I can't decide whether to try Vbac- should I?

[vbacdilemma]

I should start off by saying that I know there's really no definite answer to this and it's all down to individual experiences, but I would really appreciate in hearing from those who've had a vbac or experience of both vaginal/ C-section births. The consultant has made all the info available i.e risks and benefits but I still can't decide.

I am currently 30 weeks pregnant with DC2 and really struggling to make a decision on what to do! I suppose the difficulty is not being able to predict how a vaginal birth will go until you give it a shot! My first birth was a planned section at 37 weeks due to a loss of amniotic fluid- my bump was rock solid and DC1 was breezy with no chance of turning due to the lack of space/fluid available. The C-section itself was painless and absolutely fine, but I suffered terrible postpartum guilt about not being able to deliver vaginally, and I suppose in hindsight the recovery was pretty painful.

At the moment, all is looking ok medically to try for the VBAC. I know (usually) recovery time is less than a C-section (and I'm daunted by the thought of springing back into action with a toddler here too with a scar!) but that this isn't always the case.

Has anyone been in this position and been glad/ regretted opting for the Vbac attempt? Should I just forget it and go for the 'better the devil I know' approach?! TIA!

Breech not breezy!!!

I don't have the answer to this but I had an EMC for my daughter after a very long labour. I felt disappointed that my birth didn't go as planned but I was also grateful I was able to give it a go. I feel like you may always ask yourself "what if?" if you go straight for c-section as I get the feeling from your post that you may want to try VBAC. That said, there is nothing wrong with going for a C-section, I completely understand why people choose it!

Thanks for this, yes I think you're right- I definitely did have a sense of 'what if' after the first time!

I've had 2 vaginal, followed by an emergency c section and I'm expecting again. I plan on having a vaginal birth this time round all being well because I think as much as some people see it as the easy option it really isn't. For me it's the recovery, I was in hospital for 2 weeks afterwards miles away from home because of my son being in special care so I could actually rest in that time. I suppose I was lucky in that respect but had I been at home it would have been a different story. So long as a baby is born safely then that is the main thing, try not to feel guilty should you have a c section again, you do what is best for you and your baby ❤️

I had a VBAC 23 months after DS1 who was breech. With DS1 my waters broke at 37 weeks, two days before I was due to try an ECV and he was delivered the same day. He even had bruises on his back because of how hard the surgeon had to pull him out…. he was that wedged in!

I wanted to try a VBAC because I have chronic back issues which meant it took 5 attempts to put the spinal block needle in with DS1 🥴, and I was informed DS2 was not breech so nothing stopping me giving VBAC a go.

My labour started at 5am at 39+1 weeks with DS2, I was admitted to the labour ward at 5pm and he was out 3 hours later following what the midwife described as a textbook labour.

Recovery was much easier after vbac than csection, I couldn’t believe how good I felt afterwards considering it was my first ‘natural’ birth! That’s even with a 2nd, almost 3rd degree tear, which btw recovered in a much quicker timeframe than the csection.

Hope that helps. I think a large part of the decision should be why you had the csection in the first place. If it was for breech only, VBAC might be a good shout. If it was due to failure to progress, I heard that the second labour is likely to be similar, so another csection would be wise 🤷‍♀️

Hi. Everyones experience will differ but i have had a ECS and then a VBAC. Prefered the section in terms of recovery. Good luck. Only you know whats right for you and your circumstances. If i had my time again or got pregnant again i would go for a elective.

I had a vaginal birth, then an emergency C-section. Both were pretty ok in terms of recovery, but the vaginal birth was easier comparatively. If I were to have another, I would without hesitation attempt a VBAC. But I wouldn't be too disappointed if for any reason I needed a C-section.

It does sound like you're leaning towards a VBAC. Best of luck with whatever you choose to do.

I had a emergency c-section with my DS1 due to the baby being distressed in labour and a true knot in their cord/positioning. I found the recovery relatively ok in terms of scar healing etc. However, made the decision to try for a VBAC for my DS2 and it was one of the best decisions I made.

I had to be induced at 40 plus 4 due to having some reduced movement and accelerated growth. However, they were so careful how I was induced and was only done none hormonally through dilapan rods and breaking my waters. After this labour progressed really well and successfully achieved a VBAC. I was out of the hospital within 1 day and able to move around easily/do things with my other son.

There are pros and cons to both but overall the recovery after a VBAC was loads easily for me than a c-section and overall greater birth experience. Personally I would go with what you feel is the best choice for you, there is no right or wrong choice.

Thank you so much everyone, it's really helpful for me to hear about all your experiences ! X