VBAC success stories

[LadyPug]

I had my consultant appt this week and he explained that the main issue with our last birth was that baby’s head turned to the side and effectively got stuck, he said it was just bad luck and could have happened to anyone. So he is positive about VBAC for us and I would like to give this a go. What are my chances? Have others had successful VBAC stories?

My first was elbow presentation and we've always thought he was probably sucking his thumb and twirling his hair which is what he continued to do for the next 5 (?) years. The other babies weren't so awkward...

Thanks peppar that’s so useful to know! I should have lied! I really don’t mind going over too much, just want as little medical interference as possible! Oh I’m so glad jinglesplodge I hope you get the birth you want. My consultant said it’s quite rare to get the turned head position in two consecutive births so fingers crossed!

Sorry stocksund meant to tag you! Thank you :-)

I had a C-section in 2010 with my first baby after painful induction/24 hours of labour/failure to progress.
In 2013, expecting no. , I was very keen for natural birth and after some discussion/meetings consultant agreed I could go to the midwife led unit and use birth pool at my local hospital - for me this was ideal as full labour ward and operating theatre were just upstairs if anything went wrong. In the end, I was only in MLU for 4 hours before moved up for drip. In the I got my VBAC by the skin of my teeth, in the operating theatre fully prepped for another section if forceps hadn't worked. The wee one got his arm in the way and was born with his shoulder and arm up by his head (ouch!). But I'm so glad I avoided another section and felt I'd given my body every chance of a 'normal' delivery with interventions a last resort.
Now expecting number 3 at the end of January and hoping things go even more normal/natural this time. Pushing again for MLU and birth pool, which has always been my birth plan, even if things have never gibe anything like to plan. I'd hate to feel i hadn't tried.
A book I found helpful was the VBAC handbook. Sets out lots of facts about risks and birth stories, albeit by a couple of supportive practitioners. Also reading NICE guidelines and Royal college of obstetrians guidelines (boring!) really made me feel more informed and empowered. I turned down being put on the drip or coming into hospital for monitoring in 2013 after my waters broke, for example, as I was already having regular contractions - don't think I would have ever done that if I hadn't read the facts/stats about the risks for myself in the cold light of day rather than the heat of the moment. I think the key is being open minded rather than fixed about what's going to happen, listening to advice but making your own informed opinion, and giving yourself the best chance for VBAC while being flexible about moving away from the plan if it's not working. And finding supportive midwives/doctors/hospitals - moving elsewhere is always an option.
Sorry for the hugely long post! And good luck to everyone trying for a VBAC!

I was mega mega mega induced with DS2 after a c/s for distress with augmentation with DS1.

With hindsight (birth injuries and a distressed baby who ended up in SCBU) I wish I’d had a second c/s. But if I had I’m sure I’d feel that I wish I’d tried harder for a VBAC.

Unless the VBAC goes amazingly well you’ll doubt it was the right option. It’s hard having to make an active choice.