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Original poster

Second Child - VBAC vs Elective C-Section

26 replies

MrsOCD · 08/10/2008 14:28

DD came into the world with emergency c-section. Am quite happy to have another section but midwife pushing VBAC. We've no family close by to get to us quickly to look after DD1 when the time comes, so at least if we have a date for elective section, we can plan ahead. Does this seem a ridiculous reason to have one?
If anyone did have a elec section, how did they cope looking (and lifting) after a toddler?

OP posts:

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Antdamm · 08/10/2008 14:40

hi, I have no experience of a c-section, but my friend had one and had a toddler to look after, ahe said she was in more pain second time around. Lifting toddler was horrendous compared to a baby, but it could be different for you.
As for deciding to hav a c-section, i think it should be your choice, if you cant get someone to look after your toddler then you should do it at your own convenience.
I dunno if that is any use to you at all.

Good luck with whatever u decide!!

Sawyer64 · 08/10/2008 14:47

My DD1 was 2.3 mths when DD2 arrived,after I had her with C-Section.

I spent last few mths of pregnancy trying to help her/teach to climb safely into cot,on a small stool, and get into a chair etc. so when I'd had the C-section,she needed very little lifting,and usually DH was around for that.

I found the "convenience" of elective C-section alot easier with 2 DC's to organise.
IME I had more pain with my "Normal Deliveries",Episiotomy,Stitches,infection,and SPD,so C-section was a "doddle" in comparison. HTH

Original poster

MrsOCD · 08/10/2008 17:10

Both - thank you very much for your messages. Both helpful.

OP posts:

ImnotMamaGbutsheLovesMe · 08/10/2008 17:17

TBH it does seem a daft reason to have one though I can see your difficulty.

I had an emergency section with DS1 and then a VBAC 2 1/3 years later. It was unbelievable to be driving the baby when she was 1 week old. I had another VBAC just under 2 years later. Neither weren't without problems directly related to the initial section.

If you do go for another section the chances are you will never be able to have a VBAC and it is major surgery if you have no one to help with child care in labour, who is going to help you afterwards when you shouldn't do anything other than lift the baby for 6 weeks?

You will get people with strong views for both sides so ultimately you have to make the decision yourself.

Good luck.

MrsMattie · 08/10/2008 17:22

Hi there.

I think the choice should be yours, as long as you are well informed. Have you spoken to a consultant at your hospital yet? If not, I think you should.

I am going for a VBAC with my 2nd (I'm 33 weeks pregnant), but was told that if I wanted to elect for a c-section I could. Personally, although I recovered fairly well from my last section, I still found it hard and couldn't bring myself to 'elect' for a major operation. However, that is how I feel, - it's very personal - and you may well feel totally different. It's really important you are able to discuss your options with a consultant and come to a decision you feel happy with.
Good luck x

unfitmother · 08/10/2008 17:30

I went for a VBAC after an emergency CS and ended up havinh another emergency CS so dearly wished I gone for an elective!
My mother came and stayed for 2 weeks, I'd never have manged without her. DS was 3yrs old at the time and whilst it was hard work, we coped. Not driving was the hardest thing of course but I was licky as at the time DH only lived 5mins drive away so he could drop DS at Nursery School and pick him up in jis luch hour.
Good luck whatever you decide.

flowergirls · 08/10/2008 20:11

I wanted a VBAC after an emergency cs but this never happened as dd never entered the pelvis at all! Had an elective cs at 41 weeks. Had a 5 year old and a 17 month old at home. Have to say 3rd cs was the best. I do feel that electives are totally different in terms of recovery from emergency (from my experience anyway!) I was up and about so much quicker and doing the school run at 3 weeks pn.You just have to be really careful about lifting your toddler. The hospital physio gave me some good advice. I think VBACs are great as long as all is going normally. From the research, once intervention starts happening (induction of labour etc), then success rates are significantly lower. I also think the reasons for your cs first time around have an impact. Good luck with whatever you decide.

jabberwocky · 08/10/2008 20:13

I had an elective with ds2. After ds1's emergency section and all the drama surrounding it I just didn't feel that I could emotionally handle another vaginal birth going wrong iykwim. Recovery was MUCH easier without going through labor and it was no problem taking care of baby and ds1 who was 3.4 at the time.

JuneBugJen · 08/10/2008 20:18

Elective C-section (after emerg CS)rocks!

Know when it will happen, where and how (in a controlled way rather than being a bun fight). Still, ahem, honeymoon fresh down there and it was great!! Don't regret not having a VBAC at all.

lulumama · 08/10/2008 20:18

i had a VBAC after em c.s for failure to progress, it was a very positive and empowering experience and totally different birth to my first one

there are several VBAC support threads on here, which are worth reading as they have lots of personal stories and links to research and statistics

i personally could not elect for c.s simply for convenience, a c.s, elective or not, is not without risk, and means a longer hospital stay and can mean longer recovery and difficulty looking after yourself and your children

JuneBugJen · 08/10/2008 20:19

Agree - no problem at all coping with a very energetic older dd after 2nd CS. Didnt even have any pain relief after 3 days.

jabberwocky · 08/10/2008 20:20

true, lulumama, but then I know of several mothers who said they had a longer recovery after VBAC than their original section. It's a tough choice for some. I suppose you have to really go with your gut instinct.

lulumama · 08/10/2008 20:22

yes, that is true also, but research is the way to go i think aswell as gut feeling.

JuneBugJen · 08/10/2008 20:24

OMG - go and see the thread (on the convo board ATM) about support for mothers who have a fistula after childbirth. Its terrifying! Perhaps it may decide you.

Although for the sake of evenness - im sure there are just as terrifying threads abouit stomach problems etc.

lulumama · 08/10/2008 20:26

thsoe issues are incredibly rare after birth

shall i list some possible c.section complications??

that is why research is key

neither mode of delivery is risk free

bleurgh · 08/10/2008 20:28

VBACer here..

I was determined to VBAC so that I didn't have to stop picking up and carrying the first when the baby came. I thought it might seem too much like rejection.

I VBACed and boy was life easier. Good luck whatever you decide.

flowergirls · 08/10/2008 20:30

If you do decide to go for a VBAC, hypnobirthing have a really good cd to help prepare you.Do lots of research and make sure you are confident in your decision. Whatever you decide, you have to be 100% sure or neither will be a positive experience. My SIL was disappointed that I was "taking the easy route" having a 3rd cs! This despite the fact that I have an internal classical (vertical) scar due to problems at my second cs. There will always be those who feel that electing for a cs is some sort of cop out. It's not. Good luck!

bloss · 08/10/2008 20:39

Message withdrawn

scarymcclary · 08/10/2008 20:48

I had 2 sections, 1st cos baby was breech 2nd cos she was just small.
When the 2nd came along i was still lifting the 1st on and off the toilet and had to carry her at times (she was 2and a half). I coped. Not saying it was easy, but certainly do-able.
Both of mine were planned/elective sections, walked into the theatre awake the whole time, got the skin to skin bonding immediately - loved it all.
I do just have a glimmer of remorse cos i never did actually expereience a natural delivery - but it is just a glimmer like 0.5%!

I did have complications after 2nd and had to be rushed (blue light job) back into hospital. I was also advised not to get pregnant again - 3 sections and complications post 2nd was not good for me - so i havnt.

changer22 · 08/10/2008 20:55

I had an elective c-section with my second (because of a previous bad tear) and found it all really hard work - my recovery, the baby was hard work - took forever to get the hang of feeding, plus looking after a toddler.

I always felt she was too early. She was the planned 39 weeks but my 1st child was 10 days late, 3rd was 2 weeks late so I guess she was actually 2 to 3 weeks 'early' and hence the problems with feeding. I have a personal theory too that people who recover from emergency c-sections do so because their body went into labour whereas DD and I weren't ready (did my milk kick in? did my body all of a sudden realise I had had the baby?!)

My 3rd baby was a fab VBAC experience - so different to the other 2 and it felt 'right'. I had a doula who was wonderful and although I would want DH to be with me again, if it was a choice over an elective c-section with DH or a VBAC with a doula with DH looking after the children I would go for the latter.

It's a personal decision of course and it depends on how much time you have. Could you organise a childminder to look after your toddler over the next few weeks/months who would be on call nearer the time. I know mine would do this. Could you hire a doula so that DH could look after your toddler? How quickly could a relative/good friend get to you? Could you leave your toddler with a neighbour/aquaintance while support is on the way?

lisad123 · 08/10/2008 21:23

I had a ECS with DD1 and was really wanting a CS the second time round as i was thinking the same as you, plus more medical issues. I ended up with a vbac, as DD2 was a quick one, but im so glad i did. I was home next day (although could have been same day) and got to enjoy both girls without the worry of stitches, or pain. HTH

mazzystartled · 08/10/2008 21:33

Listen to lulu, she is wise and knowledgeable on this.

I dithered throughout entire 2nd pregnancy re vbac vs ecs
I had ecs at 40+5.

I actually found the "planned" nature of it very stressful. The waiting was awful [dd born 6pm after arriving at hospital 7am], I was a nervous wreck. I found the pain and discomfort way harder to cope with without all the helpful labour hormones, and her first few days v difficult emotionally.

Bf was fine and recovery no worse than emergency 1st section. If dc3 ever happens I will be hoping for vba2c.

lulumama · 09/10/2008 07:26

and i will be by your side mazzy thank you x

SazzlesA · 09/10/2008 07:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

chelsea1988 · 10/03/2009 15:46

hello, i had emergency c-section with my son whos now 1, im 8 weeks pregnant and wondering which route to take?? elective c-section or vbac?? i was also wondering if there is more risks having a vbac then another c-section?? and is a c-section as painful the second time round?? please can i have some comments??

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