot of research about vbac but my Dr was very pro vbac anyway which helped.

In the end I didn't get my vbac, not because I didn't try (got sweeps etc and went slightly overdue) but as I wanted my specific Dr that did 'natural cs births', I had opted for planned 'just in case' I didn't go on my own. He really understood how I was after my first and in the end I got a lovely cs and a wondeful birth and second time around was a totally different experince but I would have loved to have got my vbac.

If you are UK then you shouldn't have much trouble getting your vbac even after getting GD with your first.

I live in the US. And my doc advises against it, but also is going to research statistics and seems pretty open to it. I will know more on the 24th after my next visit. I am pretty hopeful, but have this feeling she isn't going to give me good news about it.

 

[Sass827]

Inductions can totally mess with your labor. But I hear you on the doubt. I doubt and constantly wonder about my emcs and about my impending delivery. Was it something I did? Was dd just too big or my pelvis too small? Is that why I didn't dialate or was it because if the pitocin or the epidural? Dud those drugs cause the infection in my uterus? I could go on for days, I swear.
Getting educated is your best bet. I've been trying to do tons of reading. What I've found is the least amount of intervention gives you the best possibility of a successful vbac.
My doc will schedule my rcs at 41 weeks and hope I go in naturally before then. They won't induce me unless I start on my own then stall out. I'm so scared, so hopeful and so scared to be hopeful. =(

 

[BethMaassen]

Inductions can totally mess with your labor. But I hear you on the doubt. I doubt and constantly wonder about my emcs and about my impending delivery. Was it something I did? Was dd just too big or my pelvis too small? Is that why I didn't dialate or was it because if the pitocin or the epidural? Dud those drugs cause the infection in my uterus? I could go on for days, I swear.
Getting educated is your best bet. I've been trying to do tons of reading. What I've found is the least amount of intervention gives you the best possibility of a successful vbac.
My doc will schedule my rcs at 41 weeks and hope I go in naturally before then. They won't induce me unless I start on my own then stall out. I'm so scared, so hopeful and so scared to be hopeful. =(

After a few months of blaming myself (still kinda do) I looked into why I wouldn't dilate. And it said inducing can do it. I said no inductions, but caved when we saw baby was so huge 8lbs at 33week.
I will definitely go and do some more research. My thoughts are with you. I hope you get your VBAC.
My doctor won't induce either, as far as I understand we are going to wait until it happens naturally. OR schedule a CS, which I am going to avoid.

 

[spunky84]

My midwife advised to not to ttc until DD was at least 12 months. This one was a surprise and it'll just be over 24 months birth to birth (unless he decides to come early).

I know there have been women on here who have gotten pregnant shortly after having a c section and still went on to have successful vbacs. While it's recommended that there's 18 - 24 months in between (which it looks like you fall into), it doesn't automatically mean you're out.

Educate yourself so you know what the risks are, but if it's something you really want and your provider isn't supportive, get a second opinion. I really would. If it's important to you and your doctor is either unsupportive or is only mildly supportive, get a second opinion.

The success of vbacs really comes down to each individual's body and circumstances. I've read about vbac success and failures among those with different time frames in between.

 

[BethMaassen]

My midwife advised to not to ttc until DD was at least 12 months. This one was a surprise and it'll just be over 24 months birth to birth (unless he decides to come early).

I know there have been women on here who have gotten pregnant shortly after having a c section and still went on to have successful vbacs. While it's recommended that there's 18 - 24 months in between (which it looks like you fall into), it doesn't automatically mean you're out.

Educate yourself so you know what the risks are, but if it's something you really want and your provider isn't supportive, get a second opinion. I really would. If it's important to you and your doctor is either unsupportive or is only mildly supportive, get a second opinion.

The success of vbacs really comes down to each individual's body and circumstances. I've read about vbac success and failures among those with different time frames in between.

After DD was born, I quickly regained "baby fever" which was strange to me, seeing as am still pretty traumatized over her birth. But I think it ha to do with my sister and best friends being pregnant.. (surrounded by 4 pregnant women shortly after DD was born). Anyway, I decided to look into how long I should wait TTC, and most of the sites I found then said "12 months" and now all I can find is "18-24)

My doctor is a good doctor, she is very popular and highly recommended by other doctors (who also see her). She can be a bit stubborn sometimes. But she is going to do some research, and probably discuss it with me at my next appointment. I will let you know how that goes.

I will research it and see what I can find, am a bit anxious about finding things that will only discourage me, that is why I have not just yet.

 

[Srrme]

I had a successful VBAC 2 years after my c-section.

Regardless of anything, they ALWAYS make you sign the "I know the risk" papers. They freaked me out a bit too, but I went on with it. I'm going for another VBAC this time and had to sign them once again.

 

[spunky84]

My midwife advised to not to ttc until DD was at least 12 months. This one was a surprise and it'll just be over 24 months birth to birth (unless he decides to come early).

I know there have been women on here who have gotten pregnant shortly after having a c section and still went on to have successful vbacs. While it's recommended that there's 18 - 24 months in between (which it looks like you fall into), it doesn't automatically mean you're out.

Educate yourself so you know what the risks are, but if it's something you really want and your provider isn't supportive, get a second opinion. I really would. If it's important to you and your doctor is either unsupportive or is only mildly supportive, get a second opinion.

The success of vbacs really comes down to each individual's body and circumstances. I've read about vbac success and failures among those with different time frames in between.

After DD was born, I quickly regained "baby fever" which was strange to me, seeing as am still pretty traumatized over her birth. But I think it ha to do with my sister and best friends being pregnant.. (surrounded by 4 pregnant women shortly after DD was born). Anyway, I decided to look into how long I should wait TTC, and most of the sites I found then said "12 months" and now all I can find is "18-24)

My doctor is a good doctor, she is very popular and highly recommended by other doctors (who also see her). She can be a bit stubborn sometimes. But she is going to do some research, and probably discuss it with me at my next appointment. I will let you know how that goes.

I will research it and see what I can find, am a bit anxious about finding things that will only discourage me, that is why I have not just yet.

You definitely have time to decide. I did a lot of research, and honestly, I've been terrified. I see a midwife, but I'm now alternating between her and the OB who will be present at the (hopeful) vbac. She was really great at easing my fears.

I think you'll find a lot on the internet. It can be very overwhelming (almost to the point of starting to lean more towards a rcs). I thoroughly researched the risks of vbac and rcs, and I honestly felt like I didn't know what to do (to the point I really started to fear birth) because it's so much to take in and think about, but then you also have to look at the odds of the risks.

I think if you can really just have an open and honest discussion with your OB, you'll be okay, either direction you go (as long as you have open communication and don't feel pressured in either direction).

It can be a hard decision, but you'll make the right decision for you, and hopefully your OB will be on board with you. Definitely keep us posted on how it all goes. Maybe you can even collaborate with your OB on research.

Like with the OB, she will only (gently) induce if I'm dilated so much. Otherwise she won't do it. I asked if she would consider a foley catheter. She said she'd look into what ACOG recommends, and if they say it's reasonable for vbac candidates, she doesn't have a problem with it. So I'm going to print the information for her to show that ACOG finds it reasonable for dilation under 1 cm.

Good luck though! As long as you trust your doctor, I think that's what really matters.

I had a successful VBAC 2 years after my c-section.

Regardless of anything, they ALWAYS make you sign the "I know the risk" papers. They freaked me out a bit too, but I went on with it. I'm going for another VBAC this time and had to sign them once again.

Not to derail the OP's thread, but did you feel any kind of anxiety with your first vbac? If so, how did you work through them?