Vaginal Birth After C-Section

[craftyashley]

Has anyone had a vaginal birth after having a c-section? I know some doctors are comfortable with it, while others are not.
I loved my c-section, and after twins we're not going to try anytime soon. But I am wondering what my options are, and would like some perspective from those who have been there.

[Mamadecuatro]

I had a c-section with my first birth. That was in january of 2001. In march of 2007, a little over six years later, I had a vaginal birth. It was sooo much better than the c-section. I am really glad that my doctor was up for the challenge. I healed quite a bit faster and just had so much more overall energy. (Considering you're still exhausted from taking care of a newborn!) I was sore from needing a bit of stitches 'down there', but nothing compared to the surgery recovery. I know that the main concern w a v back is your uterus rupturing. It can be fatal to you! My doctor required at least two years between pregnancies before even considering a v-back. I guess that's to give the uterus time to heal from the c section. Also, my doctor had to consider why I needed intervention the first time. After 2 and 1/2 days of labor, I had a c section because the baby was too big! I dialated fully and had pushed for 3 hours, but there was no budging. He weighed 9lbs 8oz. The second time around there were some requirements I had to meet while laboring as a v back. they didnt want me to go to my due date, in case the baby was going to be large. they wanted to induce one week early. I ended up going into labor on my own 2 days before the schedule induction (I was glad. I understood why they were wanting to induce, but I really didnt want it). But because I was a v back, they didnt want me to labor at all in my home (which I would have preferred). They monitor you a bit closer from the get go. It was a good experience overall. Much better than my first. I went to the hospital at 6am and had the baby at 7pm. Slower than I had hoped but the outcome was great!

[mommy2boftwins]

My sister had a c-section the first time because her baby was too big and hadn't dropped like he should so she couldn't push him out. He weighed almost 10 lbs. The 2nd time she did vaginal but the dr tried to talk her out of it. He was afraid that her uterus might rupture since it had been cut for the c-section. Of course that was 11 years ago.

My doctors office has a notice up that they don't do vaginal deliveries after c-sections due to insurance regulations. The biggest concern is that the uterus will rupture since the wall has been made weaker from being cut.

[cay8099]

Both of my sons were born c-section. That's my ob's policy. Friends and family kept trying to push me to try to have a vaginal birth, but honestly I was really okay with going c-section again. I felt like I already knew what I was getting into, and my recovery was much easier the second time. I was little more sore though.

[craftyashley]

Yeah, I liked my c-section too. I'd be too worried during labor. Too much can go wrong! At least with the c I knew my kids had the best chance of being fine- and they were!

[HaileyNJaynasMom]

I had a c-section with my first daughter and 8 months later I had a vaginal delivery. My second daughter was 11 weeks premature and I had no choice to have her vaginally because of her lungs not being fully developed. It was either my life or my daughter's life. So I put mine at risk and had her! It would be best to wait a year or 2 before getting pregnant again. Being that I got pregnant right after I had my first child that put me VERY high risk and caused me to deliver early. And remember, you can only have 3 c-sections. If you can deliver vaginally, then do it.

[mom-of-4]

Why do you say you can only have 3 c-sections?? I have had 4 and am pregnant with number 5 however I would like to have a vaginal birth this time.

[craftyashley]

My doc said the same thing. They recommend you only have 3 c-sections. Your doctor is really ok with doing a vaginal delivery after 4 c-sections? That sounds kinda dicey!

[lou]

I can't beleive there are so many of you who liked the C-section. I had to have an emergency c-section and it was the most horrible, scariest experience of my life. that first week or even the first two weeks after was so painful. even after that I was very limited to what I could do. I was stuck at home because lifting the baby in the seat was too painful. and walking hurt too. I can still feel the incision if I use my abs a lot now almost 9 weeks later. I definatley want to avoid ever having to go through that again. Also they told me I wouldn't feel any pain, only pressure, well BS, it felt like I was being ripped apart, and I guess I was. I didn't know at the time but apparently they take your uterus out and put it up on your stomache! I really hope I never have to do that again, of course if my baby was at risk, as did happen, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[xcitedmom]

I had emergency c-section w/ my dd (8yrs ago), she was tiny and the cord was wrapped her neck and it was wrapping tighter as she would move down the canal so she lost oxygen and they had to get her out. It was unexpected but over all it was not a bad experience. I recovered well and I am preg again and not sure what route I will take but atleast w/ c-section, I know what to expect. My dr says we will wait and see where we are toward the end of this one. Good Luck!

[esmicosaquehago]

I would urge whoever said that C-Section gives your baby the best chance to examine some independent statistics regarding hospital infections, neonatal breathing issues, accidental lacerations (which happened to my nephew sadly, he got cut on the back of his neck), and a host of other problems. I am not judging anybody who gets a section, but I believe in informed consent and you should understand exactly whats up.

[craftyashley]

Yes, there are risks to the c-section. But I feel that there are more risks with a vaginal delivery. I am very well-informed, thank you!

[djasinski]

I had to be put to sleep with my, now 2 yr old, daughter for an emergency c-section. It was the scariest thing ever but it saved her life. I am having my 2nd c-section (by choice) next Friday. I am actually too afraid to have a vaginal delivery because what if the same thing happens? I tried vaginal with my daughter- I hemorrhaged, her heart rate hit the 30's then no heart rate. For me, I need to know that this baby is coming out fast and okay. Good luck.