Vaginal Birth After C-section

[Guest guest]

Has anyone here had a vaginal birth after c-section?

I had a c-section with my son because I never progressed past 3 centimeters and

his heart rate was speeding up then dropping way way down.

I thought I would just have another c-section but have been reading more about

VBAC and am wondering if its something I want to try.

My doctor said I can do this because my incision is low and as long as none of

my other medical problems cause problems for me or this new baby.

Any thoughts or oppinions would be greatly appreciated.

Chrystal

Wife to Jace - together 6 Years!

Happy Mommy to - 4 Years Old!

New Baby Swenson Due July 28, 2004!

Zookeeper for 2 big dogs and 5 cats who let me feed them!

[Guest guest]

the controversy over this is as rampant as other controversial issues

(breastfeeding? circumcision? abortion?) so you will most likely get

a variety of responses.

I chose NOT to have a VBAC because there is a *chance* of uterine

rupture which could mean significant blood loss to the baby or myself

(among other problems) and even seeing the chances of it as being

reltively " low " I didn't want to do anything to jeopardize my baby or

my health. So, I chose for a scheduled c-section. I am much happier

KNOWING exactly what is supposed to happen (I'm a control freak per

my ex-hubby- lol).

I have seen many VBACer's have successful births (L&D RN) and a few

not so successful ones that were rushed in for an emergency c-

section. Most were delivered in the *nick* of time, but I have seen

poor fetal and maternal outcomes from unsuccessful VBAC's.

It's something you just have to weight your pros and cons with and

decide what you feel comfortable doing.

Sheila

[Guest guest]

My niece has had 3 vaginal births after a csection. I heard c sections are

pretty bad for healing. Vaginal birth is not bad at all. I've pushed all 3 of

mine out and hopefully #4 too. Good luck with everything.

God Bless,

Robin, NorthEastern, NY

EDD- July 27th, 2004

Mommy to:

&

(twin boys 7 1/2),

Madison, daughter, 5 years and

Wife to Pup 15 years (October 31, 1988)

Gastric Bypass Surgery-

October 18th 2002

Start-378, current- 246(pregnant)

goal 170 after baby

[Guest guest]

Chrystal,

My experience(s) have been almost identical to Kathy's. I had my first

C-section in 1993 with my first son. I was 42 weeks, had been on Pitocin for 3

(yes I said THREE) days! and never progressed past 2 cm and 50% effaced. Never

had anything better than -2 station if my failing memory serves me correctly.

When they finally decided to section me my son was born with meconium staining

in the fluid and he was a whopping 9 pounds 13 ounces. They even said they

felt like he had lost some weight because the placenta is not as efficient

after the 40th week.

Anyway, I was all for trying a vaginal birth with my second child. However,

as I approached week 40 he had not descended at all. I was not even inducible

at 40 weeks because there was not enough pressure on my cervix to have it

ripen at all. I just wasn't willing to risk the 3 days of Pitocin after having

had a cesarean. Needless to say, they give me no pain control for those three

days (epidural-wise) because I was not progressing.....but I was contracting,

like crazy!!! By the way, I dropped 2 pounds and 2 ounces off of the second

baby, so my pelvis wouldn't even open for 7 pounds 11 ounces.

Along came 3rd baby and of course no choice by a C-section. And with the 4th

this summer I will have to have another one. My first C-section was awful.

The second two have been breezes. My healing was so much quicker and the pain

level was less. I don't know if that's because your nerves are dead after

the original scar tissue or what, but it sure was much much easier and I got

around much better than some women who had had major episiotomies. hehe At

least I could sit down

I wouldn't do it unless I had to, but I think sections for me have all in all

been fairly easy and I've been in walmart walking around after a week with

all of them to prevent the stir-crazies I get from sitting in the house. My

sections were most certainly easier than my WLS, which was open.

Good luck to you and research, research, research. You'll make the right

decision for you. It may just depend on what your official diagnosis was with

the failure to progress from the first one. Some of us gals just don't have

hips that will open for the little ones (or giant ones) to come through.

Mandi in Concord, NC

16 weeks ---- they moved my date back !! with #4 due 08/13/04.

Post op distal RNY 09/23/02

316/186(192 now)/165

[Guest guest]

Hi Chrystal - I'll just give you my experience & you can take from it

what you will. With my 1st son I never progressed passed 4 CM after

19 hrs of labor & so the decision was made for a c-section. ... now

looking back to that 1st birthing experience - I wish I had done more

to try & help a vaginal birth along but that was then and a c-section

is what I had. 4 yrs later, pregnant with my second son I got very

excited about having a VBAC - I was going to " do it right " this

time. I even hired a Doula (a Birthing assistant- short

explaination). I met with her several times about all the things we

could do to help this labor along.

My doctor was fine with my trying the VBAC becasue my scar to was in

the low lateral position that makes it idea. He did have a word of

warning however that I did not have what is called a " Proven Pelvis "

meaning that becasue my 1st son never decended into the birth canal

and I only dialtaed to 4 cm that there was a possibility I would be

unable to deliver vaginally - he was just giving me all the

information I was looking for.

Well when I was doing my research I found a VBAC uterine rupture

rate to be 1 - 2 %. Not too bad - certainly well worth the risk -

Right? The closer I got to having my baby - I think abotu 1 week

before hand I decided with all the clarity in the world that no risk

would be well worth it - when I could easily opt for a safe delivery

with the c-section. ((Mind you - even a c-section is not without

some risk - nothing is infallible.))

So I scheduled a c-section with my OB and I will tell you A. It was

MUCH easier then the 1st c-section in every way. I had a spinal

block instead of an epidural - which I would not do just for the fun

of it - but it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Plus this

time I felt - nothing. That was great. My OB told me he was glad we

went this route instead of the vbac becasue my scar from the 1st was

incredibly thin andhe would not have wanted to risk that.

Plus - It may have something to do with how big you grow your

babies? Mine were over 8 lbs - maybe a 6 lb baby would not have

stretched it so much?

I had a friend from another message board that was due the same

time as me & she did do a vbac & she did have a rupture. It was a

scary couple of hours for her and her baby but they did both make it

fortunately.

I think what it boils down to is what are you looking for? Is it

a better birthing experience then the 1st time? That is what I

wanted. I wanted that SO BADLY with all my heart. I wanted the

chance to be in control - not laying in a bed for 12 hours with an

epidural immobilizing me from helping myself. I wanted

an " experience " with my husband. But in the end, for me, the

slightest risk of the loss of life was too scary for me to go the

VBAC route. What I wanted most of all out of the whole thing was my

baby in my arms & I was too scared to try the VBAC. Again - I

decided this in week 38! Maybe because in all honesty I felt if I

went for the VBAC & something happened - it would be my fault becasue

it was my choice. I am not good with guilt AT ALL.

At any rate I did end up with a better birthing experience. It was

much better then the 1st time. I did feel more in control. And I

had a great experience with my husband & got to see him hold our son

right away.

A second c-section was the right choice in the end for me despite my

efforts to go the VBAC route. And now that I'm pregnant again - c-

section without question.

But many many people have sucsess with a VBAC. Again - it boils down

to what you want out of the experience. If you do decide on a VBAC -

I highly recommend a Doula. They could be invaluable in your

sucsess. I think most of them have a flat fee of like $300 - $500.

Nurses, doctors & husbands can be great - but this is a birthing

coach who is there for you 24/7 & has a TON of birthing experience &

can really help you acheive your goal. Ask your hospital or doctor

if they can recommend one to you.

Best of luck!

Kathy V

4 mo post op

6 wks pregnant

> Has anyone here had a vaginal birth after c-section?

>

> I had a c-section with my son because I never progressed past 3

centimeters and his heart rate was speeding up then dropping way way

down.

>

> I thought I would just have another c-section but have been reading

more about VBAC and am wondering if its something I want to try.

>

> My doctor said I can do this because my incision is low and as long

as none of my other medical problems cause problems for me or this

new baby.

>

> Any thoughts or oppinions would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Chrystal

>

> Wife to Jace - together 6 Years!

> Happy Mommy to - 4 Years Old!

> New Baby Swenson Due July 28, 2004!

> Zookeeper for 2 big dogs and 5 cats who let me feed them!

>

>

[Guest guest]

what does VBAC stand for?

[Guest guest]

> what does VBAC stand for?

>

>

*points up to the subject line*

*winks*

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

=)

I'm a VBAC mom myself. My second born was a

cesarean..

Soderblom CCCE CD(DONA) CLD

Student Midwife - Mesa, AZ

CAPPA Board of Directors

Doula/CBE/Pregnancy/Birth Photography

Owner: Birth Story Diaries - real births, real photos

http://www.birthdiaries.com

Owner: SouthwestDoulas.com

[Guest guest]

I just have to say a few things here. is GREAT with stats

and shares them freely... and her own experience is immensely

valuable.

I have only had vaginal births, but have been a doula and/or midwife

for 21 years... assisting at over 800 births. My specialty is VBACs

and HBACs (Home Births After Cesareans) and I love them! Women's

bodies are amazing and heal beautifully. If pitocin/cytotec/other

prostiglandins are kept away from a formerly cearean uterus, labor

works just fine. The only ruptures I have *ever* seen are in women

who had inductions/augmentations... and one of the worst was in a

first time mom with pitocin; you do not need to have a previous

cesarean to rupture.

Also, while rupture *is* an increased risk, especially with

medications, the risk of dying from a cesarean... whether it is your

first or your sixth... is 1 in 200.

I have assisted women who have had Classical incisions (the kind that

are *never* VBAC'd in hospitals), assisted women having had 4

cesareans and then an HBAC afterwards. Just because you have had 2

cesareans, does NOT mean you cannot have a VBAC! I have assisted over

40 VBACs with NO problems at all... a small number, for sure, but

midwives will soon be the *only* ones " allowing " VBACs because of the

mood of the country leaning towards elective primary cesareans and a

cesarean for every mom who has previously had one.

There is a LOT of information on the Net about VBACs and I do hope

women will avail themselves of it. A great organization is the

International Cesarean Awareness Network (http://www.ican-

online.org/), but there are loads of pro-VBAC sites with accurate and

up-to-date information about how to achieve a VBAC.

This said, I believe that any woman *wanting* a repeat cesarean is

absolutely 1000% encouraged to do so! I doula many women who have

repeat cesareans... and those births can be just as holy as the most

wondrous homebirths. But, it is important that the information and

facts about WHAT a cesarean is... how it impacts the baby and his/her

lungs... what medication options the mom has (spinal vs. epidural,

for example)... are all ways to make *informed* and conscious

decisions about your health and life and that of your child.

Barb Herrera

midwife

San Diego

(post-op 3 years in April)

[Guest guest]

on 2/26/04 6:18 PM, msgardenia73 at msgardenia@... wrote:

Also, while rupture *is* an increased risk, especially with

medications, the risk of dying from a cesarean... whether it is your

first or your sixth... is 1 in 200.

Are you SURE it's 1 in 200? That seems awfully steep...

-Kris

[Guest guest]

on 2/26/04 6:18 PM, msgardenia73 at msgardenia@... wrote:

Also, while rupture *is* an increased risk, especially with

medications, the risk of dying from a cesarean... whether it is your

first or your sixth... is 1 in 200.

Are you SURE it's 1 in 200? That seems awfully steep...

-Kris

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/26/2004 7:21:02 PM Eastern Standard Time,

msgardenia@... writes:

Just because you have had 2

cesareans, does NOT mean you cannot have a VBAC!

It does here! I had inquired of many CNM and OB's while TTC my #3 and I was

told by ALL I'd be unable to VBA2C b/c they just won't do it! Now I trust my

OB's (she delivered #3 not the 1 & 2) opinion most of all as she is VERY

anti-cs unless the absolute situation occurs (and I KNOW this first hand from

other

friends who *would* have had a c/s with other dr's this one let them go

natural). I'm SURE women have done VBAC after 4+ sections but I was NOT able to

find one around here after the ACOG came out with their rupture statement to

deliver anyone VBA2+C. I delivered #3 by c/s and they found while they were in

there NO scar tissue at all. The OB said it was amazing that if she hadn't

known any better she'd never had known I'd had a c/s before. I'm currently due

with #4 in September (big surprise) and yes I'll have another c/s!

*~Joy~*

Lap RNY @ 491lbs

2/26/01

Mommy to:

(5) , Saralyn (4), Hunter (7/3/03)

and

#4 due sometime in September '04!

We have 3 kids, soon we'll have FOUR!

After this one,

Quoth Raven...

NEVERMORE!

[Guest guest]

" msgardenia73 " wrote:

> I have only had vaginal births, but have been a doula and/or

midwife for 21 years... assisting at over 800 births. My specialty

is VBACs and HBACs (Home Births After Cesareans) and I love them!

---------------------------------------------------

Since you mentioned such very high statistics, how many deaths have

YOU personally had in relation to VBAC's and HBAC's? Does your OWN

personal record reflect the stats you listed? I have to agree with

Kris about the stats seeming WAAAAAAY to high. In the four years

since I have been in my current hospital, we have had NO deaths

related to VBAC's, vaginals or PCS/RCS and just ONE death post-

hysterectomy and we have one of the largest Women's Centers in West

Virginia (I think ours being the third largest hospital in the state).

I didn't go to the website you posted, just replying from the stats

posted. Perhaps that was stats from one hospital or an incredibly

small or limited study. That seems like an exceptionally high number

to me as well as Kris.

Sheila

[Guest guest]

> Since you mentioned such very high statistics, how many deaths have

> YOU personally had in relation to VBAC's and HBAC's?

I have only attended 40 or so VBACs/HBACs in 21 years... not very

high stats. But, I have had no maternal OR fetal deaths in any of

the VBACs. I have attended one maternal death and that was in the

hospital and she died from an amniotic embolism (nothing to

anticipate during pregnancy for that... a complete tragedy that

sometimes happens, no matter where the woman births). I have had

neonatal deaths, but those have all been babies with anomalies

(usually heart). No stillbirths, but have had babies die during the

pregnancy (fetal deaths) and the moms induced in the hospital for

delivery.

> I didn't go to the website you posted, just replying from the stats

> posted.

The stats I posted were from the International Cesarean Awareness

Network site.

Thanks for asking!

Barb Herrera

midwife

San Diego

[Guest guest]

Chrystal,

I had a successful VBAC 3 months ago and I am thankful that I was

able to bring my baby girl into this world in such a wonderful way,

but as you have heard there are risks and you need to search your

soul to see if you are willing to take any. Good luck.

Tammy

> Has anyone here had a vaginal birth after c-section?

>

> I had a c-section with my son because I never progressed past 3

centimeters and his heart rate was speeding up then dropping way way

down.

>

> I thought I would just have another c-section but have been reading

more about VBAC and am wondering if its something I want to try.

>

> My doctor said I can do this because my incision is low and as long

as none of my other medical problems cause problems for me or this

new baby.

>

> Any thoughts or oppinions would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Chrystal

>

> Wife to Jace - together 6 Years!

> Happy Mommy to - 4 Years Old!

> New Baby Swenson Due July 28, 2004!

> Zookeeper for 2 big dogs and 5 cats who let me feed them!

>

>

[Guest guest]

oh I thought I might mention that I was given pitocin with both

babies. 1st baby had fetal distress after 7 hours so they delivered

via c-section. 2nd baby i was given pitocin and delivered 10 1/2

hours later vaginally.

Tammy

> > Has anyone here had a vaginal birth after c-section?

> >

> > I had a c-section with my son because I never progressed past 3

> centimeters and his heart rate was speeding up then dropping way

way

> down.

> >

> > I thought I would just have another c-section but have been

reading

> more about VBAC and am wondering if its something I want to try.

> >

> > My doctor said I can do this because my incision is low and as

long

> as none of my other medical problems cause problems for me or this

> new baby.

> >

> > Any thoughts or oppinions would be greatly appreciated.

> >

> > Chrystal

> >

> > Wife to Jace - together 6 Years!

> > Happy Mommy to - 4 Years Old!

> > New Baby Swenson Due July 28, 2004!

> > Zookeeper for 2 big dogs and 5 cats who let me feed them!

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Congratulations on the new birth. I have a question to ask not just to you but

to anyone here who wants to give some input. What do you feel is the BEST FORM

OF CONTRACEPTION to use after giving birth.

I have spoken to several young women, but none who have had the WLS. Just

trying to get a idea on some of the suggestions from this group and what that

their dr.s advised about the best contraception because of their surgeries and

recent pregnancies. Will most any contraception method work for them or does

their body reject them because of their weight surgeries. Thanks for your

suggestions.

---- Original Message -----

From: tam_anne

To: OSSG-pregnant

Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2004 10:00 PM

Subject: Re: Vaginal Birth After C-section

Chrystal,

I had a successful VBAC 3 months ago and I am thankful that I was

able to bring my baby girl into this world in such a wonderful way,

but as you have heard there are risks and you need to search your

soul to see if you are willing to take any. Good luck.

Tammy

> Has anyone here had a vaginal birth after c-section?

>

> I had a c-section with my son because I never progressed past 3

centimeters and his heart rate was speeding up then dropping way way

down.

>

> I thought I would just have another c-section but have been reading

more about VBAC and am wondering if its something I want to try.

>

> My doctor said I can do this because my incision is low and as long

as none of my other medical problems cause problems for me or this

new baby.

>

> Any thoughts or oppinions would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Chrystal

>

> Wife to Jace - together 6 Years!

> Happy Mommy to - 4 Years Old!

> New Baby Swenson Due July 28, 2004!

> Zookeeper for 2 big dogs and 5 cats who let me feed them!

>

>

[Guest guest]

tte,

I am taking the mini pill. I am breastfeeding, but if you are not

you can take the regular ol' pill. I guess it's just a personal

preference. I don't think wls matters when it comes to

contraceptives. If you are good are remembering to take the pill

every night, then I would recommend it. I have been taking the pill

for the past 10 years except when trying to conceive and it's worked

great for me. Hope this helps.

Tammy

> > Has anyone here had a vaginal birth after c-section?

> >

> > I had a c-section with my son because I never progressed past 3

> centimeters and his heart rate was speeding up then dropping way

way

> down.

> >

> > I thought I would just have another c-section but have been

reading

> more about VBAC and am wondering if its something I want to try.

> >

> > My doctor said I can do this because my incision is low and as

long

> as none of my other medical problems cause problems for me or

this

> new baby.

> >

> > Any thoughts or oppinions would be greatly appreciated.

> >

> > Chrystal

> >

> > Wife to Jace - together 6 Years!

> > Happy Mommy to - 4 Years Old!

> > New Baby Swenson Due July 28, 2004!

> > Zookeeper for 2 big dogs and 5 cats who let me feed them!

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/29/2004 1:34:04 AM Eastern Standard Time,

julietteaboniol@... writes:

What do you feel is the BEST FORM OF CONTRACEPTION to use after giving birth.

It all has to do with your body! I'm currently pg with #4 who is a

bf'ing/minipill/condom baby.. yep this one's against the odds! After this one

BOTH DH

& I will be getting " done "

*~Joy~*

Lap RNY @ 491lbs

2/26/01

Mommy to:

(5) , Saralyn (4), Hunter (7/3/03)

and

#4 due sometime in September '04!

We have 3 kids, soon we'll have FOUR!

After this one,

Quoth Raven...

NEVERMORE!

[Guest guest]

Chrystal,

I have had 2 c-sections. I tried to go VBAC with my 2nd pregnancy, but at 39

weeks I had Polyhydramnios (sp...and that is excess amnionic fluid) and my

cervix was unfavorbale (meaning it was high, and thick and wasn't changing.) So

my Perinatalogist opted for a 2nd section. Obviously, my next prego will result

in a section as well. I do have friends who had successful VBAC's. My motto is "

whatever gets the baby hear safely. " Good luck!

Re: Vaginal Birth After C-section

Chrystal,

I had a successful VBAC 3 months ago and I am thankful that I was

able to bring my baby girl into this world in such a wonderful way,

but as you have heard there are risks and you need to search your

soul to see if you are willing to take any. Good luck.

Tammy

> Has anyone here had a vaginal birth after c-section?

>

> I had a c-section with my son because I never progressed past 3

centimeters and his heart rate was speeding up then dropping way way

down.

>

> I thought I would just have another c-section but have been reading

more about VBAC and am wondering if its something I want to try.

>

> My doctor said I can do this because my incision is low and as long

as none of my other medical problems cause problems for me or this

new baby.

>

> Any thoughts or oppinions would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Chrystal

>

> Wife to Jace - together 6 Years!

> Happy Mommy to - 4 Years Old!

> New Baby Swenson Due July 28, 2004!

> Zookeeper for 2 big dogs and 5 cats who let me feed them!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Chrystal,

Glad to hear things went well with your baby. I have a question that maybe you

can answer. I have posted a few times but not getting alot of replies. I am

curious as to what type of Birth Control you may be using or what your dr.

recommended. I was wondering if the pill is safe enough for WLS patients and

what your choices were that you felt were going to be effective. I hope I can

get some good ideas from new and old moms as to what the best choices are.

Seems most people either don't know or don't want to elaborate on this question.

[Guest guest]

Geez. I hope I have a healthy baby no matter HOW it's delivered PERIOD.

I'd only feel cheated if my baby died if I didn't do all that was possible to

save it.

To each their own I guess.

Sherra