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I had a planned c-section for breech with my first.

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.

VBAC was pregnancy #2

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!

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.

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.

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!

@travelgirl1: Did your friend have a uterine rupture during a VBAC? I'm sorry to hear that happened

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.

@Mrs. Goose: they're not common.... but they happen.

@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!

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.

What were the circumstances surrounding your c-section?
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.

How long did you wait between deliveries of babies? DS & DD are 21 months apart.

What number pregnancy/child was your vbac?
My vbac was pregnancy #2

Was your vbac successful? If not, why? Yes!

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%.

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.

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.

How long did you wait between deliveries of babies? They are 20 months apart.

What number pregnancy/child was your vbac? 2

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.

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.

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.

@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!!

Hoping for a vabac this time and enjoying reading all the stories! Thanks for sharing, mamas

@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!

I actually read this thread when I was contemplating a vbac. I wanted to update with my success vbac!

What were the circumstances surrounding your c-section?
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.

How long did you wait between deliveries of babies? 3.5 yrs

What number pregnancy/child was your Vbac?
2nd child/3rd pregnancy. I had a natural miscarriage in between.

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.

Were you worried about uterine rupture during your pregnancy and/or during your delivery?
No. I had read the statistic of this happening was a very small chance. My doctor had also mentioned the same.

If your vbac was successful were you happy that you had a vbac?
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.

@Somebunny: Holy macaroni mine was very similar to yours.
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.
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.

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.

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.

All your stories are truly helpful and encouraging. THANK YOU