https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:47:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729952 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 21:14:15 +0000 Mamasig 1729952@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I chose the repeat c section basically because I knew what to expect in terms of procedure and recovery. I also have a fear of tearing, etc. My 1st was large so I assumed my 2nd would be too.</p> <p>Well, I just had the repeat c section 7 weeks ago, and recovery this time was harder than the 1st time. I also did not like not being able to care for my toddler. And my second was not large at all.</p> <p>I never discussed VBAC with my OB because I wasn't really interested. But if I would have known the c section recovery would be harder, I would have thought about it more. I'll consider it if I have a 3rd.</p> <p>It probably wouldn't have worked out anyway because I had very low fluid and my c section was pushed up. I don't know if I would have been a candidate for induction with the low fluid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729699 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:30:12 +0000 autumnlove 1729699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@GrapeCrush: same answer except it was 16 months.. I might attempt a VBAC for my third but I am perfectly ok with another Csection. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729663 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 17:02:09 +0000 wonderstruck 1729663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jump Rope: If I do have to be induced a VBAC will not be attempted since I know it increases the risk of a uterine rupture, but I am assuming that will not be the case since I went into labor with my first on my due date, no induction necessary.</p> <p>@shortcake: My OB has been in practice for 25 years and has also only seen a rupture happen once, so I'm really not very concerned about that. Honestly, it's not really the safety of it...I'm just being a baby who is scared of pushing and tearing and all that.</p> <p>@lilyann: This is what I am hoping for!</p> <p>@singingbee: I'm so sorry. I would opt for a RCS under those circumstances as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729575 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 14:35:56 +0000 singingbee 1729575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will have a RCs with our next one. I had a section because she was breech. My one and on,y pushing delivery story was when I delivered our 20 week old due to miscarriage. I don't want to deliver vaginally and have those bad memories come back, so I have no desire for a vbac. My dr doesn't do them due to risks, so I'm good there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729515 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 13:26:03 +0000 cyndistar3 1729515@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a c/s because lo was breech and I am going to try my hardest for a vbac since I've already had one natural birth and it was a far better experience than the c/s for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729486 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 13:05:08 +0000 Dandelion 1729486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think I'll be pregnant again, but if I did, I would get a RCS. I labored twice before my scheduled c section and I much prefer the c section for recovery time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729482 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 13:03:05 +0000 lilyann 1729482@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a successful VBAC about 4 weeks ago and it was the best experience of my life! I still don't even feel like I had a baby, the recovery has been a breeze. I went into labor at 37 weeks and labored for 3 days before my 8lb 4oz boy was born. I stalled a couple times during labor so my OB tried a foley bulb and pitocin which helped my body immensely! I wanted a vaginal birth for many reasons but if i needed a repeat C, I would have been just fine too. Good luck on whatever decision you make! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729471 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 12:50:43 +0000 Rockies11 1729471@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a c-section for breech (but my water broke before the scheduled section, so I was more like a not very emergent emergency c-section). We are trying again for our second, and I have put a lot of thought into it and I think I am pretty decided on attempting a vbac. I had such a great c-section experience and a really easy recovery, so I was inclined to repeat, but we want 3 or 4 kids, so I think looking at the overall risk, vbac is the safest option to get us to the family size we want. I have no emotional need to have a vbac or anything like that - on balance it is the safest option for the family that we want. If I was only having one more, I would repeat the c-section for sure, because the risks are closer to even in that case! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729468 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 12:42:41 +0000 anandam 1729468@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm only 5wks PP from my CS but am expecting to want VBAC for future babies just because of the increased risk of complications with each subsequent surgery. We want at least two more babies, though, maybe more, so that's a major factor to aim for vaginal. I also would love the experience of finishing labor and pushing, honestly, if I can do it safely. My CS was for lack of descent of the baby, and arrest at 5cm, maybe due to his size or position. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729453 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 12:16:35 +0000 BeachMama 1729453@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wonderstruck - I've been worrying about this same thing since DD was born via c-section 2 years ago. I'm now pregnant again (only 4 wks) and this is one of my main concerns. My recovery was really pretty easy so I definitely have the fear of the unknown (like tearing, etc). Dh and I are pretty sure we want to stop at 2 kids, but 3 isn't totally out of the question so that makes me kinda lean towards a VBAC. Of course, I haven't even had my first OB appointment yet, so this is all something I'll need to discuss then. But I'm definitely right there with you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729425 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 11:45:07 +0000 shortcake 1729425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a planned c-section for my first 2 years ago b/c my LO was breech. Tried the ECV but it didn't work. My c-section was easy and recovery fine, but I am going for a TOLAC this time and I will tell you why. </p> <p>First, I realized over the course of this pregnancy that it is not so black and white. When it came time to discuss my options with my OB at 35 weeks, she helped me realize that we can go for a trial of labor (it is not a vbac until it is over, it is a trial of labor up until then), see how it goes, how I progress in the last few weeks, how favorable my cervix is, how big the baby is at the end, etc. She gave me the choice of opting for an elective repeat c-section at 39 weeks, or said she will let me go to 41 for a TOLAC. I think that if you want to at least try, there is no point in scheduling a c-section at 39 weeks because most babies are not here by then (30%) as opposed to being here by 41 weeks (90%). You basically shortchanging yourself of the experience before it really has a chance to happen naturally.</p> <p>Secondly, you need to discuss the inducing or augmenting option with your doctor. My OB will augment my labor, meaning if I am over 5 cm and progressing on my own, she will give me induction drugs. What she will not do is give me pitocin to start labor if I am not there yet. I did not realize the difference before talking to her, so I encourage you to do the same.</p> <p>I have though about all the other factors as well. Uterine rupture is so rare, my OB has seen it once in 15 years of practice. And in a well equipped hospital with 24/7 OR capabilities, they will have the baby out in minutes should something happen. Also, know that uterine rupture is a rare outcome but can actually happen in any pregnancy (especially after several full term pregnancies). The risks are widely overstated, but you can find very accurate numbers on ICAN (something like 2 in every 1000). There are other risks of surgery to consider also. Of course there are risks in any birth experience, but infection rates, complications and longer recovery time are all considerations that will be elevated.</p> <p>I know what you mean about knowing what it is like to have a c-section and not being scared of that anymore, but the risks of repeat surgery (even though I am done having kids) are not worth it to me to not try having a vaginal delivery. I mean, that is how billions of babies have come out over the eons. It is not something I am setting up as something I can't do. And labor is scary and unknown for everyone, not just us, so you have the same normal fears and concerns as every mother ever. Of course if something happens, I am fine having a repeat C and that will be ok too, but I can't see not even trying to labor given my circumstances. </p> <p>With that said, I am due today and am already 3.5 cm dilated as of yesterday. If nothing happens by Monday, i will go in and they will attempt to break my water and see if I progress on my own from there. If I am not progressing, I will have an other c-section. </p> <p>Just wanted to say that you should read about how safe VBAC's usually are, compare the risks and then talk to your own doctor about your options. Again, it is not always so black and white, like you have to choose now what will happen in a few months and stick to it. I have been so happy to have a doctor who is flexible and is happy to see what happens as it happens. </p> <p>Hope that helps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729402 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 11:21:07 +0000 GrapeCrush 1729402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a repeat c-section, and didn't even consider trying for a VBAC. But, my second c-section came only 15 months after the first. It was much easier the second time, because I wasn't as exhausted and sore because I hadn't labored for 12+ hours before it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729345 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 10:24:44 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1729345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wonderstruck: I am committed to the idea of a VBAC if I go into labor on my own, but am scheduling a RCS for 39w. I'm absolutely terrified of being induced so that's out of the question for me. </p> <p>My decision was hard to make, but based on my pregnancy complications and how easy my first section was, I'm opting for a repeat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729340 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 10:18:32 +0000 wonderstruck 1729340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Stacy: Wow, that's amazing that you progressed so quickly! Congrats, sounds very successful. I'll be pretty shocked if it happens that quickly for me - with my son, it took 15 hours of early labor (although it was getting pretty intense by the end) to get to 3cm, and another 7 hours to get to 4cm. At that point I caved and got the epidural, and an hour later I was at an 8, but it didn't matter since he went into distress. Obviously it would be great for next time to go faster, I hope that happens!</p> <p>I suspect I'll end up sticking with my decision to go for the vbac, but hearing from others helps. Thank you! My doctor is also very supportive and feels good about my chances of a successful vbac. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729332 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 10:07:43 +0000 Canoli 1729332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know exactly how you feel. I had an emergency c section with my first and wanted a vbac for my second because I don't know how many children we will have and didn't want to have surgery again. My doctor was supportive and said there was no reason not to try.</p> <p>When I got to the hospital when it was time I got very scared and nervous about my ability to go through with it. Thankfully I progressed very quickly and my body made the decision for me. I arrived at the hospital at 8 pm and was 4 cm, my water broke at 10:25pm and at that point I was 10 cm and pushed until he was born at 10:57pm. Didn't even have time for an epidural.</p> <p>I changed my mind throughout the 9 months as well and thought many times about a repeat c section because it would be easier and over quicker but the recovery was hard and I would have a toddler to take care of. Ultimately I decided to go for it because it don't know how many children we are going to have and I didn't want to end up with multiple c sections. Although my doctor said the risks dramatically increase over 3 c sections. </p> <p>Good luck with your decision. Let me know if I can answer any other questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-between-vbac-or-repeat-c-section#post-1729270 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 09:17:45 +0000 wonderstruck 1729270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an emergency c-section with my son because he went into distress after 24 hours of labor. I had pretty much decided to attempt a VBAC this time simply because I want recovery to be as easy as possible, especially with a toddler at home to care for. But as the time draws closer I'm totally psyching myself out. I think it's basically the fear of the unknown - the idea of pushing is kind of scary, and the idea of tearing badly and having a rough recovery anyways is terrifying me. That part of me says forget it, my c-section went pretty easy and at least I would know what to expect.</p> <p>I'm just wondering how those of you with c-sections decided how to handle your next birth - and how it ended up going if it has already happened! </p>