VBAC

Did you switch from a good OB, just to get your VBAC?

Joy+BabyNumber3 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:58:38 GMT

I have had 2 c/s already so my OB won't do them at all. But I called my hospital and was told they have actually seen some OBs do them there. So now I'm looking for those OBs and considering a switch just to have the option. I love my OB, too, and it's such a professional office. Latest equipment, great response to problems, etc. I feel like I'm nuts even thinking about switching from them, but I am SO disappointed about not getting the option to try for a VBA2C. I had a fluke first c/s and an elective one next, after still feeling upset about the first time around, and lacking the confidence to try. But I'm healthy, in great shape, and having the easiest pregnancy yet. I am just afraid i will always regret not trying for a VBA2C!

Time between pregnancies for VBAC

jnnfrrose6 — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:48:25 GMT

Hi,

Just trying to find out what other people's doctors/midwives have recommended. My son was born at the end of August and we didn't find out until I was in the hospital and over 6 cm along that he was breech. There went my plans for a vaginal birth, so now I'm curious what other people have been told as to how long to wait for the next one. My midwife told me I should wait 2 years between conceptions, so at this point I'm only about 6 months out, but if I happened to get pregnant before then am I throwing out my chances of a vbac? Has anyone had their pregnancies closer together?

TIA!

Expecting Moms Check In, Week of June 18

a2003tiger — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:24:14 GMT

1) How many weeks are you?

2) How are you feeling?

3) Any appointments this week?

4) What's something you look forward to, once you're no longer pregnant?

if anyone has any suggestions for VBAC related questions, I'm all ears! Or I can just start recycling old ones!

Failed Glucose Test :(

kbeeb — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:55:27 GMT

Hi Ladies!

I am 29 weeks along, and just found out i failed my first glucose test. i'm going back tomorrow for the longer version (and i am hating this fasting, let me tell you!) and keeping my fingers crossed. I just had my first appointment with a new doctor who is willing to do a VBAC for me (2 hours from where i live) but a comment she made makes me anxious that i won't be a candidate anymore if i fail this second test....the only childbirth book i have is what to expect when you're expecting, left over from my son, and it has very little information on gestational diabities and VBACs in general...do any of you know if i can still try for a VBAC if i do have GD?

High risk VBAC??

Mattel — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:15:51 GMT

Hey ladies.

I haven't been active on TB since my daughter was born, but we have just started TTC #2 so I'm back at it :) With DD, I had a non-emergency C-section. I am diabetic and that had a lot to do with out decision to go for the C/S. My diabetes was pretty well managed throughout my pregnancy and I was followed very closely by my perinatologist. LO was completely healthy. The more I think about it, the more bummed I get that I never experienced labor and would really like to with our next LO. I've been reading a lot about VBACs and most of what I read says the same - that in order to have a VBAC you have to have a healthy, normal pregnancy. Almost everything I've seen says that a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, pretty much means no go for VBAC. Does anyone have any insight or information on this?

Due Saturday and now my previously VBAC supportive husband is no more...long

LVbaby07 — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:51:01 GMT

I knew I wanted to try for a VBAC since the day I found out I was pregnant. I explained this and discussed with my husband from day 1. He basically said that he is comfortable with whatever decision I make, he was not a doctor and did not really know enough one way or another to make that decision for me and again, would support me any way. The way has always been VBAC. I switched to a supportive midwife group at 12 weeks and he knew that and the reason why and was fine with it as well. Well, fast forward to now and I am due on Saturday. My first daughter was vaginal, however the Pitocin had no effect on me and I almost ended up with a section for her. My second, was induced, it failed, the highest dose of Pitocin had no effect again and think its what really got my daughters heartrate messed up to cause the section. My section was extremly traumatic for both of us. So the discussion now comes up about induction. Not tomorrow or the next day, but we had to start thinking of around 41.5-42 weeks if nothing.

My husband is now saying that we should just get the csection, and be done. He told me it was safer than going through all that labor and having it fail, which he thinks it will based on my history and thinks a planned csection is just better, from what he has heard. He has nothing to support this of course, but he just knows apparently. I am not trying to make him out to sound bad, I think he is just nervous b/s of what we went through last time. I tell him stats and all that, and he just doesnt want to hear it. How now am I supposed to stay positive? Uggh. My choice now is to wait and if nothing happens on my own, opt for the induction or go for the section. Anyone faced with the same choice or can anyone offer any words of encouragement for a 40 week pregnant woman whose hormones are crazy right now :)

Two due dates?

palm513 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:48:56 GMT

So my LMD and my second ultrasound both put my due date as Oct 27. But my FIRST ultrasound put my due date at Nov 2. Both ultrasounds were done before 8 weeks, all of my appointments are being based off of the Oct 27 due date but my chart has Nov 2. Is it normal, for the doctor to keep the later due date even though he says the earlier one is probably more accurate?

Fact or Myth?

emmasue18 — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:02:23 GMT

Hi, ladies! My first son was born vaginally with an epidural, second son I wanted to go naturally but had to have an emergency C-section due to placental abruption. So, the OB gave me the green light to attempt VBAC. I have heard some rumors and thought you could clear these up for me rather than asking a billion questions at the office. TIA!

Do you have to have an epidural during VBAC in preparation for a C-section if necessary?

Are you pressured to get an epidural early?

Can you be induced? If so, what methods of induction?

Do you have to have a birth plan to do a VBAC?

Can you labor at home for a bit or are you to go to the hospital right away?

What is the rate of successful VBACs?

Thank you so much, love reading your stories!!

try to labor at home?

luvmybaby28 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:37:48 GMT

as long as possible? I really want to go for a vbac, but am worried that I will go to the hospital, they will; make me lie down and attach all the machines and then it will lead to a csection.

My first was scheduled due to size, my son was almost 10 pounds and this one most likely will be too, but I really want to try.

Also, generally with larger babies do they need to use forceps or the vacuum? my ob said she wouldn't want to use these interventions and do a csection if the vbac wasn't smooth.

Intro/Success Story

*AirForceWife* — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:00:27 GMT

Hi ladies!

I haven't been on the boards for a few years now, but I *might* be pregnant with #3 and will be seeking another VBAC if that's the case so I thought I'd stop by.

DS was born 1/26/2011 via c-section after laboring without meds and pushing for 2+ hours (failure to descend past 0 station despite natural birthing positions, etc.). We thought it might be due to my scoliosis and thought a repeat c was inevitable. However, I wanted to again labor as long without intervention as possible with DD. Ended up getting an epidural (at 10cm...sheesh I should have just finished without it!), but she was born 19 1/2 months after DS via successful VBAC on 9/8/2012!

Just want to encourage all of you who are pregnant and looking forward to a successful VBAC. I went into the hospital with DD at 5cm and the staff were really encouraging of my choice to attempt a vaginal delivery. You're your own best advocate! They insisted I be hooked up to an IV and monitored closely, but I still had the freedom to be on my feet and move around the room and utilize a birthing ball. It was really a wonderful experience :)

Pain in lower abdomen

LMMH09 — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 02:08:20 GMT

Have any of you experienced pain in your lower abdomen with your 2nd pregnancy? I went to the dr and they were thinking it was a UTI so they put me on antibiotics but it did not help. I am wondering if it is maybe because of my csection scar from before? I am really hoping for a VBAC but they are concerned about the pain and it causing preterm labor. Hoping you guys have some insight! Thanks!

Newbie intro

WhitneyMH — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:21:07 GMT

Hi! I thought I wouldwait to intro when I was expecting. However, I am getting so excited for my vbac opportunity I just can't wait. I live in Oklahoma and vbac is pretty unheard of in my circle of friends. I changed OBs to a wonderful doc (only one in town that will do a vbac) who has abgreat vbac success rate. I am just excited to learn more and prepare. I just started reading ina mays guide to childbirth. rEALLY wish i would have read it when I was expecting my beautiful DD. I'm still hurt and frustrated by the outcome of her labor, but I'm at peace that it wasn't my failure, but the failure of the care providers I trusted. This is our first month ttc #2,, and I forgot how fun the tww is ;). Sorry for typos, ipad is not message board friendly.

VBAC success!

ladybugpjb — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:02:10 GMT

Baby Girl was born this past Sunday morning. I had hoped to go completely natural, but the back labor was too much for me and I got an epi.

I progressed fairly quickly - from a 3-4 around midnight to 9cm around 5am. I cried when they told me I was at 9cm since I only got to 8cm with DS. Because DD was having heart decels, the OB suggested using forceps for delivery after pushing awhile. DD came out pretty easily with the forceps, and I just dissolved into a big emotional puddle. Her cord was around her neck and she was sunny side up, so that's what caused the trouble.

I was really skeptical of how other ladies said a VBAC recovery was easier than a c-section recovery because I felt really good after my c-section, but I really do feel great, even with a little bit of tearing.

Successful VBAC Story (PIP)

LeggyNic — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 15:20:38 GMT

Short Version: Mair.in June was born Tuesday, June 4th at 2:07am via successful VBAC weighing in at 8lbs, 8oz, 20.5" at 39wk5d.

Long Version: My water broke Monday evening as DH and I were putting DD1&2 to bed. I went to lay down with DD1 and felt/heard a POP but initially thought it was my pubic bone popping. Soon felt a significant gush and ended up soaking 2 sets of pads & clothes before making it into the car. IL's came to get older DDs and we made it to the hospital about 9:00pm.

In Evaluation, I was 3cm and had my first contractions. I was admitted and settled into my room. I walked for quite a while and contractions picked up but were pretty manageable till 11:30-12midnight. I was checked and at 4cm then. Resident said she'd return at 2am to re-check unless I had significant contraction change.

Things picked up and I tried the birthing ball. It was way too small for my long legs. I didn't last long on it as I felt my knees were at my chin. Contractions were about 2-3min apart and I needed to breathe, close my eyes through them. My nurse was great in noticing my changes and suggested at recheck at 1am. I was at 5cm.

Expecting a long night and not feeling super encouraged by my 2cm progress in 4hrs, DH and I discussed it and decided to settle in with an epidural. The CRNA was called and in my room within 10mins. He prepped me but then there was the horrible process of trying to track down my platelet numbers as the computers were down and the lab wasn't answering. It took 2 tries to get the epi placed and by the time he was done I was shaking pretty significantly. My nurse noticed and decided to check me. I was complete, 100%, and baby was at -1.

So from 1am-1:45am I went from 5-10cm. The OB had been called since it's standard for them to be on site at 5cm+ for VBACs. I was told not to push till he arrived even though the Resident was ready to catch. After 10-15min of pushing, Miss M arrived with a small 2nd degree tear. Considering she's over 2lbs bigger than my previous vaginal delivery, I don't think that's too bad.

If I had known I would progress so quickly in that last hour, I wouldn't have gone for the epi but I was expecting a much longer night. Recovery has been interesting. I had been fighting a cold this whole week which turned into a raging case of pink eye late Tuesday afternoon. We were released Thursday morning after 48hrs monitoring due to GBS and I realized a massive spinal headache and ended up needing a blood patch on Friday afternoon. Mair.in is a great nurser though. Big sisters just love doting, holding, and talking to her.

Here's a pic of her swishy face:

Expecting Moms Check-In, Week of June 11

a2003tiger — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:52:59 GMT

1) How far along are you?

2) Any appointments this week?

3) Any cravings?

4) How are you feeling overall?

5) What item, from past experience, do you just have to have for this baby?

Questions about vba2c

Dulmaria — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:34:41 GMT

Hi! I am a mother to a 6 1/2 year old and a 9 month baby, my first DD was born via csection due to low volume of liquid, actually I never really understood why that happended, I never felt a leak or realized that I had lost my mucus plug, and my second one was born via csection too bcause the Obgyn didn't want to risk me having a uterine rupture since I had a burning sensation when I had a braxton hick at 37 wks, so she performed an elective csection at 38 wks.

I feel so frustrared I have not delivered my babies, I cant even express the sadness I feel when I read about succesful vbacs I feel like such a failure.

I'd like to now your opinion on Vba2c, or your experience if any on this matter.

How long should I wait to get pregnant again?

Should I have a back up plan for an emergency csection in case of a rupture?

I want to deliver naturally so bad but feel so scared something will go wrong an compromise my future baby or my own well being.

Sometimos I feel like I am being selfish wanting to risk my health for the sake of me wanting to experience natural birth giving.

I'm so confused! Thanks for reading and replying :

Struggling to decide between VBAC. And repeat csection

MamaMimiDi — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 03:12:13 GMT

Hi ladies...I'm reporting this from the csection board to get more responses. Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

I'm really struggling in deciding between a VBAC and repeat Csection. I'm looking for some advice/experiences of others to hear what others have done and get sons more opinions. I had my first section 3 years ago for failure to progress. I never made it passed a 7. This time around my dr and midwife say I'm a great candidate for a VBAC but I'm nervous that I would just end up right back with a section ultimately. I'm due the beginning of Sept and as a teacher it would be much easier to plan the delivery and my mat leave upfront but I feel guilty choosing a c section only for convenience of planning. I clearly still have time to decide and am discussing pros and cons with my health care team but would love to hear what others would do in my situation. Thanks ladies!

Boston/Southern NH VBACers

TheDevlins — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:19:29 GMT

Hi Ladies,

My family is in the early stages of relocating to the Boston area/southern New Hampshire (location will be determined by the company we decide to relocate with) so I am trying to do my due diligence now.

I am looking for a practice/hospital/midwife group that supports VBACs. I have a great doctor where I am located now and I want to make sure that we will be in good hands when we move. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Chicago vbac

SLP1980 — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:14:25 GMT

I'm currently searching for a hospital that will allow me to attempt a VBAC in Chicago. Swedish Covenant is the most convenient for me - has anyone had success there recently? I called the midwife group at Northwestern and they don't do VBACs From what I was told. When I called Swedish Covenant I was told the midwives don't do VBACS either but I could see a regular OB there. I'm also considering hiring a doula. Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Expecting Moms Check-In, Week of June 4

a2003tiger — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:54:02 GMT

This is attempt #2, as DS just deleted my first attempt, lol!

1) How far along are you?

2) Any appointments this week?

3) How are you feeling? Any food cravings?

4) Let's go non-VBAC related. Are you doing a nursery for this LO? If so, describe!

32 weeks w/Breech Baby

MIZCNEL — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:14:55 GMT

do any of you ladies have or had a breech baby that is making or made you doubt having a VBAC ? Our baby girl is still breech at 32weeks and I'm praying that she turns however she's a biggin 5.9 at the moment and I'm a little nervous that she's to cramped to turn.

AROM induction for VBAC?

beebaby — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:11:18 GMT

Anyone here have success with AROM as a means of induction for your VBAC? My OB will not induce with pitocin, but if cervix is favorable, she will rupture membranes to see if that will get things going for a VBAC in attempts to avoid a RCS.

Just curious if anyone else had their OB rupture membranes to induce and if so, what was the result?

TIA!

VBAC birth plan

MISnJER80 — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:19:24 GMT

Just wondering if anyone that had a VBAC has a birth plan they are willing to share. I know I want to try med-free but just curious what all I should include. I didn't make on for my first DD and I feel it had a lot to do with my section. Thanks in advance.

home birth v-bac... diagnosed with group b beta strep

sunsail01 — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:13:29 GMT

ugh any ladies out there in this boat? home birth v-bac... diagnosed with group b beta strep through a urine culture. currently 36w 3d. is there hope to clear this up without antibiotic, or without going to the hospital, or any other tests to confirm that there is truly an issue?

Hypertension & VBAC? (Kind of long)

ashie0610 — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:53:32 GMT

I don't think I've formally intro'ed here but I watch the board a lot whenever baby fever strikes. I'm mostly a bump lurker in general though. :)

The back-story is that I had my son via c-section at 37 1/2 weeks due to hypertension and breech presentation. There was never any protein in my urine or other signs of pre-e, and I was scheduled for a c-section anyway. I think probably could have been monitored a little longer but since I was considered full-term they did the surgery right then. I was completed terrified and my BP skyrocketed during the surgery, so I ended up on magnesium. Bottom line: the whole experience was very traumatic for me and trying for a VBAC with #2 is very important to me.

DH and I are thinking about when we'd like to start TTC #2, so I've been trying to get more info on VBACs in my area so that we make sure we put enough time between deliveries and find a supportive practice near our hospital. I really loved my OB because she did a great job on my surgery, but I'm not sure how accommodating she will be with a VBAC (although she was the one who pointed out that I'd be a great candidate). I'm a little nervous she might push for another c-section if my BP problems resurface.

I started calling local midwife practices in the area to ask about their VBAC practices and one of them mentioned that while they don't induce VBACs as a general rule, their patients don't have much hypertension anyway. I thought that was kind of an odd claim and am curious what this group thinks...

So two questions: 1. Do you think seeing a midwife vs. an OB could actually affect your BP? and 2. Anyone tips/success stories for those who've had successful VBACs with high BP?

Thanks!