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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Also, I was allowed to have skin to skin immediately after #2 and #3 (my first had to be evaluated by a ped first).

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.

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.

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.

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.

@PurplePumps: good luck!! It probably feels good to have that decided at least!

@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.

@Agold: There’s something to be said for that.

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.

Good luck!