VBAC after 2 csections?

[LilPeanuts]

It was hard but I finally found a midwife that will let me try VBAC after I've already had 2 csections. The only stipulation is that instead of a home birth, I can labor at home but must go to the hospital to actually deliver the baby because of the risks involved. I haven't had my first consultation with her yet but has anyone tried this and been successful? I just want what's best for the baby's safety. I feel like natural should be the best way after doing much research. Surgery is never a good option if it can be avoided. But I realize I've had 2 already so I worry about possible issues. Any experience with this? Advice? Thanks all!

Additional info: my 2nd baby is 9 months old and I'm 12 weeks along. So when I give birth it will have been about 15 months since my last c-section.

 

[pinkpassion]

Never tried it myself, but I'm actually preparing for a Vbac now!! Are you doing anything to prepare for one or anything? I'm on a strict routine so that I can do everything possible at succeeding for my VBAC. Including exercising, chiropractic care, healthy diet, other things too. I wish you all the best! I've read so many stories of success even after 2 c-sections so stay positive!! You can do this!!!

 

[LilPeanuts]

Never tried it myself, but I'm actually preparing for a Vbac now!! Are you doing anything to prepare for one or anything? I'm on a strict routine so that I can do everything possible at succeeding for my VBAC. Including exercising, chiropractic care, healthy diet, other things too. I wish you all the best! I've read so many stories of success even after 2 c-sections so stay positive!! You can do this!!!

So far I haven't started any preparations. I have my first midwife appointment next week and I have a long list of questions, including how I can prepare my body. I'm feeling hopeful after the research I've done so far! When was your last c-section?

 

[pinkpassion]

My c-section was 19 months ago. I will be 23 months pp at my edd!

I am glad you are researching it! Like I said I am just a VBAC prepping hopeful right now, so I don't feel like I can tell you "this worked, this didn't" but I do think that knowledge is key. I have found a lot of knowledge in reading both VBAC success stories and I have also read the ones that were VBAC turned repeat C-section. I am trying to read all stories and prepare in all aspects.
I would recommend:
staying extremely active
staying flexible with stretches or prenatal yoga
Chiropractic care from 20 weeks on ( I started at 15 weeks)
Positivity, Our minds are powerful!! Envision the birth you want over and over!
Healthy diet
Make sure your care provider is completely on board!!

I can't think of anything else at the moment. but I hope you get exactly what you want!!

 

[LilPeanuts]

My c-section was 19 months ago. I will be 23 months pp at my edd!

I am glad you are researching it! Like I said I am just a VBAC prepping hopeful right now, so I don't feel like I can tell you "this worked, this didn't" but I do think that knowledge is key. I have found a lot of knowledge in reading both VBAC success stories and I have also read the ones that were VBAC turned repeat C-section. I am trying to read all stories and prepare in all aspects.
I would recommend:
staying extremely active
staying flexible with stretches or prenatal yoga
Chiropractic care from 20 weeks on ( I started at 15 weeks)
Positivity, Our minds are powerful!! Envision the birth you want over and over!
Healthy diet
Make sure your care provider is completely on board!!

I can't think of anything else at the moment. but I hope you get exactly what you want!!

Thanks! I agree with you 100%. It was shocking to find out how many doctors would not allow me to try vbac! I called lots and lots of places and finally discovered a midwife who was on board I'm so thankful to even have the chance. The only concern I have right now is the fact that I'll only be around 15/16 months pp when I attempt the vbac so I'm hoping that won't be an issue!

 

[Kay0102]

I was given the go ahead for a VBA2C at 16 weeks by my consultant. She was very supportive and said I can follow the normal protocol but they will book me in for a c section at 40+12 as induction by any means is not an option. Hoping I'll manage it this time but also won't be too disheartened if it ends in another cesarean. I went 9 and 12 days over with the boys. I see her again at 39+4 hoping for a sweep on that day x

 

[LilPeanuts]

I was given the go ahead for a VBA2C at 16 weeks by my consultant. She was very supportive and said I can follow the normal protocol but they will book me in for a c section at 40+12 as induction by any means is not an option. Hoping I'll manage it this time but also won't be too disheartened if it ends in another cesarean. I went 9 and 12 days over with the boys. I see her again at 39+4 hoping for a sweep on that day x

That's great to hear! Very encouraging

 

[eva1978]

Good luck! I'm in a similar situation with 2 previous sections and now pregnant with baby #3.

I haven't seen an OB yet but my midwife was very encouraging re: trying for a VBAC. However, I'm actually very anxious about going natural this time, even though it's the experience I would rather have in an ideal world (went into labour with baby #2 but still needed a section; in the end it may have saved my baby's life). So due to complications last time I'm more nervous about a natural birth than a section since there is more uncertainty involved with going natural. Still not sure what to do.

 

[x__amour]

Aw, congratulations on getting someone to back you up on your VBA2C!

I am desperate for a VBA2C but my state is very anti-VBAC with almost every hospital banning them. My current OB will let me VBAC *if* I come into the hospital in full blown labor so I'm going to cross my fingers for my next pregnancy.

I think your MW's plan sounds like a very good idea! I hope it works out for you.

 

[LilPeanuts]

Aw, congratulations on getting someone to back you up on your VBA2C!

I am desperate for a VBA2C but my state is very anti-VBAC with almost every hospital banning them. My current OB will let me VBAC *if* I come into the hospital in full blown labor so I'm going to cross my fingers for my next pregnancy.

I think your MW's plan sounds like a very good idea! I hope it works out for you.

It's so disheartening to hear that some states are so anti VBAC! I don't judge those who choose to continue have c-sections but I definitely don't think the women who want to try natural birth should be told no. I wish you the best of luck with your situation. I think it's a good plan to labor as long as possible at home and then head to the hospital. Hopefully that won't give them much choice but to let you VBAC!

 

[WantsALittle1]

I asked about a VBA2C with this baby and was given a pretty solid no unless I wanted to seek out another practice. I think one of the things at play is that OBs tend to get sued more than other types of doctors, so especially in the US there is a lot of fear with our litigious culture that if something goes wrong with the vaginal birth, OBs are really opening themselves up to lawsuits.

I've noticed just since having DD (3.5 years ago) that OBs are generally are more nervous and cautious nowadays. I think the research has shouted the risks of rupture and placental problems to the point that OBs hear the word VBAC but what they really hear is DANGER DANGER DANGER.

I tried not to take it personally. My OB has a life, a family of her own, and I think she relates to being pregnant and wanting the ideal birth, but she also doesn't want her life upended with stress and loss because she did something that she felt wasn't safe, but that a patient pushed for. She told me outright that the idea of me VBACing after two C-sections just plain makes her feel very nervous and she wouldn't feel comfortable doing it. I don't think they are trying to limit options for us. I think they are just scared of the risks. I'm actually not bothered about having a third C, so I'm not going to seek out another OB. I get the feeling that most OBs will give me the same answer :/

 

[LilPeanuts]

I asked about a VBA2C with this baby and was given a pretty solid no unless I wanted to seek out another practice. I think one of the things at play is that OBs tend to get sued more than other types of doctors, so especially in the US there is a lot of fear with our litigious culture that if something goes wrong with the vaginal birth, OBs are really opening themselves up to lawsuits.

I've noticed just since having DD (3.5 years ago) that OBs are generally are more nervous and cautious nowadays. I think the research has shouted the risks of rupture and placental problems to the point that OBs hear the word VBAC but what they really hear is DANGER DANGER DANGER.

I tried not to take it personally. My OB has a life, a family of her own, and I think she relates to being pregnant and wanting the ideal birth, but she also doesn't want her life upended with stress and loss because she did something that she felt wasn't safe, but that a patient pushed for. She told me outright that the idea of me VBACing after two C-sections just plain makes her feel very nervous and she wouldn't feel comfortable doing it. I don't think they are trying to limit options for us. I think they are just scared of the risks. I'm actually not bothered about having a third C, so I'm not going to seek out another OB. I get the feeling that most OBs will give me the same answer :/

It's definitely the normal reaction in my area for a OB to just flat out say no to vbac in general, especially after 2 csections. I had to do a ton of research and make lots of phone calls to finally find a midwife willing to do it. Then I found out my insurance wouldn't cover it! Luckily the midwife worked very closely with an OB who did accept my insurance and was also very willing to do VBA2C. I still have many questions for her as far as the potential dangers of it, etc. But for the most part, after doing months of my own research I've found that a 3rd csection carries much more risk than a vbac would. I do think most hospitals and dr's are simply too afraid of being sued and I can't blame them. It's just so unfortunate that it's become normal to keep scheduling surgeries so casually that they treat it as though you're going in for a simple teeth cleaning at the dentist. And women aren't being educated on vbac, but instead led to believe how dangerous it is. I know for some, repeat csections are exactly what they want but for the others who truly wish they could have the change to do it natural, I think they should be given a fair chance.