Wow, two posts in one day, careful, I think I just felt the world stop…
By the way I PROMISE I’ll get back to my normal crafty blog posts, I just need to get some of this baby stuff off my chest, I hope you don’t mind the personal posts here & there…
I’m writing again because a couple of you commented on my last post that you had VBACs…
(For those of you who don’t know a VBAC is a vaginal birth after cesarean)
I want to have one terribly bad. I know for some women that they are perfectly happy having c-sections, some of my dear friends feel that way. I however am not one of those women. I never anticipated how much I would feel like I missed out on my birth experience by not going through labor, not pushing with my husband by my side & then having my little one placed in my arms. It really bothered me and even months after Sam was born I still didn’t feel like I had “given birth”. People would congratulate me and say I had done such a good job delivering her and I was like, uh, I didn’t do anything, I layed on a table, numb & looped out of my gourd from the heavy meds. Afterwards I was in terrible pain, no one tells you when you have a c-section that you won’t be able to pick up your baby to feed her or comfort her because of your incision. It’s not just a neat, no fuss option for having a baby like they make it seem on tv. It’s major abdominal surgery and should be recognized as such. Now, with that said, on to my reason for writing. (twice in one day! did I mention that?!)
I would love, seriously just be so grateful, for anyone who had tried for and/or had a VBAC to comment or email me with your experience/advice/findings.
This is a touchy subject because some Dr’s will try to scare the bejeebers out of you that your uterus is going to rip open and you’ll die. (which uterine rupture is a risk) however other Dr’s will go as far as to say that as long as your baby isn’t too big or breech & you’ve waited at least a year since your previous c-section that your almost no more likely to have a uterine rupture than if you had no c-section scar.
I’m terribly torn, (no pun intended) I desperately want to go into labor and do this the most natural way. (don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to drugs, I plan on leaving that decision for when I’m actually in the pain) but it’s hard to make a decision when you have medical professionals advising you in completely opposite ways. I work in the mother-baby unit at the hospital so I know how different Dr’s can feel about this issue but I have also heard several people in the business admit that their decisions are strictly based on liability issues. It’s sad that we have to worry about our Dr’s advice and could it be swayed by if their premiums will go up verses what’s in our and our babies’ best interest.
Let me say again, you ladies are who cool with c-sections, more power to you. It’s totally your decision & I judge you not for it. I just know that for me I had no idea how much I would feel like I missed out by having one.
Man, hormones must be in overdrive today, I’m getting all sorts of emotional baggage out! (;
I can't speak to a VBAC but I have had two drug free natural births that I was happy to experience , it is an incredible thing , have you thought about meeting with a local midwife or two to see if they would be a better fit for you and this pregnancy ?
I couldn't have done it without mine .
Hi, visiting again and commenting back. I felt the same way about my C-section and my doctors were so supportive! There was no medical reason for me not to have a VBAC and really they were great. They actually talked to me about it at my six week follow up with my daughter, before I was even pregnant with my son.
I truly felt like I missed out and it was so wonderful to go through the experience of pushing (two and a half hours!) and having my son placed on my belly afterwards. I actually enjoyed labor! Crazy! And yes I had drugs!
I also did a lot of research on VBACs and found that it was the best choice for me. Check out http://www.vbac.com/ there is a lot of information on that site.
If you have any questions about this don't hesitate to visit again or email!
I know there are some doctors who won't even try v-bac after ceserean. So my advice is to SHOP AROUND! You said you wished you would have gotten a second opinion last time… so don't be afraid to get one this time 🙂 I had 2 c-sections (fetal distress) and wish I would have been able to push and scream and all of that, it really DOES suck to not be able to take care of your child after they are born. I HATED relying on others to pick them up for me and hand them to me 🙁
GOOD LUCK TO YOU!
Sorry for two comments today-My doctor said it was up to me and was very supportive but they would not induce me. (I had to have my first c-section because she simply wouldn't fit). I would have loved to have a vbac but it ended up not happening. My mom had 5 all 5 kids c-section so it just seemed normal to me but I have heard her say that she feels like she missed something. I hope everything works out for you the way you want. But if you do have a repeat c-section (I mentioned this in my previous comment) it was a much easier recovery then the first and I was easily moving the same day and felt back to normal before I even went home.
-Crystal
I had to have an emergency c-section just hours after getting off of work. It all happened so fast that I definitely feel I missed out. Dealing with the major pain of the incision, weird numbness issues with my legs, and and a preemie stuck in the nursery was a lot to deal with! So, I am in the same boat as you. If I decide to have another kiddo, I most definitely do not want another c-section. I got no rest whatsoever after my first one-I was up and walking back and forth to the nursery within hours of the surgery. I can't imagine chasing a toddler and caring for a newborn after major surgery.
Hope everything goes as planned but I realize sometimes you just have to go with the flow! Congrats on the new little one!
No personal VBAC story, just wanted to encourage you! 🙂 It's more and more common now. I really hope that you're able to find a care provider who's compatible with your desires and that you will be able to achieve your own VBAC story!! 🙂
I had an emergency c-section and it was sooo hard on me. I was in so much pain that I didn't even want to have another kid ever, even months after I had my baby. After that I read up on vbac and I wanted to do it sooo bad. To make a vbac safer you have to go completely sans drugs. Which is doable. Then I found out that my doctor wouldn't do it. Then I found out only one hospital in my area would do it, and it was the worst one. So, with my second I had another c-section and this one went soooo much better. I was even able to help move myself to my bed out of the recovery room. I had her Friday afternoon and the doctor let me go home early Sunday. I was moving around much more and could actually sleep in my bed when we came home from the hospital. I had to sleep in a recliner with my first. With my second I can actually remember just about everything from her birth. What ever you decide, a beautiful baby with be the outcome. I cried the day before my surgery and when I was actually on the table I was laughing with the doctors and saying, Hey I can actually do this again. So, for me and some others that I've talked to that have had 2, the second one was a piece of cake. Good luck!! ♥Jami
More words of support here than anything – I also have not had a VBAC or a C section, but have done much research on the subject for my prenatal yoga students. The shop around advice is the best. Many doctors now feel it's better for the woman to do vaginal the second time around so hopefully you should be able to find one – you shouldn't have to talk any doctor around; you want them to be totally comfortable with the idea, (I'm blessed to be in very forward thinking Boulder, CO, so there are many options here). You'll find a doctor or midwife who will support you, and no matter how this next little munchkin enters the world, if he/she's healthy and you are too, then it will end up being perfect, (take it from a woman who had hers in the front seat of her Subaru Outback!!)
Yay, for you wanting a VBAC!!! I was in your exact shoes. I too had no idea that a c-section recovery would be so difficult and I was determined to not have another one. I am a military wife and was highly discouraged for my choice. The military hospitals actually require you to attend a VBAC class (I envisioned birthing techniques, glory stories, etc.), but instead sat in front of a doctor lecturing on what a bad choice the VBAC was and, oh-yeah, sign this waiver. Ugh! Thankfully I did do my research. The VBAC website is wonderful. Basically, VBACs are discouraged because there is little data recorded on them. There is little data recorded because they have been discouraged for so long. : ( However, in the data that has been recorded there is very little increase in uterine rupture during a VBAC than in normal, vaginal childbirth. I say if you have had no complications and had a transverse incision (horizontal) then try for a VBAC. It took me 24 hours, but it was sooo worth it to be walking in 30 minutes. : )
I can't help with the VBAC but I wanted to let you know that I know exactly how you feel about not having a "natural" birth. I wasn't even awake for the birth of my daughter and I still cry every time I read a birth story or see someone give birth on tv/in a movie.
I'm not sure how your health system works but are you able to find an OB who will support a VBAC?
Here is my vbac story! I hope you enjoy it! Please feel free to email me if you have questions! http://didatbrandonandstevie.blogspot.com/2008/08/sam-birth-story.html
Here is my vbac story! I hope you enjoy it! Please feel free to email me if you have questions! http://didatbrandonandstevie.blogspot.com/2008/08/sam-birth-story.html
I had a VBAC delivery with my daughter and I am so thankful that I made that decision! I did not want them cutting into me again because I have so many problems with scar tissue and such from a previous c-section. And I did not want the long recovery time of a c-section because I also had a 3 year old at home. My doctor was very supportive of my decision. While she did tell me the risks she also explained that the risk of uterine rupture was around 1%. She said that I would be required to have an epidural just in case something did happen and I needed to be rushed in for a c-section. The delivery was fairly easy and it was such a wonderful experience! If this is something that you feel really strongly about I say go for it!! And make sure you have a doctor that is supportive of you! Good Luck with your decision!!!
You can email me if you have any questions: tiffanyahicks@gmail.com
Good luck on the VBAC. I had a section with my first daughter, due to her being in distress. I had pushed for over 3 hours, so I really didn't feel like I missed much! My next delivery was a VBAC, but our daughter was stillborn and we knew that going in. I was unwilling to have a section that time, had to go without meds, not great, but doable! My 3rd and 4th were sections, my doctor would have it no other way. I was disappointed, but her words to me were, "Our goal is a healthy baby and mother. I have a better chance of providing that with a section than a VBAC." That kind of sealed the deal for me! Never felt like I missed out after that! Good luck, I think you will never regret a 2nd opinion!
I read your blog and I'm sorry I never comment:). I love it though.
I have 3 kids. My first one, they started me and used forceps, so I never felt like I went into labor and did the pushing thing with him
My second son was breech, they tried turning him, but it didn't work and so I had a c-section. I felt very similar to you. It was a lot different experience, and I was determined to try a VBAC with #3.
#3 comes along. I DO go into labor (for the first time on my own!). Unfortunately, she didn't handle the contractions well at all and they ended up doing a c-section. I was happy to have been able to feel the excitement and anticipation of her finally coming, unlike my other to. But by the time they did the c-section, I was REALLY ready for them to numb me. I went through hours of labor for them to do that–and from the time they told me it would be a c-section to the time they actually did it, I was in horrible pain and I was a little upset because I thought, "I KNOW I'm not having the baby vaginally, so just numb me already!!!"
Anyways, I so wish it had worked. But I know that I tried, and I got to experience going into labor, which was new. My doctor says that after two c-sections, hardly anyone will consider doing a V-bac, so I guess I'm stuck. If we have more (which hopefully we will, at least one).
GOOD LUCK!
First off — CONGRATS! It seams like everyone in blogland is announcing pregnancies this week. (which I can't lie kinda makes me a little sad since hubby and I have been trying for months now!) But never mind that. I do look forward to seeing your pictures along the way, and any tutorials you've got in the works for maternity clothes! Hopefully by the time all you crafty people think up crafty ways to cover that bump I'll have one too (again)! BTW I'm sure you've seen this but here's an awesome maternity shirt tutorial I saw today: http://megannielsen.com/2010/02/wrap-maternity-top.html Enjoy!
I am really happy to see you are looking into a VBAC! There are so many great stories, websites ands blogs full of inspiration and support. More often than not there is no reason for a woman not to have one! My first birth was less than what I wanted and I always felt short changed. I really did my homework the next time and stood my ground…10 years after my first birth I got the birth I wanted and can't put into words just how healing it was.
Do your research, trust yourself and stick to your guns! Good Luck!
I've had four lovely daughters and 4 c-sections, but not for lack of trying!
Number 1 ended up being an emergency c-section after 20 hours of natural labor my sweet little one just couldn't take it anymore and they took her by c-section fast. My recovery was hard, mostly do to the labor and c-section.
Number 2 I went the VBAC route. However, they give you a lot less wiggle room. I labored naturally for about 12 hours, and the babies heart rate just kept dipping to low. So they again did a c-section.
Number 3 we just scheduled the c-section. It was easy, and the recovery was great. So much easier to do when you haven't gone through labor first!
Number 4 was 7 weeks early and another emergency c-section, she would have been a scheduled c-section had she not been early. Recovery was hard on this one but not because of the c-section but because of a slew of other issues that came up.
I think you should try it! But from experience be mentally prepared that it may not work and you have to have a practitioner you trust to make the call. I had a midwife/doc combo which was the only way they'd let me try and even though my result wasn't a VBAC my experience was still superb.
I have had two boys, and i remember being so scared to have a 'natural' birthing process. i remember actually hoping that i would have a c-section so that i could take 'the easy way out'. thank you so much for writing this and helping me see the difficulties that come with having a c-section. i never saw the other side. i appreciate the insight. i hope you are able to have a VBAC, and congratulations on your pregnancy!
I can't speak personally about Vbacs, because I was fortunate enough to just have 2 pretty smooth vaginal deliveries, but one of my friends, blogged about her experience….. if you are interested……
http://baby.thefriedmans.net/
I hope that you find a doctor that supports your decision for a VBAC… and remember that it is YOUR decision! VBACs are not recommended for women who have had a traditional (vertical) incision in the past, this increases the risk of uterine rupture. However, transverse (side to side) incisions carry a much smaller risk. Additionally, they don't like to induce you (or augment your labour) with pitocin or any of those other fun things if you're doing a VBAC (this also increases the risk of rupture), so if you end up going past term, they'll likely recommend a c-section again. What usually happens is they set a date on or close to your due date as the baby's deadline: if Chum Chum hasn't made their appearance by that time, they may schedule a section.
Bottom line is – if you're low risk, have a small baby and go into labour on your own, you're probably okay to push for your VBAC. Find a doctor who you trust who is going to tell you both sides of the story…
Congratulations on your new baby!!
I have a 19 month old & will be having another one in about 6 weeks. (Still can't always believe it! :)) With my son, I ended up with a c-section because he wasn't dropping down, low amniotic fluid & my labor just wasn't progressing. I felt like you do. I had been so excited to have as natural as a birth as possible…and then got the complete opposite.
When I got pregnant with my second, I talked about it with my dr, who I totally trust and he flat out told me that it was an insurance issue. He thought a VBAC would be safe for me…but the hospital where he delivers doesn't like them.
It would all depend on when I went into labor. If it was during the day, it wouldn't be a problem, but if it was at night…then we could run into issues. Our insurance requires a surgical staff on hand in case anything went wrong during labor. Because I do not live in the biggest of towns, our hospital doesn't have an anesthesiologist on staff all night. Their is one on call…but not always in the building. My friends who are nurses at that hospital have told me that really…someone is never far away – but it is an insurance issue. If we drove to the 'big city' about 45 min away a VBAC wouldn't be a problem b/c it is a larger hospital with a bigger staff. But, I really like my dr & don't want to switch. I think it is all totally crazy…but after talking with my husband we decided to just schedule a c-section.
I admit I am not super excited abut the recovery – but with my son I had been in labor for 36 hours before the c-section and I was beat. But this time, I won't have labor pains on top of surgery pains. Maybe by the next kid the policy will be changed & I won't need another c-section. 🙂
Good luck with your pregnancy! And I would think that being in the DC area, they would have a large enough hospital staff to take care of a VBAC. 🙂
Congrats to you and Kane on the new addition 🙂
I found your blog through Kane's twitter and I have since been looking through all of your crafts and you are sooo talented and creative! I too am from Tampa but moved to DC area to finish school at American University and I listen to the Kane show every morning on my way to school 🙂
Anyway, I don't personally have experience with VBAC, but my mom did it with my younger sister. I was an emergency C-section and 3 years later my mom had my sister naturally and she didn't die. I think you should go with your instincts, you seem to have pretty amazing mommy instincts 🙂
I can't wait to try some of your recipes that I snagged and make some cute baby crafts for my cousin who is getting ready to have a baby!
That's very big of you. I had my first last February – via vaginal birth. But I had been so sick the week before and was in serious pain that they admitted me and put me on pain killers. They told me I never actually had contractions (though it sure felt like I was) and she was out within 40 minutes. It wasn't really what I expected it to be – probably because my fiance was sick and not allowed in the room, my mother's boss wouldn't let her leave work and my godmother got there 1 minute too late (literally). So it was just me, the doctor and 2 nurses in the room the whole time.
I had a VBAC almost 10 yeas ago and it was such a wonderful experience. I had a much needed section with my first, and then had the VBAC with my second.
I was blessed that VBAC was really a non issue when my second was born.
It was a whole new and amazing birth. It had it's hard parts and what not, but I find it was much preferable.
I hope and pray that you are able to have a VBAC and don't have to fight too hard.
hi, i've had one VB and 2Csections…i would of loved to try and have the last 2 normal but it didn't happen..the first one was emergency so it was scary, i was rushed, my hubby barely made it in, i don't remember holding my son, etc. but the 2nd one (my dr was against trying vaginally because of all the risks and b/c it was only 2 yrs apart anyways back to the point..the second one was planned so it was a much more wonderful experience! they even had music playing, my hubby was with me..i held my daughter and took pics. (now i hate c-sections too..they're much more painful in my case w/ the recooperating part but hey, if we can't help it then we have to just embrace it and stop feeling guilty over it (i felt like that for a while)we brought healthy children into this world and that's all that matters!! Blessings and best wishes!!
My first was a c-section, after 28 hours of labor. My second was a VBAC, and let me tell you, it was great!! I had an epidural and the labor was shorter (9 hours). The best thing about VBAC was the recovery time. It was great being able to walk around 30 minutes after giving birth. Then I planned on #3 going VBAC but the dr. was against it and the hospital actually wouldn't allow them so I had c-section. Recovery time was much better than the first c-section!!! I've heard that that is common. I would, personally, shoot for a VBAC, if I were you, but be prepared for a c-section. But you are the only one who can decide what is right for you. Good luck!! And no matter how your baby arrives in the world, as long as he/she is healthy it won't matter in the long run.
Hello. I HAD A VBAC!! It was wonderful! The pain was nothing compared to the aftermath of a c-section. I started contractions on sunday night. Got up and called my dr when it was time. I checked into the hospital on monday morning. I labored and finally delivered on wednesday night at 5:40. There was some pain involved with contraction. My doctor had me on a very light petocin drip. There was some pain involved with pushing… but there was never the same level of pain that i had after having having my c-section. That is what i kept telling myself all thru the delivery and it worked!! good luck and have your VBAC!!!!!
Good luck,
Tiffany
tiffanymaria2@hotmail.com
I love your blog, and don't typically comment, but I couldn't resist this topic! I had a natural delivery with my daughter that ended up her tearing my entire vaginal canal, and after over 1000 stitches, um down there, I couldn't sit for a long time. (she came out with her fist by her shoulder, so like, double wide!) I lost half my blood and almost died. That was horrific and I have tons of vaginal scar tissue, but I ended up getting pregnant with my 2nd 9 months later.
So, after discussing with my doc the possibilities of tearing down there again, and due to other complications during pregnancy (partial bedrest) we opted for the elective c-section for safety reasons. It was easier than my horrific first delivery, but the c-section itself was not fun, and quite scary as I was awake for it. The recovery was rough, especially with a 18 month old.
I have had 2 friends who had VBAC's very successfully and loved it! But it needs to be monitered carefully! Don't have a VBAC with a midwife please! That would be so risky! There IS risk as you said, so at least make sure you go to a doc who can do a c-section if needed.
Anyway, that's my experience, I hope it all goes well for you ! I would love to be "normal" and have an easier delivery, but it just won't happen. I guess I figured it didn't really matter how she got here as long as I got her here! Best of luck on a hard decision!
I have had 3 c-sections. Part of me wishes that I could of have a normal birth. But, God didnt make me that way. I couldnt deliver my children that way. At least, not safely. I also had so much scar tissue that, I couldnt even consider the VBAC. And, in the end, who cares how you get them here. As long as they are safe, and healthy, thats all that matters!
I had a very scary section with my first and attempted a vbac with my second (14 months after my first was born) My doc was completely cool with it but def let me know of the risks involved. But I was a great canidate for a vbac since things started naturally for me and a section was due to my daughter not having any oxygen! Long story short…I highly, I repeat, HIGHLY recommend getting a doula who is aware of vbacs and able to coach you thru things! I had a doula and requested nurses that dealt with vbac patients before!!! It was great because I was very closely monitored and my doula was able to help me get thru a lot! I did not end up with a vbac…I was in pre labor with contractions every three minutes, went to hospital and was not making much cervical change, at my next appt. they noticed i had low fluids so I was admitted…so that's when they were pushing pit on me…did that for six hours with no meds and still no progress. I kept trying pit for a couple of days and nothing…so I gave in and wanted my boy out! I wish you all the luck!!!! Stay positive and listen to your body!! That's the only advice I can give.
Good Luck 🙂
Makayla
I don't have personal experience with a VBAC, but I have several friends that have had very empowering VBACs, both in a hospital setting and at home with a CNM attending. They've all told me that the ICAN (International Cesarean Awarness Network) website was very helpful. TheUnnecesarean.com is another resource.
Good luck with your journey! Birth is powerful, but the secret is: so are you!
First of all, I just want to say how grateful I am for modern medicine. Many c-section are not necessary, but fortunately it is availble for those who need it. I had 2 vaginal deliveries, 1 emergency c-section, 2 v-bacs and 1 scheduled c-section. My second natural delivery was sooo much better than the first and my 2nd c-section was soooo much better than the first. I will say that the v-bacs were the best becaust I had an epidural for them! If v-bac is an option you want to try, do it. If you have to have another c-section, don't feel like you failed. You still did the hard work of being pregnant for nine months.
Hi Natasha! I passed along a blog award to you here: http://myfourmonkeysproductreviews.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-blog-awards-thank-you.html. Come check it out! Thanks for the great blog!
~Angie
http://myfourmonkeys.com
Seriously glad that you posted this… with our next pregnancy I am hoping for a VBAC as well.. its good to read everyone else's stories… and thoughts… I actually switched drs after my daughters birth… simply because I felt I was induced with no real reason (wan't late, they thought she might be big.. but really didn't know) and even after cervidil and inducing and breaking my water I only dilated to 2cm… I just think my monkey wasn't ready… hoping to wait till the right time next time! Thanks again girl… good luck…..
Natasha-I personally had 2 vaginal births so I am not familiar with c-sections or vbacs. But if you are wanting a vbac, that is awesome. I would hate to have a c-section just because I have heard the complications afterwards with recovery and not getting to hold or take care of your baby right away. (That would make me so sad.)
A good friend of mine does her births in water and with a nurse/midwife. She praises it and says it is the best way to deliver naturally (if you decide natural is good for you).
I personally had my first naturally and my second with an epidural. (No one should have to feel like a knife is being shoved up your spine!)
The best advice I can give is to talk to your doctor and explore your options. Good luck!
Hi there! I have just subscribed to your blog and thought that I would reply to your post (though it is a few days late!). I have personally been down this road before, except I had a perfectly normal vaginal birth first, then had to have an emergency ceaser for my 2nd (she did not progress like she should have and was getting a little distressed), so I knew what I was 'missing out on'. I have since had 4 kids (yep – 6 all up) since by vaginal birth (with drugs and without) and I loved each and every experience (all different in their own ways). My doc with my 3rd was not at all concerned with me having a VB, because Moo was an emergency. When it came to having my 6th, i started having a few minor issues with the rest of my body, but not my scar (apart from a bit of itching as it stretched and all that!) *my two bob's worth here* I have read your last post and I think you should just be careful. You have so many comments here encouraging you and please consider this just yet another. Seriously – if you get the chance to go down the road of a VB, then you will find it a hard, but very rewarding one! The differences between c-sections and VB are great, but in the end there is the same result. However way it is 'done', it should be the best way for Mum and baby.
http://www.thepinkkit.com/
I've read a lot of rave reviews saying how good this kit is (for VBAC and not). I haven't personally put it to the test yet; I've got a few months to go. But with everything positive I have read, especially concerning people who have used it for VBAC, I thought I would pass it along.
I had a successful VBAC with baby #2 after #1 had her cord around her neck and needed a c-section to make it out. I have to say that my Dr. was the single biggest factor in making it through labor. Since I had not had the full experience of labor I still had the jitters on top of worrying about a repeat c-section. You have to find a staff who will encourage you the whole way. If you have negative experiences every few weeks at your pre-natal appts. you will not have the confidence you need, whether it is a VBAC or your first delivery. My VBAC baby was born on my Dr.'s day off but I knew that if anyone questioned me I could say I had her stamp of approval and I was prepared to use it if a nurse or other Dr. gave me trouble. Luckily, no one did since I delivered at a VBAC-friendly hospital and my baby was born with no interventions three hours after I arrived at the hospital.
After you find a supportive Dr. get educated on the subject. Don't read all the scary stories but know the risks so you have an idea of what to look for. Keep posting here if you need support, because you will, and maybe find an online group to go to with your questions. You have a healthy attitude and are obviously open to whatever is best for your baby so you will be fine either way. Good luck!
i had two vbacs after a c-section. i wont go into details about the first preg and the c-section but the vbacs were great and i had absolutely no problem. i had epidurals with both vag births and it was painless and easy for both. so, so, so, so much better than the c-section in every way. if your doctor is supportive, DO IT!!!!!!! email me if you want specifics cindosha@comcsat.net..
cindy
You have got to check out this blog:
http://latina.com/blogs/mami-diaries/my-super-vagina.
Carla is a Latina mom that has blog on Latina Magazine. On the link above she talks about her experience having a vbac.
I am addicted to you guys. I think you're so talented. I'm not a mom, yet, but ttc. So wish me luck. Congratulations on your pregnancy.
-Awilda-
Check out The Business of Being Born…it's a really cool documentary about American healthcare, specifically prenatal and labor care. It's on Netflix, or I'm sure you could find it at Blockbuster or your local library.
Or if you're really serious, do some research and see if a birth center or home birth is right for you. A midwife would usually be very supportive of a VBAC. I've had two natural, drug-free births in a hospital setting, and didn't get much support from my doctors or nurses (thank God for my amazing husband!). We're doing a home birth next time.
However your new baby enters this world, you are very blessed! I wish you a wonderful pregnancy and birth experience!
I had a successful VBAC back in April 2009 here in VA.
It was a huge healing experience for me, suddenly that big chip on my shoulder about having a C was gone. poof. but let me say this: natural labor hurts like MFH and it is so worth it. I had a great doc down in woodbridge, VA – we delivered at Potomac Hospital. i know you're in DC metro area too.
best advice a friend gave me: get a doula.
i did and i feel like our doula was worth every penny (and ben franklin) we paid her. she was a real advocate for us in L&D, she built strong rapport with the docs and the nurses and they more or less didn't hassle me over little things like the constant monitoring because they saw quickly that the doula was keeping tabs on it. Doulas have been there, done that, know what's happening and can often offer up alternatives when the docs get conservative on you. My doula was the one who helped me stay calm, supported my husband in helping me deal with the pain and she's the one who KNEW it was time to push (just by watching me) and made the nurses check me.
my personal goal was to have a VBAC, unmedicated if possible, but i'd take anything short of a C. the recovery is much easier and also very different, other parts of you are gonna be wacked out for a while, but let me tell you, i was practically dancing in the halls not 3 hours after having that baby and i felt so energized unlike the morphine high from 3 years prior.
if you want the full scoop i am happy to share it with you. a very good friend on mine out in CA just had a VBAC too. so you go girl you can do it! but don't forget, no matter how you have that baby, the hard part isn't the pregnancy or the delivery it's the parenting part. so do a trial of labor and however you have that baby, you lucky gal, YOU HAVE A BABY!
Just discovered your blog and I'm kinda working my way backwards. 🙂
I had a section with my first after a drug free LONG labor and LONG pushing experience that wasn't really going anywhere. I had been induced at 16 days overdue (something I still wonder if I had held off on might have made this experience different/better) because the docs had terrified me that I would end up with a dead baby if I waited longer for labor to start on its own.
With my second I left my former practice (at my doctor's suggestion . . . she knew that I wanted a VBAC and knew her practice enough to know that it was 50/50 whether they would really stick with me through it when crunch time came). It was the best decision I ever made! I labored at home up until I was 5 minutes apart, went to the hospital (kind of a crazy ride over . . . not gonna lie), and my son was born naturally and without drugs 4 hours later.
You can so do this! People that rock sections over and over again because they think they're "easier" are NUTS. Having done it both ways I can definitely say both the birthing process and the recovery were a MILLION percent better doing it the natural way.
Wow – I have felt the same way since my son was born. After 15 hours of labor (contractions and pushing) and trying the vacuum twice with no luck, I ended up having a c-section. There was pain, but it wasn't as bad as some of these ladies. I always assumed I would have another c-section. But the more I learn about VBAC, the more I think I want to try for a vaginal birth.
I know I'm very late finding this post and replying, but I would like to THANK YOU. It's nice to hear other people's opinions and experiences. I felt kind of alone and guilty about my feelings. Now, I realize it's normal.