Considering not having an elective section after all and trying for a VBAC

[Byrdofparadise]

I had an EMCS last time and while I didn’t find the recovery too bad, I am very conscious this isn’t a given and I’m a bit worried about struggling with recovery while I have a lively toddler and a newborn to care for!

The section is not yet booked (I am 38 + 5) so I’m not committed to a date. Part of me is wondering if I should just let nature take its course but I’m also conscious that going over my due date could be risky and I definitely don’t want to be induced. Breast feeding is also important to me and I am concerned an EMCS could compromise this.

I’m genuinely feeling very uncertain and would welcome any thoughts.

Can't speak about VBAC, but my first was vaginal + forceps & episiotomy, then my second was emergency section. I found the recovery from the c section much easier than from the episiotomy. C section didn't affect breastfeeding either - again easier than post-episiotomy because sitting was more comfortable.

This is what I’m scared of to be honest! It’s the uncertainty - a section seems more in my control somehow.

I had an elective following EMCS and it was like night and day. I felt great after, I was back driving at 10 days PP, no issues or real pain, and DD2 was feeding before we even left the operating theatre! Obviously that's just one experience, though. I have very fond memories of my ELCS though.

Thanks - I didn’t find the recovery after the EMCS too bad but i also know it isn’t a given and of course I didn’t have a toddler to care for then!

I didn't find EMCS that bad either, but was still amazed by how easy I found the ELCS recovery. I had a 3yo at that point and I didn't find it difficult physically at any point particularly. I felt more mobile than I had in the last month of pregnancy almost immediately!

I had an EMCS and a VBAC two years later. VBAC and recovery were a walk in the park compared to the EMCS.

I was similar. For DC2, I booked a planned section for 39+5 (the point at which baby was predicted to be "big" and more high risk) but said I'd try a VBAC if baby came earlier. I'd had a good section experience with DC1 and absolutely did not want to be induced again so felt like this was the best of both. Baby did come earlier. Ended up with a few stitches for minor second degree tear but all straightforward.

Recovery wasn't as easy as I thought it would be from what everybody says e.g. took painkillers all through the first week and was shuffling around. But it's so much quicker and being more mobile was great for my toddler. Two weeks on, I feel myself.

P.S. breastfeeding has been so much easier this time round but don't know how much of that is VBAC rather than second time round/different baby. With DC1, my supply never properly came in despite pumping and feeding so was mixed fed. DC2 has been EBF so far.

I would go to birth choices appointment at the hospital. What I would like to know is what percentage of vbac happen safely. If only eg 10% I wouldn't want to labour for hours and then have a c section anyway.

I have elective c section so plan to do the same again if I have more kids one day.

I had a VBAC after an EMCS.
You should be able to talk through your options and consider all the pros and cons of each. One thing to remember is that they only do (or only did at my hospital) a balloon induction so that you don't get super strong contractions.
I tore but was still able to go out with both DS1 and 2 for a walk with the pram when I came home rather than having the slower CS recovery.

I had VBAC. Recovery was much better than my c section but I was very poorly after my c section.

I was told VBAC success rate often depends on why you had an EMCS.

I’ve just had my VBAC birth choices appt and she gave me a rough estimate of 70% chance of successful VBAC so I think I will go ahead but if it was a lot lower I might be more on the fence.

just to note I had a really easy breastfeeding journey after an emergency c at 38 weeks so it’s not always a problem