Anyone had or having a VBAC??

 I am very much seriously tryin to have a VBAC. I feel this pregnancy is much different than my first 2.

I had my son via csection after my water broke on 07/14/2000.I was 32 w 4 day I was then admitted to the hospital and out on bedrest. I did not have him till 07/21/2000.at 33w 4days One week later. I went into labor on my own( all back labor) No one would check me because they werent showing contractions on the monitor.  I was totally and completly exhuasted. My son was so close to coming out. You could see all the hair on his little head an all. I think because I labored so long, no drugs, sitting the hospital for a week. No real rest for a week I was suffering from exhaustion. They then made me push for 5 plus hours before giving me a csection. They considering me failure to progress even though i did dilate on my own to 10, full efaced and pushing( Military hospitals I tell ya!!)

My daughter born 4.5 yr later was an elective csection. I was scared. Still very much overweight and suffering from severe gestional diabetes.

This pregnancy is much better!!Obviously much less weight. No gestional diabetes (so far) I test my sugar daily. No bp problems. No real major complications so far. I feel good, body is in muhc better shape. I am very much wanting a vaginal birth.

Can anyone give me any advice?? TIA!!!

Hi there! 
I don't have personal experience, but can tell you that if all is well with your health, you should be able to have a VBAC as long as you have a supportive team. What does your OB say? Have you considered a midwife or doula with VBAC experience? I wish you lots of health and joy in tying a new path ....
BTW, this is a video a friend of mine made regarding her successful VBAC ...  hope the link works! http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=16688629 6873

I too, really wanted to try a VBAC after 2 c-sections.  When I asked my dr about it, he basically explained it to me as there as "risks" associated with it, and there aren't any studies associated with it as there aren't any women who are willing to take the "risk" after 2 c-sections.    I personally think if you and your dr are comfortable with your decision, go for it! 

Since, I was with a new dr (who gave the above opinion), he does c-section's a totally different way (up high, with drain tube, and leaving the staples in)  I was o.k. with doing the repeat c-section. 

Debbie

I really wanted a vbac this time as I had severe complications after mine with Emma. (26 hours of labor after a broken water and only progressed to a 9 with pitocin before they said I had to get her out...she was 9.5 pounds and stuck in my canal sunny side up) This time they said I could do a trial of labor for 10 hours if baby wasn't too big. If I was progressing faster they would let me keep laboring...but if not c at 10 hours because of my previous issues and risk for infection. I am 36 weeks and baby is already measuring 40+ at about 8 pounds. And my blood sugars whacked out at 34 and I can't them back in control. So, most likely a repeat c. I am sure you know there is a 1% risk for uterine rupture after a c...not sure about after 2. In that case they worry about being able to put you out fast enough to do an emergency c without baby having brain damage or dying. Not to scare you...but that is the risk. And just a FYI...it depends on your provider and where you will deliver as well. My hospital will NOT induce labor or give you any meds to stimulate labor because of increased risk of uterine rupture. Some providers just won't do them period. So ask.

I wish you a ton of luck. I really think it would be nice for bonding issues as well to do a vbac. Good luck and let us know what you find out. Shari

Most importantly will your doctors allow a vbac and will the hospital your delivering at allow a vbac? If they say all is fine there is not reason not to try. I have heard there is a slight risk involved but your doctor should be able to answer all your question.  My first two children were vaginal births and last was a c-section. I would love to do a vbac this time but my doctors and the hospitals around here do not do them.

I also really wanted to have a VBAC after having had two c-sections. But my hospital will only allow them if you have had one c-section. 

Be sure to check out the Internationa Cesarean Awareness Network http://www.ican-online.org/vbac/vaginal-birth-after-multiple -cesareans. There is probably a local chapter in your area too where you can talk directly to someone for good information.

Melanie

I was an OB nurse for 6 years.  In my state it is very hard to even find a doctor/hospital what will allow VBAC at all anymore.  I do know that if they do allow it, they probably won't induce you b/c induction increases the risk of complications.  I have seen very many successful VBACs when the C/S was for fetal stress or breech.  I have not seen many successful VBACs when the C/S was for failure to progress.

That being said.  It sounds like your first one was partially due to exhaustion or him possibly trying to come out with his face up (sunny side up).  So if you do VBAC it this time, get an epidural.  Epidurals with help you to relax and you will be able to reast and have the energy to push.  Also, if they have to due and emergency C/S you will already be numb. The fact that you got to 10 is good, but your pelvis may have a shape that doesn't allow the head to come through.  We did many C/S due to that reason. 

I say talk with your doctor and have a plan, but be prepared for a C/S, because with VBACs they usually don't tolerate as much (ie fetal heartrate dips and not adequate contractions).

Good luck with what you decide. 

Jackie

Thank you all!! My hospital does allow Vbac's but they are very cautious. They do trial labors of 10-12 hours. I know if you dont progress or anything like that . They will take you for a csection. I would just like the opportunity to try.

Thanks for all the advice. Hubby and I are looking forward to all of this !!!

I had an emergency c-section with my third child.  It was not due to anything with me though, the baby crashed when they administered pitocin so they had to get him out.  7 years later I had a very successful VBAC.  It was just over a year after my RNY.  As stated before by others, it was most difficult finding a doctor to take me on and a hospital who would allow it.  My doctor was 25 miles away and my hospital 45 miles away.  I did it though.  No complications, three pushes and out he came.  I also had a much better pregnancy due to the lack of health issues and diabetic complications which had plagued my previous three pregnancies.  My boy is 18 months old today.

I am now pregnant with triplets and am having a scheduled c-section, my uterus will be far too stretched out to make a VBAC possible.  I am okay with it this time.  Also I get to have my tubal ligation at the same time so only one surgery instead of two.

Good luck!!!