https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:19:17 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2565180 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 12:01:07 +0000 Rescuemom10 2565180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Somebunny: Holy macaroni mine was very similar to yours.<br /> Failed to progress. wanted to push pit. So I got an epi. It didn't work. Still didn't progress past 6. I got sick, infection, baby started to distress. Rolled me into OR. I was awake for her to come out but right after the block wore off and as they were "putting me back together" I COULD FEEL EVERYTHING and had full movement of my body.<br /> They knocked me out fast. I had so many drugs in me to get me to that point I don't member anything else for over 24 hrs. They had me on forced oxygen. I was so drugged I couldn't breathe on my own. DD was having complications and she was rushed off. We stayed a week to recover from everything.</p> <p>I was there for everything last year with the birth of my God son. It was so eye opening to me how much I missed. I don't remember anything from the first 2 days or so with DD. I don't remember the first time I held her. I came home from my God sons birth and cried so hard. I had so many questions of when they did things and where I was for my daughters birth and hospital stay. I was unconscious for about 5 hrs after they knocked me out. The anesthesiologist told my DH that they gave me as much as they would a horse to get me to finally knock out. I cant help but feel robbed from something that's suppose to be a life changing memorable day. I mean its one thing to have it go planned or unplanned or not how you expected. But to not remember it at all. </p> <p>I'm currently pg right now. THANK YOU ALL for sharing your stories. I'm feeling a lot of anxiety about this. I'm waiting on a referral for a hospital out of my area to see if they will take me on to attempt a VBAC. </p> <p>All your stories are truly helpful and encouraging. THANK YOU </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2561952 Sat, 04 Jun 2016 18:52:30 +0000 pastemoo 2561952@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any new stories to add? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2480679 Tue, 01 Mar 2016 20:19:09 +0000 misolee 2480679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I actually read this thread when I was contemplating a vbac. I wanted to update with my success vbac! </p> <p>What were the circumstances surrounding your c-section?<br /> I was induced at 41 weeks. I had been at 2cm for weeks and nothing was happening. I was given pitocin and I slowly progressed to 9cm and it was stuck for 4 hours. I had been getting pitocin for over 24 hours, had an epidural for 12 hours, etc so they advised me to have a csec. Afterwards, it was found she was "sunny side" up which prob caused the stalling. </p> <p>How long did you wait between deliveries of babies? 3.5 yrs</p> <p>What number pregnancy/child was your Vbac?<br /> 2nd child/3rd pregnancy. I had a natural miscarriage in between. </p> <p>Was your vbac successful? Yes. Little man came two weeks early, labor progressed super fast that it was too late for an epidural, and he was born med free. </p> <p>Were you worried about uterine rupture during your pregnancy and/or during your delivery?<br /> No. I had read the statistic of this happening was a very small chance. My doctor had also mentioned the same. </p> <p>If your vbac was successful were you happy that you had a vbac?<br /> Yes and no. Honestly, my csec recovery was easy and fast that I thought I would try the vbac and would end up with a csec anyways. I'm glad I experienced vbac but I wouldn't have been upset if did do a repeat csec. Although labor was quick, I thought I was going to die from the pain and pushing. 😅 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2480603 Tue, 01 Mar 2016 19:17:52 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2480603@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to share my doula helped with a VBAC birth of twins! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355604 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 12:58:19 +0000 Mamasig 2355604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: I know people who have had 4. My OB never gave me a number, though they said it's harder for them because of the extra scar tissue. He said Ethel Kennedy had like 8! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355581 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 12:22:26 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2355581@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oliviaoblivia: awesome. Thanks. Hope your third one goes smoothly! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355562 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 12:03:41 +0000 Autumnmama79 2355562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hoping for a vabac this time and enjoying reading all the stories! Thanks for sharing, mamas :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355559 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 12:01:46 +0000 oliviaoblivia 2355559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: my OB was OK with up to four c-sections. She wasn't thrilled for me to be pregnant again so quickly, though to be honest neither was I. I've had some extra monitoring this time around but it looks like everything is fine so far (31 weeks.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355512 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:41:48 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2355512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oliviaoblivia: how many c sections are you allowed to have and how far apart, do you know? I had my first vaginally and tore horribly and it was recommended I go the c section route next time. But we probably want 3 more and not super far apart. Did you get any guidance? Sorry to thread jack!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355506 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:38:05 +0000 Boogs 2355506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Goose: I had a successful vbac!</p> <p>My first, I got to 8.5cm, but showed signs for an infection. They also thought baby was larger and wouldn't fit. Was told I had to have a c/s. It was pretty traumatic.</p> <p>For my second (gave birth 3 years after the first), I wanted to take my chances since the previous c/s nearly killed both of us. It was successful! This baby was bigger than the first (about 9lbs even though he was early)! He even came out slightly crooked, so I had lots of tearing. The epidural didn't work for 7cm to delivery and I still had a waaaay better delivery and recovery. I would highly recommend it!</p> <p>Also happy to answer anymore questions you might have. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355409 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 10:49:15 +0000 lilyann 2355409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What were the circumstances surrounding your c-section? Unplanned C-section, failed induction at 40 weeks (induced due to GD), maternal fever and DS1 had heart deceleration after contractions. He was 9lbs 2oz.</p> <p>How long did you wait between deliveries of babies? They are 20 months apart. </p> <p>What number pregnancy/child was your vbac? 2</p> <p>Was your vbac successful? It was! I went into labor on my own at 37 weeks and delivered an 8lb 4oz boy a few days after being in labor.</p> <p>Were you worried about uterine rupture during your pregnancy and/or during your delivery? My OB made me feel very comfortable with my decision for VBAC, it was always in the back of my mind as a known risk though.</p> <p>If your vbac was successful were you happy that you had a vbac? 10000x YES! I had no tearing and pushed for about 10 minutes? I had an amazing OB, Doula and husband that made the experience unforgettable. It completely erased any negative feelings I had towards my first birth experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355348 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 10:15:26 +0000 Mamasig 2355348@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't have a vbac, but just wanted to say that I found scheduled c sections not traumatic at all! My 1st was a scheduled c section due to size. My second was a repeat c section st 37+5. Baby needed to come early because of low fluid. I never showed any labor signs with either. I'm pregnant with my 3rd and will be having another c section. All recoveries are different! My OB and others in the practice have told me that repeat c sections were fine for me and they knew I wanted more kids. I'm done with 3, but just wanted to let you know that I was told it was fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355302 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:53:44 +0000 creativemomma15 2355302@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What were the circumstances surrounding your c-section?<br /> My water broke at 36 weeks and DS was breech, I progressed really quickly and was fully dilated while waiting for the OR and ended up being rushed in for an emergency csection.</p> <p>How long did you wait between deliveries of babies? DS &amp; DD are 21 months apart.</p> <p>What number pregnancy/child was your vbac?<br /> My vbac was pregnancy #2</p> <p>Was your vbac successful? If not, why? Yes! </p> <p>Were you worried about uterine rupture during your pregnancy and/or during your delivery? I was a little worried. My first prenatal appointment was scary and one of the OBs terrified me into leaning towards a RCS, but then I talked with my midwife and the other OB at the practice and felt really supported. Because they knew I could dilate to 10 they were giving me a 90% success rate and really encouraged it. They also encouraged me to get an epidural so that if anything happened I was ready for the OR right away. I think that the chance of a uterine rupture is actually less than 1%.</p> <p>If your vbac was successful were you happy that you had a vbac? I was very happy that I had a successful vbac. My delivery with DD was completely different than with DS. DS was taken to the NICU right away and was there for a week. It was so great to have DD with us right away and right on my chest. It was a relaxed environment while I labored. I did recover really well from my csection and don't have any complaints there. DD was delivered at 38 weeks and had no problems. Recovery from my vbac was great too. I did tear and had some problems with hemorrhoids afterwards but overall it was a great recovery. My mil was shocked at how I was up and moving around well afterwards. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355261 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:26:58 +0000 LulaBee 2355261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an unplanned C-section with #1 after a failed induction, and was traumatized from it. I had a hard recovery. I had preterm labor with #2 at 23 weeks and delivered him vaginally but he was tiny so recovery wasn't bad (physically). I'm scheduled for an RCS next Friday and am nervous about it as I had such a bad experience the first time, but I've heard planned ones typically aren't as tough. If I go into labor on my own before then I can try for a VBAC, but I doubt I will as I'm only 36+5 at this point. They won't induce me because of prior C-section and won't let me go past 38 weeks due a clotting disorder. </p> <p>If I were planning on more kids, I would push more for a VBAC. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355242 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:18:01 +0000 Rockies11 2355242@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Goose: My second baby was bigger - 8lbs 6oz, but not huge. I think the tailbone break was from a combination of my narrow pelvis, her poor positioning, and the vacuum extraction. I actually heard it crack. Yikes! </p> <p>And yeah, uterine rupture is very uncommon which is why I did not feel too concerned about it. But it does happen. And it has to be weighed against more scar tissue for subsequent pregnancies. There are charts for the risk of VBAC versus multiple c-sections on evidence based birth, which I found helpful in making the decision. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355224 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:13:20 +0000 oliviaoblivia 2355224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wasn't a good candidate for VBAC (failed induction, LGA baby). I had no signs of labor with my second pregnancy and because of the size of my first baby they were unwilling to let me go post dates. My second measured just a bit smaller than my first but ended up being longer, and with a larger head. </p> <p>My RCS was so much easier as far as recovery goes. Once I came to terms with my first birth it was easier for me to accept the realities of my second. </p> <p>My third baby will be by c-section too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355215 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:09:10 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2355215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for the comments and info so far everyone! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355213 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:08:35 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2355213@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rockies11: that's something to think about with the scar tissue and multiple pregnancies. Was your second baby big and that was why you had a fractured tail bone? Or that was just a result of vaginal delivery? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355211 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:07:55 +0000 Ash 2355211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Goose: they're not common.... but they happen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355208 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:06:33 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2355208@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: thank you. I am coming to peace with it. I'm happy we both are healthy because I know that's what matters. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355205 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:05:29 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2355205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelgirl1: that's scary. </p> <p>I didn't know that uterine ruptures were so common...that's scary too. I watched a medical video of a caesarean last night and I was surprised at how intense it is and how many layers they cut through. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355146 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 08:09:05 +0000 travelgirl1 2355146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: so, I haven't spoken to her about it yet as she was so traumatized. This was her third delivery, her first was vaginal with placental issues, her second was horrendous (baby died after vigorous use of forceps and emergency c-section). I don't know whether the uterine rupture happened during an attempted vbac or prior to labour. Both she and baby are happy and healthy though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355064 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 00:35:44 +0000 daniellemybelle 2355064@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelgirl1: Did your friend have a uterine rupture during a VBAC? I'm sorry to hear that happened :(</p> <p>I just want to send you hugs @Mrs. Goose: because I know how hard it can be to have a C-section when that is not what you hoped for. It will get easier. &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355022 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:40:37 +0000 Rockies11 2355022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@QueensBee: I think a hard decision that has many factors for and against. In my case with everything considered they recommended VBAC and ultimately we went with that recommendation. There were some things about the delivery and, in particular, the postpartum complications that were made worse by the fact that it was a VBAC, which I was totally unaware of until afterwards. I think I had in my head that the vaginal birth would be better and have a better recovery because it was natural which didn't end up being the case. I would have like to have been more aware of those things ahead of time to balance those risks out too. I think, on balance, I am still happy with the decision because it made the most sense for the family size we were hoping to have. I did not, however, come out of the experience thinking that VBAC was the right decision for everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2355003 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:18:08 +0000 QueensBee 2355003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following this thread because I'm trying to decide between RCS and VBAC for my next LO, due in 8 weeks. My doctor is really pushing for the VBAC but these responses have me leaning toward rcs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2354984 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:38:51 +0000 travelgirl1 2354984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a planned c-section with #1 as she was breech. The surgeon said to wait 18 months between deliveries.</p> <p>My doctor wanted me to try for a VBAC with my second, but I wasn't too bothered. We agreed I would have a c-section one week after my due date IF I hadn't gone into labour on my own. That was pushed back to ten days and I didn't even have a single contraction by that point and was glad to have had the surgery once I realised baby brother weighed over ten pounds!!!</p> <p>I was worried about uterine rupture. It happened to a friend a few months ago. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2354971 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:23:34 +0000 Rockies11 2354971@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a planned c-section for breech with my first. </p> <p>I waited 12 months before I got pregnant, and their advice was to wait a minimum of 12, but they preferred 18 months between pregnancies (not deliveries). They would not have allowed a VBAC if I had gotten pregnant prior to the 12 month mark. </p> <p>VBAC was pregnancy #2</p> <p>My VBAC was successful, but it was very close to being unsucessful at a number of points. I didn't go into labour on my own - I was 41w1d and totally high and closed. Because it was a VBAC the induction options were limited. I had a foley bulb induction, then they broke my water, and then used a mild amount of pitocin to get things going after they stalled. I was in labour for 3 days, pushed for 4 hours, baby had heart decels, and required a vacuum extraction. But eventually she was born vaginally! </p> <p>I was very mildly worried about uterine rupture, but less so because we were planning on having 4 kids and I didn't want to increase the chances of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies from having a further c-sections. My nurse at the time of delivery was very worried about uterine rupture (she told me afterwards) because the last VBAC that she did had resulted in one. </p> <p>I think I am glad that I had the VBAC if only because I was curious to know what vaginal delivery was like, and now I know. The delivery in my case was very long, traumatic for both of us, and resulted in horrible third degree tearing and a fractured tailbone, along with postpartum placental problems and a massive infection. I had a baby that needed recessitation, meconium, the cord was wrapped around her neck. I was in much much more pain and had a much slower recovery from the VBAC than from my planned c-section. All of this could have been avoided by having a RCS. That said, I don't regret it and I would do it again because ultimately I believe that it is safest for subsequent pregnancies and for me. I also just am really not sure I could have an elective surgical procedure at the end of the day when there is another reasonable option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2354948 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:00:00 +0000 Ash 2354948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm totally pro vbac! The recovery was so much harder than my cs but the experience of a vaginal birth was INCREDIBLE! </p> <p>I had a cs with my first due to failure to progress/fetal intolerance/9.5lb baby. My second was born 18 months later (also 9.5lbs). My delivery was pretty traumatic and my doctor told me if we have a third baby, I'll be having a cs but I'm still in love with my birth experience! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2354892 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 20:04:25 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2354892@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Somebunny: aw, they put you out and your hubby couldn't be there, that's awful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-success-stories-and-attempts#post-2354877 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 19:51:39 +0000 Somebunny 2354877@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also had an unplanned c section. I was progressing too slowly for their liking so they put me on pitocin. I was told that my contractions weren't effective. My epidural stopped working when I was 8-9 centimeters dilated and I couldn't handle the contractions with pitocin, so I told them to turn it off. The OB told me I wasn't letting them do their job and I had 2 options- turn the pit back on or have a c section. I chose a c section because I couldn't bear the thought of those horrific contractions again. They put me to sleep and wouldn't allow DH to be in the room. Neither of us got to see our daughter's birth.</p> <p>DD was almost 2.5 when ds was born.</p> <p>My second delivery was a successful vbac.</p> <p>I knew uterine rupture was a possibility, but I didn't really worry about it. I knew the statistics and felt ok about them.</p> <p>I am soooo happy I had a vbac. The experience was totally different and wonderful in every way. I wouldn't change a thing about the experience.</p> <p>I got a doula for my vbac. She was so helpful! </p>