Vbac experiences both successful and unsuccessful

[Ginandshinythings]

Hi ladies
I'm really looking for your experiences of a vbac, both successful and unsuccessful.
If the latter, why was that and what happened.
My first baby was induced labour, forceps and then an emergency c section. My recovery was really tough.
This morning I had a call with a consultant, up until the call I was set on an elective, had done my research. However hearing a professional discuss the risks and mention death has totally thrown me and I can feel the sense of panic and fear creeping in again.
I will be back later today to read responses, thank you in advance.
Tracy.

I successfully had 2 after my first c section and very glad i did!! X

Hi @Rose1921 congratulations! Can I ask how big the gap was between your c section and vbac? Mine will be almost three years.

The gap was 5 years and then I had another vbac two years after that x

I had a VBAC, I first asked for an elective then was swayed

Wish I hadn’t been

A lot depends on the reason for your previous section. I had a VBAC following an emergency section with DC1 due to an awkward presentation which wasn't discovered until I was fully dilated.

I recovered well from the section but decided to go for a VBAC the second time round as it was still major surgery and I wasn't out and about as normal for a few weeks. I thought recovery from a vaginal delivery might be better with a toddler round. As it turns out, they wouldn't even consider me for a planned section at my hospital as I had reached full dilation in my first labour.

The birth was not very pleasant and I ended up in theatre for stitches anyway due to a 3c tear. However, despite this my recovery was still much quicker than after the section so for me I think it was the right decision.

In your case, maybe you could ask for a a C-section in the event of needing another induction, given your bad experience the first time round?

@pitterpatterrain

I had a VBAC, I first asked for an elective then was swayed

Wish I hadn’t been

Can you say why?

(I am also considering VBAC, but honestly hate prospect of either option)

No advice but here to follow.

My DD born New Year’s Eve 2019, so just over a year ago was by ‘planned’ c section due to placenta failure and being only 4lbs. - I hated the whole thing even thought it was calm. My recovery was normal and had no infections ect and healed well but my mental health was awful with worry and pain. I want to try for a vbac but I’m unsure as I’ve never experienced labour ect.

Thank you so far, it's the fear of the unknown. Today's consultant said he couldn't recommend vbac or c section as they both come with their own risks. However, I was referred to a private hospital for vagina pains because of the forceps and he told me to absolutely take a c section next time round. Of course I would love to go natural, I got to fully dilated and pushing stage when my son decided he wasn't coming out. That's what scares me, going through all that again to face another section. I also gave this huge huge fear of sepsis being undetected, which I know is unlikely but a local lady died after a section because of that and it has stayed with with.

Have not gave*

OP I'm in a similar position trying to decide between an ELCS or a VBAC. My DD ended up in quite a calm relaxed EMCS as I failed to progress. I recovered really well and it wasn't a terrible experience so I do feel better the devil I know in this respect. On the other hand there's no denying that CS is major surgery and do I really want to be recovering from major surgery with a toddler and a newborn if there's the possibility I could have a vaginal birth with a much quicker recovery. I've sort of reached a compromise decision which I'm happy with and my consultant has scheduled me for an ELCS on my due date but if I go into labour beforehand which I did with my first then I'm hoping to attempt a VBAC.

@ArtfulScreamer I think that may be my plan forward, il be scanned at 36 weeks to check in on baby's size and if nearer the ten pound mark again advised elective I believe. If only we had a crystal ball.