Am I mad to want a VBAC?

[jujupupu]

First child was an EMCS, and I will have a 22 month gap, currently pregnant with baby number 2. Had my heart set on a VBAC, but so many people end up with an EMCS, I'm starting to think is it worth it and should I just elect a CS. I didn't labour with my first, she was an EMCS due to reduced movement, so part of me wants to experience labour. Am I mad?

I dont think you’re mad at all. This is really the safest opportunity for a VBAC. If you elect for another section any further deliveries will be much higher risk for VBAC and you may find that you’ll be very strongly advised not to.

Yes there's a chance you’ll end up emergency c section again but you’ve already been there so know what’s ahead if that does happen.

on the other hand an elective c section is much more relaxed and a much nicer experience. You’ll have a date which makes organising child care so much easier. Generally, most women find the recovery easier too. It’s a much more controlled experience.

I suppose the main thing is would you regret not taking the opportunity and be sorry after? Pros and cons to both options but you’re not mad to want to try.

Very best of luck whatever you decide

DC2 I was so so keen for a VBAC but didn’t get one in the end. Despite pleading while being wheeled into theatre. I’m glad they ignored me as it was a medical emergency.

however do I regret trying for my VBAC? Absolutely not!! I’m so glad I advocated for myself, tried birth centre, got to 9cm. Did everhing I wanted to. Was on all fours with just gas and air.

now having my third baby and 3rd c section (first electrive) I won’t try for a vba2c as it’s too risky for me personally. But dam right I gave my VBAC a good shot and no regrets

I had one and it was the best thing ever. I had another emcs with dc3 and I'm so glad I had the vbac in between. I have such positive memories of it and still think of it often.

Because some people really can't help themselves, they will probably say you are. Why would you not want the calm organised C-section? Why would you want to go through the pain of labour, if it's more likely you'll have another C-section? 🙄

But I think you are certainly not mad to want to try. I know should I ever have a third (2nd was a C-section) I would definitely attempt a VBAC. An elective C-section holds little allure to me, and I would certainly regret not trying. Journey before destination and all that. Others' experience is not yours, and wanting to see if you can should be supported, not ridiculed.

Absolutely worth trying, especially as your c section wasn't due to lack of progress in labour. However you could find this baby has the same slowing of movements or is breach etc and I'd make my peace with that if I were you. Best to think IF you get to wait for labour then you'll go for vbac. And then if that doesn't happen you've kind of worked on accepting it iyswim. Just so disappointing if you have your heart set on vbac and baby has other ideas.

Of course not! Quicker recovery and better for baby. Who would call you mad?

My first was an Emergency C Section after failure to progress - 36 hours of labour and pushing but he was coming down at an angle so his head got stuck (big baby). Went for a VBAC for #2 22 months later and had a faster labour (5 hours!) but babys shoulders got stuck - they had to shove him back up the birth canal before delivering by section. Was so desperate for a VBAC with # 3 that I lied about my dates - went a week over true due date before elective section which was no less traumatic tbh and had no shorter recovery time than the emergency ones.

I'm also wondering the same question @jujupupu! I'm 36+4 today and have an elective booked in for 23rd Dec, just in case, but I'm hoping for a spontaneous labour before then. I wouldn't say I have my heart set on a VBAC, but I'm trying to do what I can to prepare for one!

I had an ELCS at 39+4 due to breech last time, and didn't labour, so for me it's totally uncharted territory too. Mostly I'm tempted by the possibility of an easier recovery with my toddler in tow, even though I had a very straightforward time of it with my ELCS. It's hard to know if I'm just setting myself up for failure in the worst way, but I figure if baby doesn't show by himself, I have until 22nd Dec to decide!