If you were me....

[Frazzlerock]

Would you go for a VBAC or ELCS?

13 years ago I had an EMCS

• DS was 12 days late, waters broke but no contractions, induced, DS got stuck, ventous, forceps, EMCS

9 years ago I had a ELCS

• DS2 was breech

Given it is nine years since my last section, what do you think would be the safest for our baby?
DP wants me to have a section as he read a recent study saying they were safer (??)

I am on the fence. In one way, as this will be my last, I'd quite like to try a natural delivery, but I don't want a repeat of DS1. I recovered really well from my sections.
Also, I struggle to produce milk so a natural delivery would help with that.

I've not seen a consultant yet so I've no idea what they will advise.

Hi there i have four DC. First two were natural births (quick & heamorrahaging)

Third baby- csection as baby was breech, my milk didn't come in for five days and had to use formula as a top up until it did but went on to breastfeed for 14 months.

Fourth Baby- (6 weeks ago) i had a planned repeat csection although it was classed as semi emergency as it was done earlier than planned as my waters had gone although labour didn't start, i ummed and arhhed all the pregnancy about VBAC or ELCS, my consultant wasn't too keen on me trying Vbac but said it was my decision and because i had already given birth naturally twice was more likely to be successful.

I did loads of reading about Vbac, watching YouTube videos etc as i really wanted to try but ultimately decided on an ELCS for various reasons but for me it was the practicalities around my other children, having a set date so i could arrange childcare and because i didn't have an awful recovery the first one i knew I'd be ok, i also opted for sterilisation this time round. I was just worried about the feeding and my milk coming in.

Csection went fine and i started BF straight away no supplementing formula, i also started taking pregnacare breastfeeding vitamins on day one... to my surprise my milk came in fully day 3!!! Not sure if that was due to the vitamins and putting baby to breast consistently but i feel personally it was as i never took them first time.

Good luck with whatever you decide x