i dont want to vbac

[Zozey]

I had a reluctant c section (really wanted to experiance childbirth did hypno birthing/yoga etc!)for my first pregnancy as she was breech. I therefore feel a bit of a trator for feeling the way i do now-!
I however had a really brilliant experiance with my c section- recovered and bonded with my daughter really well. It was planned, peaceful and quite beautiful.I dont mean to worry pregnant people but the fact is this was a far cry from my friends recent experiences- 3 of the 9 close ones ended up having emergency c sections and 2 of the others who didnt ended up very traumatised and with nasty long term issues (1 planned c section due to placenta priva and 2 normal deliveries). I am not too posh to push or afraid of pain- (though i dont like the sound of uterine rupture!)but really would like a 2nd section. I have found alot of threads about demanding VBAC and how you should not be pushed into repeat sections- i want to know how i persuade my consultant to agree to a 2nd section.I am seeing her on Friday. Thank you x

It is good if you can get your GP behind you and to write a letter. Make it clear that it is the ONLY option for you. Make sure that you make it clear to the consultant that you understand ALL the options and possible outcomes and stand your ground.

I wanted a second section after a very bad experience first time with failed induction followed by emergency c-section. I had to fight very very hard and it wasn't agreed until about 33 weeks in, and I had to agree to go to the vbac clinic and discuss it. In the end, nature helped me out because a kind consultant found a medical reason to agree to the section, although I think he was partly being kind to me.

A friend at the same hospital got them to agree to a non-medical c-section first time round. Again, they pushed her very hard but did agree.

Depending on your area, you might have to argue it very hard and be prepared to defend your ground, but I do not think (although I may be wrong) that you can be forced to try for a vbac if you do not agree. Good luck.

As you've had a previous C-Section, you probably won't have too much difficulty persuading your consultant that you want a section.

Your friends experiences are not yours though. There is a higher complication rate with caesareans than vaginal deliveries overall. If you are thinking of having any more children after this, I would definitely reconsider VBAC. A repeat caesarean may up your complication risk in subsequent pregnancies.

Just a point on the uterine rupture... the hype about uterine rupture is disproportionate . The risk of rupture during a VBAC is about the same as the risk of placenta praevia during a normal non-VBAC delivery. You have more risk of a shoulder dystocia, cord prolapse, haemorrhage and several other life-threatening complications than of a uterine rupture. No-one worries about those though. The uterine rupture thing just gets trotted out because it is the one thing which is higher risk in a VBAC despite that risk being tiny.

I would think hard about the choice and weigh up your feelings carefully. Don't rush into a caesarean because your friends have scared you.

I may be being a bit naieve, but I think it should be your baby, your choice, after all, you are the one who has to go through it. I had C-Section with my twins at 34 weeks, 5+ years ago. I am now almost 9 weeks and really hoping for a VBAC but am also desperate for a water birth, so who knows if I'll get what I want either!! Best of Luck x

zozey - how did your appointmnet go?

Thank you all for your advice, it has been really helpful.
I did some more research and decided i believe it is best for me, the baby and my dd so was quite sure of my choice on the day of my apppointment.
YEAH!!!!
They were really really brilliant. I explained that i had read loads and understood the pros and cons for each. She was happy that i was informed enough to make a choice. I have a a follow up appointment booked at 36 weeks so the date will be confermed then.
I agree with good life mummy- so long as we are well informed and so long as there are not any specific reasons why a certain choice is dangerous we should have the choice of how we give birth- be it home, Vbac or c section. Good luck to you all x x