VBAC vs ELCS... your experiences

[phantomhairpuller]

EMCS with DS1, he was in awkward position so no amount of intervention would shift him! Didn't find recovery too difficult at all really other than sitting up from lying position which was uncomfortable for quite a while! Stopped taking painkillers after only a few days as I didn't feel I needed them.
Am now 34 weeks with DS2, have said all along I want VBAC this time but am getting more and more tempted by ELCS. Baby seems to be in much the same position as DS1 was, from what I can tell anyway (I have a big hard bulge under my right rib and another just to the left of my belly button!) I'm worried that I'll have the same problem when it comes to giving birth. I'd much rather opt for a CS than end up being rushed for one as before IYSWIM?
As far as DH is concerned an ELCS is the way to go but he's not the one who will have a 6 week recovery period as well as a toddler and a newborn to look after! Plus, we now live in a village where you NEED a car to get anywhere! And all our family live 40mins away and work full time.
Am seeing my consultant today but just wondered if anyone has any helpful advice or anecdotes.

Anyone?!

How much do you want a vbac?

I had EMCS for 1st baby as I didn't dilate beyond 4cm.
When I was pregnant the next time I just couldn't make a decision re vbac/elcs. I decided I wanted a Vbac but then on my due date I changed my mind so booked in for an ELcS. However I then went into labour so 'gave it a go'.
I ended up with a section which was an amazing experience and very much like an ELCS as I wasn't in fully established labour.

The recovery was much quicker and I barely had any pain and felt able to drive 2 weeks on (although didn't).

Crystal balls would be useful in these situations!

Go with your heart. Would you feel disappointed if you don't try for a vbac or would you like to plan a C section which would be at about 38/39 weeks?Decisions decisions....!

The 6 week recovery is a myth. It might take you 6 weeks, it might take you 2 weeks, or even longer if you're unlucky. The same is true of a vaginal birth involving forceps/ventouse.

What you can do now is plan to get as much help in as possible. Can your dh take 2 weeks paternity leave? Or even longer if he has annual leave saved up?

We live in a village too but I managed it, through a combination of dh taking 2 weeks off, driving again after 3 weeks, and choosing to stay in hospital for 5 days at the start so I got lots of rest ( they wanted to release me after 24 hours but I asked to stay!).

Hi Phantom,

I had an EMCS with DD 2 years ago after a hideous labour. We were both fairly traumatised by events! I decided on a ELCS for DS 3 years later and it was a really lovely experience.

Recovery wise, I found it much easier to recover than first time round as I didn't feel so battered and bruised. I was up and about much sooner and drove after 4 weeks. Can your DH add annual leave onto his paternity leave, are any other family or friends able to help out when they are not at work? I did dread the first few days as we needed a car to get out and about too, but it was fine and hopefully in 6 weeks the weather will be better and you can get into the garden or take a gentle stroll while you recover.

I don't regret my ELCS at all, I don't think I had the stamina (mentally) to go through a VBAC but saying that we'd dearly love a 3rd child but I don't feel able to go for a 3rd section, I know people do, it's just my preference.

Good Luck whatever you decide!

Hi, I had an EMCS with DS1 as I couldn't get dilated past 6cms and I was exhausted and DS1's heartbeat was getting fainter. Anyway, four years on and when pregnant with DS2 I was stressing about the whole thing. For peace of mind, at 36 weeks I decided on an ELCS, I went into labour naturally two days before the date and I said to DH on the way to the hospital if I was progressing ok then I would go for a VBAC......anyway, same thing, my contractions were every two minutes, but my waters hadn't broken and I wasn't even dilated! The theatre was free so I was told they could do an ELCS, so I went for that. I would rather not have, but my gut/body told me that I was heading for an EMCS. If you decide on an ELCS stock up on peppermint tea, painkillers and strong arnica pillules to take, they really make a difference. I was up and about a lot quicker the second time. I hope you get on ok whatever you decide!

Thanks ladies. Having seen obs/gyn consultant today I've decided to go with VBAC. Deep down its what I really want. I've still got reservations but I think that's just nerves! Thanks for all your advice

i wanted a vbac but ended up booking elcs because i went so far over on dates. i went in for the pre-op, had high blood pressure so they kept me in then i went into labour in the night. i ended up with emcs for ftp but had a much more comfortable recovery partly i think because i had already made my peace with the idea of a section iyswim - i found it far less traumatic psychologically. also, second time round i had a much better idea of what to expect even when it all went tits up
anyway, good luck and hope you have a speedy recovery

Phantom, I think sometimes it can be mind over matter. My heart wasn't really into a VBAC and I didn't have the confidence in my body or the staff. You do and I think that's half the battle so hopefully you'll get your VBAC. Good Luck!

Let us know how you get on.

I think the first time is such a shock as no one expects to end up with a c section.

Also the 2nd time you know what to expect a bit more when it comes to labour.

I had a VBAC after an EMCS due to breech with DD1. In spite of a very quick labour with DD2, I ended up with episiotomy and forceps so less than perfect but still better than another section. The episiotomy became slightly infected and I had a couple of weeks of antibiotics plus sitting down was very painful for a good 2 to 3 weeks. Having said that, I could pick up my toddler no problem and sit up from lying down no problem. I'm glad I had the VBAC and in spite of the difficulties would definitely say that it was preferable to having another section.

Good luck