VBAC success rates?

[texasangel343]

We have begun discussing whether to do a repeat C-Section or a VBAC.  Does anyone have any success stories?

A little history - This baby is due in November, 7 years after my daughter was born.  I was induced with her and fully dilated.  We knew she was going to be big.  I pushed for about 3 hours, falling asleep every 45 seconds.  Physically could not stay awake.  She was crowning...but then I spiked a fever and my daughters heart rate began to become a small issue.  It was 5am and I decided on a C-section.  Turns out she was 9 1/2 pounds and posterior!  No wonder!

I am 10 weeks pregnant and have this strong desire to want to deliver naturally.  I was the last person to be able to hold my baby because of the surgery and I don't want that to happen again.  Because of the vaginal crowning and C-section recovery was awful.  I didn't walk for almost 2 days.  I was beyond exhausted...as I know every woman is after delivering a baby, but I never want to feel this way again.

My doctor isn't against a VBAC, but he has suggested a C-section.  I know that a planned C-section should be much different that this "emergency one"...but I think I can do a vaginal delivery.  I want to try, at least.  

Does anyone have success stories that compare to mine??

[LosingMyMindInGA]

The website joy gave is good.  There's also the International Cesarean Awareness network.  Just google "ICAN online".  It has some good info and resources as well.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

VBAC is ALWAYS safer than c-section unless there are extenuating circumstances.  A repeat c-section should NOT be an automatic.  Just becuase one baby was big doesn't necessarily mean this one will be to.  Besides, your body could react differently this time and make it much easier.

I had an emergency c-section with my oldest due to oligohydramniosis and intrauterine growth restriction and breech presentation.  5 years later I had my first VBAC...I have gone on to have a total of FIVE VBAC's, all successful.  Not a single issue with any of them.  One was with a TON of pain meds (we knew he'd be stillborn), one was without ANY meds at all, one with just an epidural, one pitocin induction with epidural and one natural induction (broke my water) with stadol and epidural.  

[texasangel343]

Thanks ladies!  I'm pretty convinced I want to try.  My hubby is just scared that I'll be in the same boat as I was with my daughter.  He saw how much pain I was in and how long recovery was and doesn't want that for me again.  However, its a risk I want to take.  

[JoyRenee]

Toward the bottom of this link you'll find several VBAC links:
http://www.theunnecesarean.com/links-and-resources/

[JoyRenee]

All the information I have found is consistent - a VBAC is safer than a cesarean. There are risks to either but overall vaginal birth is better for baby. I would at least try for a vaginal birth and know that because of your previous cesarean they will be set up and ready "in the wings" for a cesarean if things aren't looking favorable.

The best thing you can do for a VBAC is to have as few interventions as possible; make sure you're not just lying on your back but you're up or lying on your side. Getting in the water is a great idea (even if you don't birth just laboring in water is a natural anesthetic that won't completely take away the pain but makes it more tolerable AND it is hard to tense up your muscles under water and tension causes more pain).

One of my favorite sites is /www.theunnecesarean.com/ and they have many links, resources and stories of VBACs.

[angelicbaby]

i think u should DEFINITELY try to have a Vaginal Delivery. Ur C-section was 7 years ago.. Dr's like to rush and cause panic alot of times and scare the mom's into c-sections. A good friend of my own had a c-section with her first daughter and had vaginal 2 years later with her second daughter and everything was fine. Dr's like to get the job done quick and this is unfair to mothers/fathers to be. U should voice ur concerns loud and clear and let him know ur birth plan, put it in writing and have it on file and ask the dr's and nurse to respect ur wishes.. we as women have to be more assertive and voice our wants and desires..

Good luck hun!

FYI.. my sister had her baby using a midwife and doula at home with no drugs and it was the most AMAZING experience I have been a part of. my nephew is turning one this month.. I have a  9 year old son and ttc #2 now.

[texasangel343]

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