https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:30:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923179 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 19:51:42 +0000 PurplePumps 2923179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: LOL, that definitely crossed my mind too! After reading about tears, and bladder issues, or pelvic floor pain.... that definitely turned me off to a vaginal birth. Plus my first scar is kinda a mess and I kind of want to be vain and see if they can fix it up bettter.</p> <p>@Grace: That's great that it worked out for you! Unfortunately, as usual, I'm utterly unprepared and didn't even think to look into a doula. If anything went slow/wrong, I dont think I'd have it in me to keep trying and I know the docs would just push for a c/s at that point.</p> <p>@Petitduck: This is the main reason I even want to attempt vbac, I don't want to be unable to hold my toddler... that's gonna be rough for him. But I will have be able to have extra help for as long as I need so hopefully he wont mind.</p> <p>@yerpie110: That's great to hear! My husband just said his coworker told him the same thing too. My first emergency c/s recovery was pretty easy too - I didn't take any pain meds at all after leaving the hospital, and was out wandering Costco for 2 hours 8 days post partum while waiting for tires to be changed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923172 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 16:08:38 +0000 yerpie110 2923172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an emergency c section for my first and my recovery was amazing. Although I was a candidate for a vbac, I thought why try something new when the first experience was that good? I had a scheduled c section for my second and ended up with what I didn’t think was possible - an even better recovery. </p> <p>Good luck! :goodluck: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923169 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 12:08:14 +0000 Petitduck 2923169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePumps: unplanned c for my first. I definitely wanted a vbac for my second because I wanted to be able to care for my older kid, myself, and my baby with more ability and energy, if that makes sense. </p> <p>My milk came in on day 3 with all my kids so that wasn’t an issue or factor. Vbac just felt like a bet r option for me and my family and I’m so happy I went that route for my #2 and #3. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923166 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 00:02:28 +0000 Grace 2923166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePumps: I kind of did the same thing and scheduled c-section for 40+5. I didn’t like the idea of the baby being “taken out” early (like at 39 weeks). I’d also read about vaginal births being better for the baby. And it’s major surgery. My c/s went so well the first time, I was worried it wouldn’t happen twice. BUT, I went into labour with my first at 41+5, stalled, needed pitocin, pushed 2 hours and needed an emergency c/s anyways. So I wasn’t going to do that again. I figured if I didn’t go into labour by 40+5, I would probably go super late again. I hired a doula and went into labour on my due date. My doula was more invested in the VBAC than I was and kept trying different things to move things along. So when baby got stuck, she “made” me get on all fours to put him in the right position. It was suuuuuuper painful, but she was right and he moved to where he needed to be and came on out.</p> <p>@Agold: There’s something to be said for that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923101 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 00:12:14 +0000 agold 2923101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I vote in favor of ruining only one part of your body if you have the choice. :silly: So stick to whichever you did the first time around and pray for the best. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923097 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 19:06:49 +0000 winter_wonder 2923097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePumps: good luck!! It probably feels good to have that decided at least! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923095 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:45:07 +0000 JennyLayneAZ 2923095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePumps: Good luck!! :heart: a scheduled c-section is definitely more relaxed, if that's what it comes down to. You'll do great either way! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923090 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 08:49:18 +0000 PurplePumps 2923090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>38+1 now. I think i made a non-decision decision. I scheduled a c section for 1 day after my due date to give as much time as possible to go into labor naturally, but to just get it done if she's even a day "late". Part of me hopes she makes it to c section date, and maybe that's telling me something about what I should do, but I still feel like I *should* try a the vbac at least. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923011 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 20:45:04 +0000 winter_wonder 2923011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePumps: I think I'm leaning more towards a vbac but my OB said we should discuss more at my 36 week appointment. Keep us posted on what you decide!! Good luck! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923009 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 20:10:02 +0000 PurplePumps 2923009@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!<br /> @castilrm: That's great that it worked out! I think I might be a little late to do classes or find a doula. I'm due in 2.5 weeks and feel so unprepared!<br /> @JennyPenny: Oddly enough, not getting to hold my baby right away didnt bother me much the first time. My husband went with our son to wherever, and as long as one of us was with him, I was ok with that.<br /> @Bluemasonjar: I maybe tried pushing for like 30 minutes, after laboring for, I can't even remember, but over 24 hours. I was just exhausted, and they said my contractions were weakening and I only got to like 9cm and he was just stuck. They told me it "should" be possible this time since I got so close before, but a repeat of that would just suck.<br /> @winter_wonder: Are you leaning one way or another right now?<br /> @LadyDi: I think this is what i'm feeling now. In my head, I think I want a vbac, but Im really nervous about trying it.<br /> @erinbaderin: HAHA! My epidural actually came out and I was in SO much pain for like 3 hours before they believed me and reseated it. I remember the nurse saying to me "well you go to feel what a drug free natural labor was like!"... I'm like, thanks, but that's a feeling I feel like I could have done without!!!<br /> @Clementine12: I'm so glad your second birth went better for you. Admittedly I was not happy with my first birth either, but I feel it was my fault more than the doctors there. But at the end of the day, my son is here and healthy, so I think one way or another after my daughter is born, I'll be ok with however she gets here.<br /> @JennyLayneAZ: I had thought about getting my ovaries removed (or asking if they could)... but of course I never ended up going to get blood tested and there probably isnt time now for that. But sounds like maybe it's better to do that separately either way.<br /> Still SO torn! I think I might just set a date for a day or two before (or after?) my due date and see what happens. My way of making a decision without making a decision. Ugh I suck at decisions like this! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2923000 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 13:43:15 +0000 JennyLayneAZ 2923000@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1st was an unplanned c-section after 20ish hours of labor due to heart decels in baby that she was taking longer and longer to recover from.</p> <p>2nd I opted for a repeat c-section so that I could also have a tubal ligation done at the same time. I didn't want to go through labor to have the same experience (#1 was pretty scary because of the circumstances leading to the section). </p> <p>There's a part of me that wishes I'd tried for a VBAC, but, ultimately I think I made the right choice. DD1 was 4 when DD2 was born but she was still quite clingy, so that was probably the hardest part (telling her I couldn't pick her up). </p> <p>I didn't have any issues with my milk coming in (even though I didn't end up BF - my supply wasn't the issue).</p> <p>I do feel my recovery was a little longer (I was sore longer) but I think that was only because of the tubal. My pain wasn't down low, it was up higher and really on both sides, so if it had just been a csection, I don't think the recovery would've been any different than the first. </p> <p>I also had csection #2 during lockdown last year, so, it was nice knowing when to be at the hospital and all that too.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2922999 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 11:41:09 +0000 Clementine12 2922999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a c-section with my first after reaching 9 cm but DD never dropped. I left the hospital feeling defeated and not heard, especially when I did more research and found out that there are lots of positions you can try to get baby into a good position, etc. </p> <p>Needless to say I was determined to try for a VBAC with DD2, and switched providers, hospitals, got a doula, and had chiropractic care. VBAC was successful (they say 80+% of them are) and I was a happy camper. But I did gain some perspective and a new appreciation for my first birth.</p> <p>I would also say that every birthing person should leave their birth feeling empowered and heard, and ideally getting the birth they want or at the very least understanding the choices available to them along the way. I hesitate to recommend my team to friends since they might prioritize different aspects of their births. If you choose a c-section, I would be so happy for you to be able to get the birth you want. It is a cause for celebration.</p> <p>If you do decide to try a TOLAC, I recommend doing some research on your care providers and consider hiring a doula. Try to surround yourself with people who are supportive whenever possible. I found the podcast VBACLink tremendously helpful as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2922994 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:25:17 +0000 erinbaderin 2922994@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a C section for my first (he was breech) and planned to do a VBAC for my second, until the decision was taken away from me (he was also breech). I really just wanted to see what labour was like! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2922990 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 06:45:23 +0000 LadyDi 2922990@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an emergency c with my first after going into labor naturally a week early but his heart rate kept decelerating, particularly when I started pushing. #2 and #3 were both scheduled C sections. I scheduled the c with #2 around my due date but was open to a VBAC if I went into labor. However, the closer I got to my due date the more anxious about it I got, so ultimately I was content with the scheduled C. I had a 2.5 year old at home also and it was hard for a couple weeks and there was a lot of screen time because I wasn't very mobile but we got through it. I didn't have an issue with my milk coming in after any of my deliveries. </p> <p>Also, I was allowed to have skin to skin immediately after #2 and #3 (my first had to be evaluated by a ped first). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2922989 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 21:20:17 +0000 winter_wonder 2922989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following! I had a c-section with DD. I'm hoping for a vbac this time. My recovery the first time around was horrendous. I was in labor for 36 hours and then did c-section. My milk took forever to come in and we struggled with nursing so much. I gave up after 6 weeks. </p> <p>I am really nervous about the birth experience this time around. I feel like it has to be better than the first go round....but I'm terrified it could be similar. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2922987 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 21:07:30 +0000 Bluemasonjar 2922987@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a c-section with my first after pushing for over 3 hours and a failed attempt with a vacuum. He was far enough down the birth canal that the nurses could see the head but he got stuck on my pelvis. Recovery was tough. My OBGYN said it was because I had been so close to a vaginal birth but then had the c-section. For my second they recommend another c-section because there was no way to determine if the baby would get stuck again and I did not want to be in the same situation.</p> <p>Surprise, after scheduling a c-section I got into a car accident and ended up delivering a week early. So the "planned" part was taken from me but the recovery was so much easier the second time. Even with an active 3 year old at home. I had the same issue with my milk coming in after I had been discharged from the hospital the first time but with #2 it came in much sooner and we had a better breast feeding relationship from the start. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2922986 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 20:37:25 +0000 JennyPenny 2922986@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, not exactly what you asked but I had a vaginal birth for #1 and a scheduled C-section for #2 and #3. #2 was because of breech presentation and #3 was because I had the choice and preferred to have it scheduled. If I'd gone into labor naturally before I'd scheduled though I would have tried for a VBAC. </p> <p>For me one of the big pros of a scheduled C is just being able to schedule it. Once you've got LOs at home it becomes really nice to know you've got care lined up. I also had an easier recovery from the C-section than I did from the vaginal birth and not laboring is so nice! I know every woman is different in this though so it's hard to say.</p> <p>The only thing that had me hesitate for the C-section was I hated having the baby whisked away right after delivery and having to wait on the table alone. With the vaginal delivery I got to hold LO right away and DH was there too. With the C's DH went with baby to a separate room. It's all of 5 minutes but ugh, it's no fun. </p> <p>Good luck making your decision! And congratulations! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2922985 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 20:34:17 +0000 castilrm 2922985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an emergency c-section with my first after about 15 hours of labor (3 hours pushing) after my daughter started having issues with her heart rate dropping low and I had an elevated temp. The nurses and doctors on call that day were awful and I felt like things would have gone in a different direction if I’d had a better medical team that day. But at the end of it all, I recovered quickly and well, and had a healthy daughter so I was open to having a second c-section when I got pregnant again especially because my hospital allows for you to hold your baby as soon as you deliver while they close you up and finish surgery.</p> <p>I decided to go with a vbac with my second mainly because I was going to have a toddler at home, and also, because I felt upset with how things went the first time and wanted another chance at a vaginal birth (and recovery). I got a doula (I didn’t bother the first time and really wish I had), took a vbac class, and overall felt more prepared and less nervous with my decision as we got closer to the due date (my doula was awesome with helping me manage my nerves). I think it helped that I knew if I had to have a c section again, I would be okay with that too.</p> <p>Luckily, it all worked out and my second delivery was completely different from my first. I was in labor for just a few hours (and only in the hospital for about an hour before giving birth), and had no issues with pushing this time. I did have a significant tear, unfortunately, so the recovery wasn’t as easy I’d hoped but I was moving around within an hour of delivery versus having to wait 12 hours with the c-section, and felt pretty good within the week. My milk did come in a little more quickly although just by a day. So I’m glad I went for it, but having a planned c-section is very different than an emergency one so if you choose to go that route, I’m sure that will be a wonderful experience as well! If you have any questions about VBACs, let me know! Good luck :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-c-section-for-1-whatd-you-do-for-2#post-2922983 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:03:27 +0000 PurplePumps 2922983@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you had a c-section for your first kid, and you had a choice for the next one, what did you do and why?</p> <p>I have 2 friends that had c-sections for the first and elected a c-section for the next one too, but for no particular reason other than it was an option and easy to have a set date. It sounds pretty appealing to not have to labor and just to have a date set. And I've read that scheduled C's are a lot easier than emergency C's after laboring.</p> <p>On the other hand, it's still a surgery that I'll have to recover from, and this time with a 2.5 year old at home too. And also that it seems typical for milk to be delayed after a C, and mine took a while to come in and get my supply up for my son so I'm a little worried about that.</p> <p>I have no clue what to do! </p>