VBAC or Elecs?

[Rachell1]

First baby was born via emergency c section due to him reacting badly when they started the drip to intensify the contractions (which they rushed and started way too early).

This pregnancy I have been given the choice and not sure what to do. VBAC recovery sounds more appealing (especially considering I have a toddler). However planned c section will mean I should go into it well rested etc.

Just looking for some advice really!!

I've had 2 VBACs. I went into both with the same mindset: see how it goes, but with a lower threshold for transfer to C-section if required.

I found recovery from section awful, recovery from VBAC still not a walk in the park, but so much less painful and quicker.

It's completely up to you. I had two very uncomplicated VBAC, so know I had it relatively easy.

I had a VBAC following an emergency c-section. I spoke to a midwife (who I trusted) and we went through my medical notes to see what had happened in my first delivery and the chances of it happening again.
Of course she couldn't give me any guarantees, but I felt I was able to make an informed choice.
The staff were great and kept a good eye on my scar during labour.
I also went to natural birthing and hypnobirthing classes, mainly to help me feel more prepared and relaxed, which I hadn't done for my first pregnancy.
I really wanted to avoid having to recover from a c- section whilst having a toddler and new born to look after!

Vbac was overall a much better experience for me. The actual birthing bit was painful but it was done in a few hours then I could walk around, have a shower etc. And I felt amazing!

Compared to CS where I was stuck with a catheter and puppy pads under me for what seemed like forever, it was much better. Plus a toddler jumping around your belly after a CS is not fun, I imagine.

I also found vbac healing somehow, if you'd have asked me before I'd have said I was fine about the cs and I knew it wasn't my 'fault' but psychologically vbac was relieving and rewarding, make it that what you will!

I had planned for a VBAC but ended up with a ELCS. I can't compare as I have only had c sections but I found a planned c section a positive experience. Childcare was sorted, I could prepare for the date and time afterwards, the recovery was not too bad - I was up and about (moving slowly!) soon afterwards, and coped fine with toddlers.

A small part of me wishes I had experienced a 'normal' birth but the vast majority of me feels how lucky i am that all my ds were delivered safely.

I personally think that aiming for a VBAC but accepting a c-section is a possibility is the best way forward.

When it comes to this the deciding factor has to be whether you want to have a vaginal birth.

Positive birth start with placing the mother centre and listening to her views and feelings.

You can always say that you won't be induced again and go for an elective if it looks like induction is on the cards.

I planned for Vbac but ended up having section after labour as just stopped progressing. However I did find recovery was so much easier 2nd time. If I'd have known would be section I'd have preferred elective but it was quite calming thinking I'd see how it goes.

I’m in a similar position. First DC was EMCS then second was ELCS. The gap between 2&3 is almost 10 years so deemed safe to try a VBA2C. Ultimately as you say, we just want safe delivery of a healthy baby. I would love a Spontaneous vaginal delivery and not love a EMCS. We plan to put a ELCS in the diary for 7-10 days past due date and I accept that. Good luck x

I attempted a v bac and it didn't happen but I'm glad I tried. I much less inclined to have another child now I've had 2 sections.

I had one vaginal delivery and then an emc, I am really hoping to have a vbac with this one as I found recover from normal birth much easier than my section. It's a hard decision because you just don't know what is going to happen, I toyed with the idea of having a ELC because of the worry that vbac won't go well and will end in another section, but I think I'm just going to go for vbac and hope for the best

I think @Twizbe's point about how important experiencing a vaginal birth is to you is a really good one. I had thought it was really important to me, and for my first had wanted all the hypnobirthing, keeping mobile, water, etc. stuff. It didn't work out and I had a long back to back labour and an EMCS - and this time, I know for sure that a predictable birth, even if it is medicalised, is much more important to me than a vaginal one, so I'm going for an ELCS.

I’m in this boat. I had an EMCS first child 21 months ago, he was a month early so didn’t experience labour or contractions, either. If my placenta stays low it will be an elective section this time but if it moves up then I have the choice. I’d love to experience a vaginal birth so VBAC is my main choice with an open mind it could result in another EMCS. I had quite a traumatic birth first time so feel I’m prepared for most things now but the recovery side of VBAC with a toddler is much more appealing. I look forward to seeing more replies and experiences!

I'm currently 37+2 with DC2. DC1 was an emergency section but I've chosen to attempt a VBAC this time with an open mind that it could end up in section

I feel much more relaxed about it this time as I somewhat know what to expect (also well aware all births and labours are different) so I'm just going to see how it goes!

It really is personal preference I think