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Original poster

Does anyone not regret having a vbac?

79 replies

BiscuitLover3678 · 19/01/2022 21:28

Still at TTC stage with my second, but already wondering what I’ll do next time round.

With DC1 I did all sorts of wonderful birth prep and hypnoborthing got me through an incredibly long labour, but the second I got admitted to the delivery suite it went t* up and ended in a section. The section itself was fine and I’d happily have one again (a part of me finds this the way less scary option). I know a Vbac could go wrong and I’ve already been told that I’d need to be consultant led and on the delivery suite if I go for a vbac. I know, I know I could really fight it and go for midwife unit, but I’m not happy enough with the risks considering how it went last time and the fact my scar could rupture.

I don’t really want more trauma and a horrific birth experience but I wonder if I’ll regret not trying.

Please tell me your (honest!) stories. With my first I also really hated the internal examinations so that didn’t help one bit. I felt like a piece of meat even before the section. The section at least got it done. 🤣

I wish people would talk about it all more!

OP posts:
Original poster
BiscuitLover3678 · 19/01/2022 21:31

I’ve heard people before say they just wish they went for a section so I wonder if vbac really is ever worth it.

OP posts:
RedCandyApple · 19/01/2022 21:32

I tried for one and it failed so yes I wish I hadn’t bothered, obviously if it was successful I probably would have felt differently

AtillatheHun · 19/01/2022 21:33

Hell no. I am profoundly grateful that I didn’t have to argue for a second section. Planned sections are a walk in the park compared to emergency scrabbling and hauling. They’re a great tho g.

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Frederica852 · 19/01/2022 21:33

I had a section first time and when I looked at the vbac Vs second section option it was a no brainer for me. Section all the way

gemloving · 19/01/2022 21:33

I tried to have a VBAC, unsuccessfully but don't regret it. I felt brave for trying again and it helped me knowing I tried.

Nothing wrong with choosing not to have a VBAC and go straight for planned cesarean.

There is no right or wrong, you do you mama and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It sounds like a planned section is the right choice for you (from what I read) x

Andthebaby33 · 19/01/2022 21:34

Me! I was desperate for a vbac - didn’t want to section recovery again. My second labour was induced for post dates and I was miserable thinking it would def end in emcs again. In the end the labour was extremely quick and I had a natural birth on labour ward. The recovery for me was SO much quicker from the vbac so it was worth it for me Smile

onlyreadingneverposting8 · 19/01/2022 21:34

I had a vbac for my 2nd baby (after emcs) and went on to have 6 more vbac babies. My 9th was another c section. I have no regrets about my vbacs or my c sections (except my first, which was a completely mismanaged induction and labour from beginning to end and left me with ptsd).

FindingMeno · 19/01/2022 21:35

I tried for vbac. It didn't work out for me but I certainly don't regret trying.

ancientgran · 19/01/2022 21:38

I had a long labour ending in EMCS, needed a GA as no time for an epidural. I found the recovery hard. Next one I was nearly 40 with big baby, Consultant wanted me to have a CS and I wanted to try VBAC. So we went that way, also a bit of negotiating as it was a 10lb baby and he wanted to induce but a negotiated a few days and did go into labour.

It wasn't the easiest birth but was only a 5 hr labour and very easy till the last few minutes ending with forceps. I did feel guilty as baby was bruised and battered but for myself the recovery was so much easier.

I don't think there is a right answer but I hope it goes well whatever you decide.

BlueCowWonders · 19/01/2022 21:40

Also think about recovery time. Caesarean is major abdominal surgery- and when you've already got a toddler/ pre-schooler etc you'll want to be back to full strength asap (if you can of course)

I had planned c/s with first, then vbac for second which was ventouse in the end. Then homebirth in a pool for third!

OperationRinka · 19/01/2022 21:41

I had a forceps VB after an EMCS for failure to progress and slight decline in heart rate. It was no fun whatsoever and I certainly didn't get a redemptive and empowering perfect natural birth experience, but it was safe, DC and I came out of it intact, and I was probably more mobile and active quicker than I would have been with a CS. If I had to do it again I'd probably chose an ELCS, but I don't regret choosing VBAC.

It depends why you had your first CS, and also how many subsequent babies you want.

OperationRinka · 19/01/2022 21:45

I wouldn't accept induction for a VBAC though. Definitely ELCS rather than induction.

LiG123 · 19/01/2022 21:48

I REALLY wished for a Vbac but at 36w baby had other ideas so ended planned section and OMG what a different experience to my first. I was so much more mobile even on day 4 the midwife couldn't believe I was siting on the floor playing with dc1

powershowerforanhour · 19/01/2022 21:51

I had a vbac. Wasn't massively pushed either way but I think medium and long term outcomes are statistically a bit better possibly, also being able to drive again soon etc was quite attractive. Having said that the labour was long (again) on syntocin (a-bloody-gain) and for a goodish while in the long dark night of the soul I was hoping the baby would give me a get out of jail free card and tell the midwives that she wanted emcs. She didn't and eventually my mardy ancient cervix finally relented enough to let her out. My uterine wall coped admirably through the whole thing and didn't threaten to tear or anything. The end bit was quick and not as painful as I thought....being thrashed by brutal syntocin contractions for hours and hours was worse.
I got on the gas and air reasonably early, I love that stuff and it doesn't make me nauseous. They let me have it to get Foley balloon put in which made the fiddling more beatable. (Foley sadly was no match for the mardy cervix and did shite all, but it is a good concept).

ChocolateHelps · 19/01/2022 21:53

I booked with home birth team for my VBAC. Was 3 years after planned C section. Went 2 weeks over due so agreed to go in to labour ward. Agreed to ARM and syntocinin. Had a full day of labouring but had a really good day and have very happy memories of her birth.

NoNameIdeas · 19/01/2022 21:53

Another that tried! Ended up with an emergency section second time, but forever grateful the consultant made the decision as the cord was wrapped around baby's neck. Could've been a very different outcome. But I don't for a minute regret trying for a VBAC, it just didn't go to plan!

Gregsprinkles · 19/01/2022 21:54

I had a vbac and wish I hadn't. The process went as badly as my first, but instead of a emcs I had forceps and episiotomy, which was traumatic.

sageandbasil · 19/01/2022 21:54

Ive just had a section after a failed induction. I was absolutely gutted at first but it was a great experience. I'm going to have a planned section for my next. Recovery was hard but some of my friends have had worse recoveries from vbacs

SunflowersInTheShade · 19/01/2022 21:54

Had 2 vbac. Don't regret them at all.
The first vbac was textbook delivery and everything I could have hoped for. The second had a bit more complication, tearing etc but was still all right.
I did stretch to have a doula for both and I think that was critical in having the good labours as I was properly supported.

HotPenguin · 19/01/2022 21:56

I had a VBAC and I'm not sure whether it was the best thing or not to be honest. I ended up having forceps. At the time I was happy and pleased id gone for VBAC. Later I had a prolapse and issues with my episiotomy not healing properly. Sometimes I wish I'd just had a C-section. But of course, I could have had complications with that too, and could still have had prolapse.

I was also very against having examinations due to a traumatic experience in my first labour. The midwives were actually great and didn't give me any examinations they just judged how I was progressing in other ways. The actual labour was really fine, even when I had to go to theatre it was kind of ok. A lot of it is about how supported you are and how far you feel in control of what's happening.

The recovery was definitely much quicker with vbac, even with a load of stitches.

onwardsandupwards22 · 19/01/2022 21:57

I was heavily advised into opting for a second section - as it transpired contractions started and I didn't dilate at all and was kept overnight whilst they waited for a theatre slot. The next morning they came to check dilation (as they did every few hours) and babies heartbeat had dropped and they rushed me in

I do sometimes think I've missed out on that experience but overall I don't think it would've been the stress unless it was guaranteed to be smooth sailing
Which it isn't obviously

TinaYouFatLard · 19/01/2022 21:57

I had a Vbac and wish I’d had another section.

emeraldcity2000 · 19/01/2022 21:58

Another successful vbac but instrumental delivery, episiotomy and tearing. Recovery was a lot easier though and was grateful for that with an older child to think about. I didn't regret it.

powershowerforanhour · 19/01/2022 21:59

"I wouldn't accept induction for a VBAC though. Definitely ELCS rather than induction."

That's what I said then they sweet talked me into trying induction. No pessary allowed for vbac so the Foley was the harmless (but in my case useless) gateway to bastarding syntocin. I suppose it worked in the end but by golly it is brutal stuff. Well I dunno, I have never had proper natural contractions so maybe they're as bad but hell's bells it was hard going.

TeaIsTheCure · 19/01/2022 21:59

I had a VBAC after an EMCS for my first and it was worth it for me for the quicker recovery with a toddler to look after. I was induced too and had an episiotomy and still preferred it.