https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:28:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/3#post-1850530 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 10:25:36 +0000 Aimed 1850530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: It's definitely a tough choice, filled with pro's and con's each way. I found this article helpful. </p> <p><a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20120313/are-repeat-c-sections-safer-than-natural-birth" rel="nofollow">http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20120313/are-repeat-c-sections-safer-than-natural-birth</a> - I love me some webmd!</p> <p>I have researched this a bit, but don't claim to be as knowledgable as many other bees on this, but for many articles, I wish that the difference between causation and correlation was made clearer. Yes, more mom's and babies have issues in cases of cs, but that is in part because some of those cases have more serious health concerns before the birth which is what led to a cs in the first place.</p> <p>I am already thinking about this in our case and we haven't even decided we want a #2 yet! That said in my case my 1st CS was due to failure to progress and he was stuck so several different ob's have advised that a RCS is likely the best option in my particular circumstance.<br /> I dislike how in the public there is sometimes an impression that a CS isn't the 'right' way to give birth. After I had my LO, my SIL informed me that the OB probably did it because it was extra money for them - way to make me feel like crap hours after giving birth!<br /> Whatever choice you make, I'm sure it will be the right one for you and you babe and thtat it will all go great! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/3#post-1848931 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:13:43 +0000 Mrs. Blue 1848931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: on the doula issue, I just wanted to say that I was so glad to have my doula even though I loved my doctor. She gave me tips for easing pain, checked with the nurses about things, etc. Since my induction failed without me ever dilating, she wasn't too involved in helping me labor, but my OB allowed her to come in the OR with us for the c-section. She took pictures, and then stayed near me because I wanted DH to go over where the boys were being examined. I would definitely consider a doula again. My OB was hardly ever in the room during the labor process, and had I been responding better, I think it would have been fantastic to have someone there all the time who knew different positions to try, what was happening, etc.</p> <p>As for the VBAC, I'm pretty committed to trying a VBAC if I can because I'll have two toddlers at home to take care of and even if I have some vaginal pain/issues (which I'm terrified of, too!), at least I'll be able to pick them up sooner, etc. Another thing that weighed heavily in my mind was the NICU issue. E had breathing issues but only had to be on various respiratory help for less than 24 hours. I've always wandered if he had been born vaginally, which I understand helps squeeze liquid out of the lungs, etc., if he would have avoided NICU completely. While I had a good c-section experience, a lot of my feelings are tied up in wanting to avoid the overall experience I had last time with the boys being taken to NICU right away. I know a RCS doesn't equal NICU by any stretch of the imagination, but it's hard for me to not want the exact opposite of that whole experience. After reading everything I could get my hands on, I felt like the risks to baby were about equal, and my risks were slightly better with a VBAC, so that's what I'm hoping for, but I truly don't think there is a "right" or "wrong" answer here. If my body doesn't go into labor on it's own, then I'll happily sign up for a RCS &amp; pray for the best either way. I think PP also gave great advice to wait and see how you feel when it's closer to time. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1848626 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:04:07 +0000 Rockies11 1848626@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think that we will do what our OB recommends, but here they tend to recommend VBACs unless there is some compelling reason not to. Since we plan on 3 or 4 kids, I think the risks for multiple RCSs clearly outweigh the benefits, so my preference is for a VBAC. If I were only having two kids, I would probably have an RCS because the risks seem fairly even and I had a great c-section experience and recovery with my first, who was breech. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1848596 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 08:53:59 +0000 ShootingStar 1848596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am about 90% sure that when the time comes, I will have a repeat CS. For one, I had GD and am likely to have it again, which means they do not want the baby to go past the due date. I hated my induction experience and do not want to put myself through that again. I'm not even sure I could, given that they don't usually use pitocin on women who've had c-sections.</p> <p>I also have no desire to go through vaginal childbirth. I never felt any lack of experience or connection from not pushing DS out. And after baby 2 we will be done having kids. I don't need to worry about my body trying to handle 3 or 4 pregnancies, and as an added bonus i hope to get my tubes tied during the procedure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1848437 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:58:57 +0000 Ajsmommy 1848437@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oliviaoblivia: they started me on cervidil, but that didn't really work so then they gave me something else (?!?! I don't even rememeber what the name was) but it was a little pill every hour or so. After those two things managed to get me to 1 centimeter!!! We decided to use foley bulbs and pitocin. I got my epi at 6 am and they inserted the foley bulbs, I had zero pain and by noon I was 6 cm's :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1848435 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:56:04 +0000 Arden 1848435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Skadi: You'll notice that number is specifically with obstetricians, who tend to be a bit quicker to jump to a c-section than midwives. The actual number ranger from 65% - 90% based on a compilation of studies. Remember any c-section that was not planned is referred to as an emergency, even if it was performed in a non-emergency situation, like a labor that was "dragging on too long."</p> <p>I remember you saying you wanted a large family, so I wonder if you've researched the risk of a fourth or fifth c-section. Most doctors STRONGLY recommend having a tubal ligation with a third or fourth c-section, because the risk of a fourth of fifth c-section is shockingly high.<br /> That's why my first question for the OP was how many children she planned to have.</p> <p>In a recent study, the findings were based on outcomes from 30,132 cesarean deliveries performed across the country.</p> <p>The incidence of delivery-related hysterectomies was more than five times higher for women undergoing their fourth cesarean birth than for women having their second C-section.</p> <p>And women delivering by C-section for the sixth time or more required blood transfusions 10 times as often as women having their second C-section birth.</p> <p>There's also a much higher incidence if preterm labor/birth in women who have had multiple c-sections. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1848389 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:02:06 +0000 Skadi 1848389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There are certain things that statistics show make you a good candidate for VBACs:</p> <p>- being young<br /> - not being overweight/obese<br /> - having a previous c/s because baby was breech (vs. not knowing why labor didn't progress)<br /> - having a 18+ months between births</p> <p>There are several of those categories I don't fall into. The major one is that my labor stalled at 4 CM and no one knows why...so I'm scared of having a repeat of my first birth, where I labored for 36 hours only to have an emergency c-section once the baby went into distress.</p> <p>"For women having trial of labor, the VBAC success rate was 64.3% for obstetricians." <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18254993" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18254993</a> </p> <p>Unless I'm reading that study incorrectly, 36% of attempted VBACs end in emergency c-sections. The likelihood that I would have to have a RCS anyway makes me want to make a bee line for RCS. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1848378 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 05:21:45 +0000 ladybee 1848378@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll have a rcs when the time comes. My birth was traumatic for me. I was in labor for 14 hours and ended up with an emergency cs due to myself and LO being in danger. I think laboring first made recovery so hard. I also think I'd end up in the same position so I don't want to repeat the horribleness of hearing them express fear for my baby's life. </p> <p>Laboring was horribly painful. I'm a big baby and do not want to do that again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1848368 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 04:17:30 +0000 imbali 1848368@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had a natural delivery with a 20week old, and a planned C-section. The C sec recovery was so easy for me - I was walking the next day, had no problems with stairs, no incision pain or anything. I'll be choosing a RCS for our next LO when the time comes - I like knowing when and how it'll happen and personally I like the RCS risks over the VBAC risks. GL with making a decision - it's difficult when you can't see into the future to how each one would turn out!</p> <p>ETA: with my planned CS, we did skin to skin immediately after the birth, and we were breastfeeding before we even left the OR, so that doesn't factor into my decision one way or another </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847899 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 18:06:25 +0000 BabyBruins 1847899@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted a VBAC to be more connected to the birth. My csection was okay, but it wasn't the birth I envisioned. After #1 was born he had to go to the NICU and my husband went with him and I just remember talking to the anesthesiologist after my baby was born. My feelings about my csection are also tied to his early birth and "emergency" situation.<br /> My VBAC was great. I was a good candidate bc my csection was not due to #1 getting stuck or failure to progress. I went into labor on my own after a membrane sweep. Most of my fears never happened - the epidural actually helped me dilate pretty quickly. I did tear, but minimal and post partum recovery wasn't bad.<br /> My biggest concern about a rcs was taking care of my toddler, especially after being on bed rest for 6 weeks before delivery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847887 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:55:21 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1847887@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everybody! I actually feel a million times better about both options :) no closer to deciding haha, but im not as scared about either, so thats a win ;)</p> <p>Please still share though if you are just seeing this thread now! I would love more input :) i love hearing real peoples' experiences! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847879 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:47:49 +0000 Canoli 1847879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an unplanned c-section with #1 and a successful vbac with #2. I struggled with what to do the whole pregnancy and changed my mind a million times. We may want 3 children and while my doctor said that 3 c-sections are safe the risks do increase each time and I didn't want to do 3 c-sections if I didn't have to. I was worried, however, that I would end up having an unplanned section the second time which would be the worst case scenario since my first was 10 days overdue and a big boy. I ultimately decided to schedule a section a week after my due date to give myself a chance to try. I delivered the day after my due date and my labor was super fast and I had no time for an epidural so I feel like my body decided for me what was meant to be. I was very happy with the outcome. </p> <p>That being said I think you should do what you feel comfortable with and don't feel pressured to do something because you feel you should. </p> <p>I know it's a tough decision! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847600 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 15:03:13 +0000 Pirouette 1847600@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: I don't think opting for a RCS should make you feel at all selfish or guilty! it's major abdominal surgery - it's not as if you're asking someone else to carry the baby for you so you don't have to be bothered with delivery or something! :silly: i can't offer advice, because i don't know yet if i'll be a candidate for a VBAC when i get pregnant again, but at the moment i'm leaning towards a RCS for many of the reasons already mentioned here (although there are excellent arguments on the VBAC side here too!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847586 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:54:13 +0000 Dandelion 1847586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: My two cents are purely anecdotal, but I've had two vaginal deliveries (the second much worse recovery than the first) and then a planned c section. The c section was the easiest recovery than the other two, and even though I'm done having any more babies, I would be choosing a rcs over a vbac if I did have any more. It's purely of the standpoint of how much easier it was over all. </p> <p>But, my oldest is 7, and not a toddler, which made him helpful during my recovery, and my DH was home for several weeks afterwards to help out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847585 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:53:49 +0000 Arden 1847585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BeachMama: Only water birth, the rest are all still doable. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847574 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:49:05 +0000 BeachMama 1847574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@arden: yeah but I also want an epidural, which eliminates some of those options </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847568 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:47:02 +0000 Arden 1847568@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oliviaoblivia: I haven't researched this specifically but I believe Cervadil is the safest drug option. Cytotec/Misoprostal is specifically listed as especially dangerous for VBACS by the ACOG. I'd try for a Foley catheter induction if possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847557 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:44:14 +0000 oliviaoblivia 1847557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: what did they use for your induction? I'm concerned that due to previous LGA baby they won't want me to go post dates at which point my options would be RCS or induced VBAC which I'm not sure I'm comfortable with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847548 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:41:26 +0000 mrs. tictactoe 1847548@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: I know one, who I love, but I'm scared to ask about her prices. I will, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847545 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:40:44 +0000 Arden 1847545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BeachMama: There are a few things you can do to reduce the incidence of tearing. Perineal massage during pregnancy, perineal support during pushing, pushing in a position other than lithomy, water birth, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847530 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:34:34 +0000 BeachMama 1847530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm only 13 weeks along but have thought/stressed out about this since my c section w #1. I never thought I'd have an issue w having a c section but part of me feels like I missed out on a vaginal birth and wish my Ob had been more supportive. However my recovery was pretty easy. I'm really scared of tearing, prolonged pain, etc affecting future intimacy since I have a pretty low sex drive as it is and if it's painful I think that's quickly go to zero. And also, it's much easier to plan babysitters for DD if I have a repeat section. Right now I'm taking a wait and see approach - I think I'd like to try a vbac but we'll see how I'm feeling and how the baby is as the pregnancy goes on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847430 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:52:01 +0000 Ajsmommy 1847430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can't comment as to CS because I had a vbac. However, I wanted to add that I think you should do whatever you feel comfortable doing. Don't let outside opinions make your decision, afterall it's your body and your LO. I will say that I was induced, had an epi, pushed for an hour, had 2 small tears and recovery was pretty easy for me. I've had no long lasting affects and was back to normal in 2 weeks. They were a long two weeks but looking back it was really nothing. Good luck to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847419 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:47:56 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 1847419@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted a VBAC because I wanted to be able to pick up/take care of my older son, and also so that (most likely) I wouldn't be separated from baby and better establish BF. Fear of the unknown was a little hard when I was planning but once you're in labor you can't really think, you just do what you need to do. In the end I found it empowering in a way I didn't expect, and the recovery was really much easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847406 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:37:49 +0000 Arden 1847406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. tictactoe: A lot of doulas have gift certificate options. Maybe hint at it to friends and family? ;)</p> <p>P.S. Just checked your profile and you live in L.A.? So many doulas there. Do some checking around, it's a good area with a lot of price variation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847401 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:33:51 +0000 mrs. tictactoe 1847401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: Thank you so much for all of the great info! I will definitely be coming back to this post. </p> <p>I really want a doula this time, but I just don't know if we can afford it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847395 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:26:09 +0000 Weagle 1847395@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: I have nothing to offer regarding RCS vs. VBAC, but I do have a little aside about hiring a doula. After delivery, my DH became the biggest doula evangelist! He truly felt the opposite of left out. Rather, he felt like she was supporting him so he could properly support me. It really took a lot of the stress away from him to have her around to talk through decisions we needed to make and figure out solutions to some of the labor issues we were running into. If you find a doula that you both mesh well with, I think it's well worth the money! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847356 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:13:29 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1847356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: thanks!! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847338 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:03:41 +0000 Arden 1847338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: Lots of those positions require two people so DH would definitely be involved! :) </p> <p>I think the worry that dad will feel left out is a common one, but in my experience it doesn't usually feel that way in the labor and delivery room. Here are a couple of good articles on dads and doulas. </p> <p><a href="http://www.kimjames.net/Dads%20and%20Doulas.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.kimjames.net/Dads%20and%20Doulas.htm</a></p> <p><a href="http://daddyconfidential.com/2012/parenting/i-challenge-you-to-a-doula/" rel="nofollow">http://daddyconfidential.com/2012/parenting/i-challenge-you-to-a-doula/</a></p> <p>My biggest piece of advice would be to interview a few and pick one that you are both comfortable with. Go with your gut, and his. It needs to feel right. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847333 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:00:22 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1847333@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: those are the two reasons i was wondering :) the epidural positions look crazy to me in illustrations and i want help haha :) but i also dont want dh to feel uncomfortable. We were pretty adament about it being just us in the delivery last time and i dont want him to feel left out. </p> <p>I also would like the help with breastfeeding. Last time we had issues due to lo being so early (5 weeks) and i am hoping it will be smoother this time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deciding-between-a-rcs-and-vbac/page/2#post-1847327 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:57:26 +0000 Arden 1847327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>These are some of the epidural-friendly labor and delivery positions a doula can help support you in that promote better results than lithomy (being flat on your back).</p> <p>[attach=2195/14/nbc77s.600x600.image.jpg]</p> <p>[attach=2195/14/nbc77u.463x600.image.jpg] </p>