Vbac

[Dustywillow]

Has anyone got successful vbac stories? I feel that most people want a planned section after having one wether it be emergency or whatever with the first baby.

But for me the thought of a section terrifies me. I had a traumatic birth with me first and a c section was the last thing I wanted and ended up as an emergency and being put to sleep, the recovery was awful I have never felt so sore and helpless in my life.

So this time around would love to try for a vbac but I never hear of anyone being successful. Any stories would be appreciated

Thanks xx

Not me but my Step mum had a successful VBAC. She didn't have any problems, and was perfectly fine and happy with the delivery from what I remember of her saying. No problems for her at all :)

No I've never heard of anyone being successful personally. Had a friend try for vbac (after EMCS on first) and ended with another EMCS... said she wishes she'd just had an ELCS. Also she said she hadn't realised how low her chances of being successful were. Worth having that conversation with the consultant regarding the statistics either way.

Good luck with it, but I personally will be going for ELCS on my next one as I would hate to go through another EMCS. ELCS can be very calm and positive experiences...

Hi Dustywillow our first births sound similar- I also had an emcs under GA. Was v traumatic and sobbed going into surgery.

Subsequently had a VBAC this year. Did need to have instrumental assistance (ventouse)+ episiotomy as labour was very quick and baby was in distress but this didn't have anything to do with the fact I'd previously had c section.

Recovery was quicker for vbac and could do a lot more for myself immediately afterwards but healing of episiotomy took longer and was harder than I expected (not worse than c section though) labour was still traumatic because baby in distress and needed care on scbu afterwards.

My DSIS had successful vbac after an initial elcs for first (breach) baby.

I really strongly wanted to try for a vbac and despite the difficulties am happy I went for this option.

Also I think chances of successful VBAC vary depending on reasons for original c section and what happened in your previous labour (if you went into labour). In my first labour I was fully dilated before having to have c section so was advised that had good chance of successful vbac due to that.

Also your hospital should have stats on vbac you can ask for.

I had an ELCS for dc1 then 3 straightforward vbacs for dc2-4.

No intervention for any of them. Monitored for dc2, not enough time for dc3 and active(?) monitoring for dc4 (i could walk around etc). Dc2 was the longest hospital stay (7 days).

I tore with each and it did take a while to recover, possibly comparible with dc1 recovery.

But I do think from talking with people, ELCS recovery is generally easier than EMCS.

I had a successful vbac for my ds2. I had an emcs with ds1 due to breech which only became apparent when I was fully dilated so I had laboured. Vbac with ds2 was entirely straightforward and had a very smooth recovery afterwards. I too did not want another cs.

I've since gone on to have a elcs with ds3. I found the elcs experience to be different again. Much calmer and less tiring than an emcs and also the recovery was much easier than from emcs.

I think having a successful vbac very much depends on the reasons for ur emcs but I know other women who have had successful vbacs too so they definitely are possible!

I found this website very useful when preparing for DC2s arrival: www.which.co.uk/birth-choice

It gives you information on your local hospital/birth unit in terms of successful vbac rates, etc. It helped confirm in my mind that I'd made the right birth choice for my circumstances.

My sister did. DC1 born emergency CS due to dropping heart rate. DC2 born 3.5y later vbac. Don't know more detail than that though, sorry.

Dd had a beautiful successful VBAC 13 months ago :)

My sister had 3 VBACs with no issues x

My friend had an ELCS with DC1 due to breech, then has had two vaginal deliveries since, both at home in a water pool.

I think for many it depends on the reason for the c-section. For me, after 3 failed inductions and an EMCS, VBAC is not an option for medical reasons explained by my consultant. But otherwise I wouldn't be put off VBAC if I have another baby.

Thanks for your replies 😊
I see my consultant next week so will ask some question. I feel I will end up with another section as first baby had to be induced as went 2 weeks over. And he was facing the wrong way and they had me pushing before I was ready so everything was so swollen. And he was a big baby at 11lbs so chances are I am going to have another big baby. I suppose though a planned one is better than an emergency

Thanks again x