What's the right support for a VBAC?

Dear fellow parents, I'm looking for advice about what the right support might be in trying to have a VBAC. A doula? A midwife? No support person but other preparation (are there books, web sites etc. that you'd recommend)? I'll be delivering at Kaiser Walnut Creek. We had a doula the first time around and she was wonderful during our at-home labor. When I arrived at the hospital I was 9 cm. But I ended up with an emergency c-section. It's very difficult to know whether or not it was truly necessary, but the doula did not do the questioning, or stopping the process that we'd discussed and in our post-partum follow-up she didn't know whether the right thing had happened. She wasn't very experienced, though wonderful in every other way. I'd like to find some one with a lot of specifically VBAC experience. Thanks so much Anon

Have you had both vaginal and C-section deliveries?

I am 8 weeks pregnant with my second child. My first child was delivered via C-section after over 3 hours of pushing and trying to vacuum the baby out. I really want to try to deliver this baby vaginally but I have concerns. I am worried about the risks of having a VBAC (ruptures, etc.) but I know there is a lot of evidence out there showing that the risks are very slight and that it's more of accepted medical practice than an actual health issue. My biggest concern is that I have to repeat my first birth - being in labor for over 30 hours, then having to push over 3 hours only to have a C-section. Recovering from both a vaginal and C-section delivery was very difficult. I wanted to get advice from women out there who have had both and what their experience was - was it easy to have a vaginal after C-section, did they have a successful vaginal delivery, was it difficult to convince doctors, etc?. I understand the research out there on VBACS so please no lectures about that risks or no- risks related to that. I'm looking more for practical advice to the actual birth and not people's philosophical reasons for or against it. Thanks. Anon

When my first was born I had envisioned a totally natural, drug-free labor in the bathtub. Instead, labor never progressed and I had an emergency c-section due to fetal distress. I had a lot of depression from feeling like my body was defective. When I had my second and chose to do a VBAC, I hoped to have the natural birth that I had wanted with my first. This time, labor progressed so quickly and so intensely that I was pretty much begging for an epidural as soon as I hit the door. Then, I think because I had the epidural, my doctor put an internal monitor on the baby. I had all kinds of tubes and wires on me and there was no way I was going to be able to leave the bed, but I didn't really care. The monitor helped allay my fears about a rupture so I could relax, the epidural totally knocked out the pain so I could sleep, and labor and childbirth ended up actually being pleasurable. My husband, mother and I sat around chatting and joking with the nurse most of the time. I did strain my back pushing because I couldn't feel and I had a headache from the epidural for a week or so, and sure, it wasn't the birth I had thought I was going to have, but I have a healthy baby and a great memory of the experience. No regrets

C-section vs attempt VBAC

I'm going to try to stick to the basics & hope to get some feedback that fits our situation. 1st birth - emergency c- section due to OP presentation (face up), stuck in birth canal, fetal & maternal distress (general not an epidural). Labor progressed fine, dialated quickly, considering presentation realtively short. No medication until general administered. Now on pregnancy #2. Child #1 will be a few months past 3yrs at due date. He is needy, has some sensory issues (mild), sleeps great *only* at home, has never spent a night without Mom putting him to bed -- he is all about his routine. I can't stress this enough.

So if I do a planned c-section, husband can be with child mostly, we can have help scheduled, BUT I have to deal with c- section recovery + toddler. (recovery last time was ok, not horrible.)

Or, we try for a VBAC (my OB thinks my chances are good to have a vaginal delivery) but my concern is I'll end up with another c- section and *not* have all the help in place and my son will be a wreck etc etc. But the quick overnight at the hosptial and easier recovery are very appealing. I have lots of good friends who have offered to help, but unless you have a kid who really really needs his routine/consistency, its a little hard to imagine - ie, they've offered but I am not sure they realize what they are getting into.

Also, there are no grandparents/relatives that our son is connected to who can come stay for a while. Anyone gone one way and wished they did the other? Any other thoughts on how to make this decision the best one for all parties? Because of all the drama last time, my husband is in favor of the c-section. Thank you for sharing your experiences. tough choice

My VBAC recovery was at least 50 times faster than my C-section experience, breastfeeding was a breeze, and #2 has been incredibly healthy and strong since birth. Moreover, a VBAC for me was a very empowering experience, more so than getting a PhD and qualifying for Boston marathon.

Have you read Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Natural Childbirth? Best wishes for a happy delivery and healthy baby, whichever path you decide to take. Happy VBAC mom

If you have time before the baby comes, I would recommend getting him used to other people caring for him now. Maybe start with an afternoon out and work up to a date night. Or have your husband take over the bed time routine. Let him see that his routine can change and it is OK. If you haven't already, you might want to consider seeing a developmental pediatrician for an assessment. They might be able to offer help and advice about the sensory issues.

By the way, I had a successful VBAC and was able to come home the next day, but was disappointed in how hard the recovery was. I am still glad that I was able to do it, but I am not sure it was that much easier than the c-section. Been There

I had an option with my second child. C-Section OR vaginal birth, it was up to me. I got lots of grief from other people who told me I should do the normal way. So I did. I REGRETTED IT. First, it was luck I got an epidural. These doctors don't really pay attention to your needs regarding the pain and most women I know don't get it -- supposedly because the time is too close to birthing. You have to tell them at just the right time you want the pain medicine.

This child was bigger than the first. The doctor did not like how the baby's heart was sounding so it had to come out right away. FORCEPTS would used. It was painful, uncomfortable and recovery time, believe it or not, was much longer for the regular birth than the C-Section.

Ultimately, you have to make the decision. Just don't let silly things like -guilt- lead you to make a decision you might regret. s

Because we made my sister a regular part of our older son's routine the weeks prior to my due date and kept him in daycare (it really minimized the change for him) his transition to the new baby was very smooth. My husband also began reading ''I'm a Big Brother'' with our older son every night for a few weeks...that seemed to help with his adjustment to a new baby too. Since we had help with the cleaning and cooking (thanks to my mom), my husband was able to spend lots of one-on-one time with our first son while I tended to the new baby. While our first son was at daycare my husband and I bonded with our newborn w/o interruption.

Good luck to you with whatever choice you make. Been in your shoes and thankful for help!

Want to have a VBAC; current OB can't offer it

I read through the archives and have seen some recent postings on the topic of VBACs. I'm also hoping to have one - I'm 17 weeks pregnant and my current OB in Castro Valley is unable to offer me one. My first baby was born 2 years ago by C-section at Eden Hospital and unfortunately they don't do VBACs. My first was delivered by c-section because he was in fetal distress, and I never even really started labor. I had to be induced 10 days after my due date, and after they started the pytocin, I started having very mild contractions and his heartrate continued to drop.

I'm hoping that this time I'll have a much different experience! I'm looking for a new OB who supports VBACs, and am looking at either Alta Bates or Valley Care in Pleasanton (which is much closer to me). Friends have recommended Dr. Helen Matthews (for Alta Bates) and Dr. Bleecker (for Valley Care) - does anyone out there have experience with either one?

I realize there are some risks involved with having a VBAC, but I trust that with the right OB and the right hospital, I will receive the right care that will ensure my baby and I are not in danger. What have others' experiences been?

One other question - I didn't have a doula with my last birth and I've never been too fond of the idea, but do you think it's necessary - or extremely beneficial - to have a doula when trying for a VBAC? Anyone you'd recommend? Thanks in advance! Nancy

I delivered with a midwife who practiced with OB's and did hospital deliveries, an arrangement that I was very comfortable with. She was very supportive of the VBAC and worked with the OB's to make some space for me to pursue that.

Some consequences, though, of the VBAC under doctor/hospital guidance were that I had to go in to the hospital earlier than I really wanted to, and had to have more monitoring. They were simply a lot more conservative. Thus, when I got to the hospital after about 8 hours of labor at home, it was too soon, my contractions stopped, and had to be restarted with pitocin. An undersired intervention, but this time it really worked, and at the lowest dose. It was just enough to restart labor.

I had been pretty scared about whether my body could even go into labor, and whether I could push a baby out, not having done it before. Well it did and I could. (Frankly, I wasn't scared at all about a negative outcome from trying the VBAC. I'd looked at the data and felt very comfortable with it). It was a really amazing and empowering experience, to be able to hold my daughter right away, instead of lying there on the operating table wacthing other people hold my child, and not have all the pain from the surgery afterwards. I was out of bed in a couple of hours, unlike the last time when it was a couple of days. I wasn't tethered to IV drips, catheter and all that other baggage. Very liberating, and very worth the effort. So I would encourage you to try, but also to have a good backup plan, or two. Good luck! Happy VBAC Mom

I did everything I could to prepare and although I never went into labor, baby never descended, I realized the likelihood of a successful VBAC were low, and ended up electing way after my due date to have another C-section (my first baby was 10 pounds early!), having done everything I could to try for the VBAC empowered me and helped me come to terms not only with having a repeat C-section, but actually helped me deal with the first one as well. Best of luck to you! 2xC mom

As for the doula question--I'm puzzled: the idea has never appealed to you to have some one there who is supporting you in having the birth experience that you want? I had a doula at my birth, and I was so glad to have some one who was experienced with the process, experienced dealing with hospital staff and would support me AND my husband to have a terrific birth. I can't recommend it highly enough. Studies have shown that people who have doulas have fewer interventions, and, therefore, FEWER C-SECTIONS.

Yes, I think you are more likely to have your VBAC if you have a doula by your side, reminding you that you can do it, and supporting you every step of the way. After all, even if YOUR OB is supportive, you might not get your OB when the time comes, and you'll have to contend with whomever is on call. Your doula is there to do the contending for you, since that's the last thing one wants to do while in labor. Good luck to you! Loved My Doula

It turned out that my doula had three other women in labor the same night - a freak occurance - the labor and delivery room was a complete madhouse for some unknown reason. It turned out I really did not need her as I had my baby within 3 hours of my water breaking. However, she was good at getting my husband and I on the same page and making us comfortable with our decision. It was absolutely fabulous in comparison to the c-section! I was so much happier and comfortable with the baby/recovery etc then the first time around.

Because you did not go into regular labor the first time, it may be more similar to a first time labor than a second time (i.e. longer than my 3 hours) but it is really is worth it! My current OB GYN is named Dr. Arzou Ahsan - she is great. Her number is 845-8047. They recently changed the practice name otherwise I'd tell you that too. Best of luck! Mindy

C-Section or VBAC?

I am trying to decide whether or not to try a VBAC. I am 29 weeks. With my first labor 2 years ago, my daughter was face up and I had preeclampsia which began during labor. So, I was on Mag-Sulfate (which the doctor says stalls your labor) and I stopped dialating at 5 cm. After almost 24 hours, they sectioned me. But the baby wasn't too big for my anatomy or anything as far as we know. She was 7#4. But I am so traumatized by it. I forgot all my breathing and the epidural only worked on half of my body and lasted like an hour. I kind of want to just plan another c-section. I am not dedicated to a natural labor or anything. I just want my baby to come out healthy (and hopefully with minimal damage to me). But there are risks involved with a 2nd c-section, like bladder and bowel damage to me. The 1% risk of rupture with a VBAC would harm the baby and me. Although a very small risk, I feel I would rather risk myself than the baby. I recovered in like 2 weeks from my first section and I feel like if I didn't have 24 hours of labor first, I could recover even quicker this time. But the idea of standing up and walking out of the hospital the next day sounds so great if I did a VBAC. And the fact that it's healthier for myself and the baby. And then there is the fact that I could only have 1 or 2 more kids. (But I don't want more than that). I was just so bad at labor the first time! I saw the archives, but I thought I might be able to get some more recent advice. By the way, I will be delivering at the new Kaiser Oakland facility (I did Alta Bates last time). Thanks! --confused

Also, c-section has risks for the baby: baby's get cut, and they are more likely to have respitory problems (because going throught the birth canal in a vaginal birth helps squeeze fluid out of the baby's lungs, which doesn't happen with a c-sectin).

These are just a few examples of risks associated with c-sections. You can find out more in the books that I read about these issues: ''Ina May's Guide to Childbirth'' and Henci Goer's ''The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth.'' Both of them are definitely biased toward natural childbirth, but they are both very well researched, so they are good sources of information. Henci Goer, in particular, tries to give you a good idea of both pros and cons of various interventions, but Ina May has information that Henci Goer doesn't, which is why I found both to be valuable. I'd really recommend reading them both before you make up your mind, because they can give you facts and statistics and information that you can't get from just the individuals who tell you about their personal experiences here. You can find them on Amazon.com.

Finally, I know you're afraid, but please remember that EVERY PREGNANCY IS DIFFERENT. Not just between individuals, but every individual will have a different experience with each pregnancy. Your 2nd is not doomed to be like your first! Best of luck! anon

As for my story... my c-section delivery followed about 20 hours of intense labor and failure to progress past 5 centimeters. My son turned out to be 10 pounds (I'm 5'2'' and was about 100 pounds) so some people think, ''well of course you had a c-section'' but I don't necessarily believe that. Post- surgery I was wheeled into a recovery room alone for about 4 hours and wasn't able to see my husband or my baby during that entire time. I looked forward my whole life to having a baby and then there I was (after waking up from the morphine and demerol), alone, afraid, unable to move, and not knowing what was going on with my baby. Months and months later I saw a picture of my husband in the nursery feeding my son a bottle of water with all my friends and family right outside the room. Then I saw another picture of about 15 family and friends all standing around my baby. I broke down in tears (almost a year later!) and realized how much it had affected me. Yes, my son was healthy, and I was grateful for that, but I think he could have been just as healthy delivered vaginally.

At that point I began looking into VBACs and was referred to the book ''the VBAC Companion'' by another VBAC mom. The information in the book was incredibly helpful in cementing my decision and commiting me to trying. It made me realize that other mom's had the same disappointed feelings about their delivery and that the ''well at least your baby is healthy'' doesn't always make everything better. In fact, it helped me realize that I didn't need to feel guilty about my disappointment when people would say that to me.

The book also put the risks of a VBAC into perspective. Some of the risks they put into perspective were that uteran rupture rate is actually less than 1 and there is some risk of rupture whether or not you've ever even had a c-section so as far as how ''increased'' the risk is, its really low. also, the complications if you have a rupture can likely be handled with little impact if you're in a properly equiped facility (i.e. one that can perform a c-section within 17 minutes). They also point out the risks of a c-section which is not problem free. Another major point the author makes is the very positive aspects of attempting a VBAC regardless of whether or not you are successful. Labor itself is beneficial to you and your baby not only in the release of chemicals but having the baby be in the womb until it is ready to come out.

I realized then, my second biggest VBAC fear (aside from the rupture issue) was that I'd invest all this effort, go through all this pain, and get my hopes up, only to be disappointed in the end. Upon reading how beneficial it can be to the baby and mom to experience labor, I let go of that fear and am now just content to give it a try.

Then during my Kaiser Oakland hospital tour, I was shown the c- section recovery room. To my surprise, there was a ''partner's'' chair, a baby crib (hospital kind of course), and a bed, just like every other recovery room. I was so pleased to find out that after a c-section at Kaiser Oakland, your baby and partner stay with you and that they will put the baby to your breast as soon as possible (if you do breastfeed). I suddenly felt so much relief that if I were not successful, at least the post-op recovery would not be so traumatic. Thank you Kaiser! This really helped my anxiety over attempting a VBAC.

With all that said, I know that many many moms chose a repeat c- section. The comfort in knowing when it will come is huge (I am in my last two weeks and wish so badly I could just KNOW!!!). I also have heard that the recovery from the second c-section (if you labored the first time) is SO much better, its almost like night and day. A best friend of mine however had a worse recovery with the second because of a leak in her spine from the epideral and a few other issues (one of which was the lack of bonding she felt with the second. one of the chemicals released during labor is ''oxytocin'' which is often considered the ''bonding chemical.'' It increases trust and scientists have actually found it can be administered to patients to increase their trust levels. Anyway, perhaps not having that chemical released because her body never initiated labor had something to do with the difference in bonding between the first and second. either way, she is unbelievably bonded to her second now so that is just a little thing I suppose and could totally be an exception). This friend of mine said if her recovery from the first c-section had been as bad as the second c-section, she probably would have considered a VBAC. Just goes to show that every delivery, and not just labor, is different.

I wish you the best of luck with making your decision. Its different for everyone and I'm sure once you're informed (definitely read the VBAC companion!) you'll make the right one for you. Hoping to be a VBACer

There is incredible potential for transformation in vaginal birth - if you are not at high risk for a VBAC, and it sounds like you aren't, I would recommend you consider it. A VBAC is much lower a risk than doctors and hospitals will have you think. Here are some helpful resources so that you can further weigh your options:

www.maternitywise.org/mw/topics/vbac-cesarean/index.html
www.gentlebirth.org/archives/icanvbac.html
www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/vbacprimer.asp

VBAC at Alta Bates

Looking for advice and/or experiences regarding VBACs at Alta Bates in Berkeley. I will be attending the hospital's VBAC class on April 8th, but am looking for info before then to help in my decision. Thanks! Dawn I wish I had had a second c-section rather than a VBAC. I feel like there's a lot of push in the Bay Area to do the VBAC which focuses on the risks of the C-section, but doesn't mention the risks of the VBAC. Of course there's the risks of major surgery and risks of uterine rupture talked about. People say the recovery is so much better w/ the VBAC, but that's misleading. It's different.

First of all, from many stories I've heard, recovery from a second kid is much better than the first, regardless of whether you went c-section, then vaginal or vice versa, of course unless you had a problem. Certainly the stress of having a kid is easier the second time. After my c-section, my body took a while to recover. I was weak and tired and caring for a little baby. But by 2 months, I was fine except for a tiny line across my abdomen. After my VBAC, I had skin torn that was never properly reattached, my nerves and muscles were in bad shape. I found myself urinating, it running down my legs urinating, if I bent over to tie my shoes or other seeemingly irrelevant things. Psychologically, I was turned off sexually, due to worrying over my damaged skin & tissue. Physically, sex has never been as pleasurable since the birth 1 and 1/2 yrs ago.

I didn't have an infection, I didn't have a tear to the anus, things could have been much worse. There are some disturbing stories at: http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/parents/postpartumsex.html#painful Just make a decision weighing all factors. Also, even if you go with a VBAC, I would schedule a C-section. I think normally scheduled C-sections are 1 week before your due date. Decide how long you're willing to go - a few days past your due date? a week? more? Talk to you dr. and schedule this one in case you're late (they won't want to induce you). I ended up late and couldn't schedule a c-section until a few days after I was willing to have it, and ended up with the VBAC just before my c-section.

Good luck and remember, both choices are fine and most end up just fine! :) VBAC isn't all great

You should have an in depth discussion with your doc or midwife. So they routinely offer VBACs? what's their success rate? would they be willing to induce or augment your labor if need be? do they prefer that you have an epidural in place? will you be expected to have internal fetal and contraction monitoring? The worst case complication with a VBAC is uterine rupture which can result in fetal brain damage or death. As such you will probablly have continuous monitoring of your contractions and the baby. This is a good thing because, altough it is rare, it can happen and a good outcome depends on a swift diagnosis and emergency c-section delivery.

The nursing staff is excellent and very comfortable with VBACs.I really can't say enough about the skill of the nurses in labor and delivery. They are fantastic!! I hope you have a wonderful birth no matter how your baby decides to be born. It's a tough decisions and I hope you have lots of support. Good Luck

VBAC with a doula?

I'm expecting baby #2 in late March. My last pregnancy ended with an emergency c-section. I'm hoping to have better luck this time around, and to help luck along, I'd like to find a doula who has experience assisting moms in my situation to have a natural VBAC. I've looked on the website but didn't see any date for the recommendations listed there, so I'd appreciate hearing recent stories of positive experiences with doulas and VBACs. Many thanks.

Amy combines incredible resourcefulness and knowledge with an unusual level of emotional support. Amy helped me strategize about how to deal with the doctors in my practice, including one who didn't seem very positive about the VBAC; she also helped me cope with the emotional side of hearing some of those negative messages from my medical team--from the prenatal visits through the birth. Amy's suggestions actually helped me take my second birth and all my preparations for it to a higher level. At the same time, I always felt that Amy was on top of all the practical details, a consummate professional. (She's a former project manager, and it shows. Great organizational and people skills, can-do attitude, and if she doesn't know something, she finds out.) And she's very much a liason in relation to the medical staff--non-confrontational, but always helping me and my partner make our own decisions based on all the available information.

My second labor was very long and it was not clear until the last two hours that it would be a successful VBAC instead of a repeat C-section. Amy was there for me throughout (hands on, lots of massage, etc.) and she helped me decide after 40 plus hours that I was not ready to give up; I'll never forget the tears in her eyes as she watched the birth of my son. Amy helped make this birth an incredibly healing experience. Of course, I'd recommend her services (which include wonderful postpartum support) to any expecting mom. Hilary

VBAC versus a C-section

I am due early next year and am agonizing over whether I should opt for a VBAC or not. The doctor has laid out all the pro's and con's of each and frankly, my husband and I can't decide which is best. I'm sure lots of you moms have been through this and I would love to hear any advice on the subject, from those who chose VBAC's and from those who opted for cesareans; and what the experience was like. Thank you

When we were due with our first baby, my husband and I had taken a birthing class in which the instructor had us watch a video on C-sections. I'd never thought about C-sections before, other than assuming I wouldn't have to deal with it. After the video, I was a bit shaken. It was incredibly negative. The women all talked about how they had regretted having C-sections and felt inadequate for not being able to deliver vaginally.

When it came time for my son's delivery, I ended up being in labor for more than 21 hours. About 10 hours into labor, one of the doctors in my doctor's group stopped in to check and said I should have a C-section. Well, you can imagine my reaction. I started crying, saying that I felt inadequate. Here's the funny thing: I even told my husband that I wasn't able to deliver vaginally because I was anal retentive (we like to joke about this now!). The nurse on our team sympathized with us and we went ahead and tried again to deliver vaginally.

After 21-plus hours, my son's head was stuck, he and I were both at high risk for infection, and my doctor broke it to me gently that I really needed to have a C-section for our health, moreso for my son's. So we had the C-section. I ended up with an infection and had to stay in the hospital a day longer than the normal 3 days. I didn't get out of the hospital bed at all the first day and not out of the hospital room the entire stay. I was in intense pain, even with meds, and the recovery was incredibly painful. When my son cried, I couldn't even get out of bed quickly or without help. It was about a month before I was without pain.

18 months later, I became pregnant again. My doctor, without any bias whatsoever, explained that because of my failure to progress situation, I had a 50/50 chance of the same happening again. She gave me a lot of information about both sides to help me decide. The entire pregnancy I was vacillating between having another C-section or a VBAC (could I be on the other side of the 50 percent that had successful VBACs?), even though I had told my doctor that I was prepared to have a VBAC. As the pregnancy wore on, I grew increasingly anxious. I finally admitted that I was deathly afraid of labor, of having to endure what I gone through before. When I changed my mind and decided to have an elective C-section, I was incredibly relieved.

We set the date, and then, Murphy's Law, the baby decided to come three days early. I had painful contractions the day I had a doctor's appointment. Turned out I was already 3 centimeters dilated. As my husband drove me directly to the hospital, I started wondering if I shouldn't have a VBAC since I was at 3 centimeters. We still went ahead with the C-section, and after all was said and done, there were 3 good reasons why it was the good choice for me: 1. I had not dilated at all in three hours, from the time the doctor saw me to the time I was having the surgery, 2. my daughter's back was to my back (which is why my contractions the last several weeks had been extremely painful), so it was going to be a painful back delivery, and 3. strangely, my daughter had moved back up (which explains why we heard her cry for a long time before the doctor announced whether she was a boy or a girl). I recovered really easily because my body wasn't exhausted from hours and hours of labor, and I was walking the morning after. I was in minimal pain but able to do a lot of things right away.

This is obviously a story from a mom who had a failure-to- progress history. I know some moms who had C-sections with breach babies and delivered VBAC successfully. That's the first thing you have to separate--why you had a C-section in the first place--but the most important thing to consider in your decision-making process is what feels most comfortable for you. Patty

I had 24 hrs of terribly painful induced labor with my first, and ended up with a c-section because my uterus got infected. The controllable pain associated with recovering from the c-section, to me, was preferable to the uncontrollable pain of labor. Even though I had an epidural during labor (which only worked on half my body) and a great emergency doula, I was seriously tempted to run out onto Ashby and let a car run over me after about 12 hours. Labor was just too much for me.

So, I had a scheduled c-section the second time, and I just took it easy and took my pain meds and everything was great. I knew what to expect and it was not traumatic like the first one. I did have a dangerous reaction to the spinal during the operation the second time, but they took care of it quickly and there were no more complications. If I have a third, I will have another c-section, although I will have to address the spinal reaction problem.

Some Kaiser practitioners tried to talk me into a VBAC, but I just kept saying ''no thank you''. I was asked over and over why I was choosing a repeat (for forms, etc.) and I did feel like I was getting some flak for my decision, but I just stuck to my guns. no regrets

My advise to you is that yes, it is possible and under certain conditions, completely safe. You have to find out why you had a c-section to start with, was it due to some condition that could reoccur or a one time incident - placenta previa, breech etc.

Secondly, you really need to explore your desire to have a VBAC. Ask yourself why, come up with your reasons. You have to be sure of them and have the support of those around you, doctor included. It is almost as if the cards are against the VBAC mother from the start, especially since the self-doubt doubles. All throughout my pregnancy, I had times when I was convinced I couldn't do it. This is probably true for all women, but I had this haunting feeling of how I couldn't do it the first time, so I wouldn't be able to do it. Also scheduling a C-section is such and easy out.

With my first birth, I was 18 years old and though the father was in the room he was so useless, he might as well have not been there. And he was it. So, scared and alone, I felt I couldn't do it and lo and behold, I didn't. Demerol, turned to an epidural, to a c-section.

My second birth was quite a different experience. The man with me this time, my husband, was an amazing source of strength and encouragement. It is because of my own experience that I stress the need for labor support. All laboring women need that physical and emotional support. Consider asking close friend or a doula experienced with VBAC deliveries.

Feel free to email me if you have any other questions. VBAC mom

I feel so strongly about you making choices for yourself because I am a doula and although I haven't had a Csec (my son was vaginal delivery) I know how hard the recovery is for mom AND baby after that surgery and that if you have the chance to try for a VBAC and doc is giving go ahead to at least TRY then I say GO FOR IT! Dont have major surgery unless there is an emergency that requires it!

Shaana Keller Celebrations Doula Services www.celebrationsdoula.freewebsitehosting.com/Main.htm

1) I told my OBGYNies that I was having a VBAC.
2) My OBGYNies were very supportive (I would have found another practice if they were not).
3) I hired a fantastic doula, Treesa Maclean, to increase my chances of success.

All went very well, so well in fact, that I barely made the 4 block drive to the hospital before I was completely dilated and ready to push. I was also postive, and harbored little anxiety about the whole thing (what was the point, the baby had to come out!). I also remained flexible with my nurses, doctors and doula that based upon their opinion, if through labor I needed another C-section I would do it.

My advice...go for the VBAC, if it doesn't work out at the hospital be prepared (mentally) for the C-section. Recovery from a VBAC is SO MUCH better than a c-section. Sastisfied VBACer

Mothering magazine has some articles online you might want to check out: http://mothering.com/11-0-0/html/11-4-0/11-4-0.shtml (defintely pro-VBAC) Jennifer R

Seeking VBAC stories

I am currently planning a VBAC and looking for VBAC stories and information from women who have attempted VBACs within the last few years or so (successfully or not). Your input will help me shape my own plan. Here are some specific questions:

1. What was the reason for your prior C-section? Did it recur? (My baby never dropped and I was induced, got to 9 cm and stopped --''failure to progress.'' Any others in the long gestation boat? Did labor start for you naturally the next time around? Did you help it out?)

2. Did you have a doula at the C-section birth? The VBAC birth? Comments?

3. For the VBAC, did you plan a home or hospital birth (and how worried did your provider suggest you should be about uterine rupture)?

4. What sorts of rules did your medical provider give you about when to get to the hospital? When did you actually go? Did you negotiate this with your provider, or make your own informed decision about it?

5. If you did go to the hospital for the VBAC, how was fetal monitoring handled? (I'm especially concerned about going in and getting strapped down flat on my back, a big labor killer.)

6. How supportive was your provider of your VBAC decision, and did s/he make any practical suggestions to increase your chances of success?

7. What happened? Did it work out?

Any additional insights or resources you could recommend would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! Second time Mama

One thing I should say- what were the reasons you had the c- section the first time around? Failure to progress? Inadequate pelvis? Well, there can be a lot of reasons and I'm not saying that all of them are wrong because there are real emergencies that require c-sections, but a lot of times if the diagnosis for c-section is 'failure to progress' or CPD (inadequate pelvis)...usually the mom was stuck in bed flat on her back unable to move around and utilize gravity to help her dilate and progress... OK I'm not trying to preach or anything, but I feel passionately about the birth process and that with good physical support, suggestions, and an emotional and mental belief that YOU CAN DO IT, you can acheive that natural birth that you want.

Please feel free to email me off list privately for some suggestions on specific websites or books to look at. If you really are striving to have a diff. experience than your last birth, it is possible but you have to do your homework and know whats involved. Also having a supportive doctor who is supportive of your VBAC is more important than you might think. Anyway, to keep this short please do email me or call me and I can talk to you more about it.

Shaana Keller, Labor Doula

I would recommend you look at the VBAC support bulletin board on Babycenter.com. In my opinion, that was the best on line forum for support. Also, if you do a google search for VBAC you will find a wealth of information on both sides of the issue. Be very clear on the statistics between being allowed to go in to labor naturally vs being induced. The risk of uterine rupture goes up significantly with induction. Best of luck to you in whatever decision you make. Jennifer

I'm pregnant for the second time. My son was born via c-section when he showed some signs of distress after a prolonged labor. This time I'd really like to have a vaginal birth and my OB has said it shouldn't be a problem. I'm wondering if anyone out there has had a successful VBAC and can offer advice on anything I can do now to increase my chances of success. Or, if you hoped to have a VBAC but ended up with another c-section, is there anything you think you could have done differently during your pregnancy that would have changed the outcome? I've already looked at the postings on the web site. Thanks for the advice! AM

VBAC after 2 c-sections

My first two children were delivered via c-section because both were breech. I am due to deliver #3 in a month, and due to a serious post-partum hemorrhage last time (in which I almost lost my uterus) and the fact that the current baby was also breech, my doctor and I had planned a c-section. Today at 35 weeks, however, I found out the baby has turned down into the correct position and suddenly I'm very tempted to go for for a VBAC, (risk of hemorrhage notwithstanding). I would like advice from anyone who has tried for or had a successful a VBAC after 2 c-sections and/or with another ''high risk'' factor. What issues should I consider before I make my decision? What prep can I do for my body in the next couple of weeks? Also, can anyone recommend a doula who specializes in VBACS and could help with my delivery at UCSF, but who is otherwise based in the east bay? And who also might be able to take on a very last minute customer??!! Thanks so much! Mary

I'm four months pregnant with my second child and had a c-section for my first one. I'm trying to decide whether or not to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). It's a crap shoot as far as I can tell, whether or not I have a uterine rupture. Any advice out there? Thanks.

All in all, I would say in most circumstances it is worth trying VBAC. I would recommend doing it in a hospital where an obstetrician and anesthesiologist are immediately available (in case you need an emergency cesarean), I wouldn't do it if you or your obstetrician thinks the baby is huge and I would wait for labor to happen spontaneously. Also remember, you can always change your mind (even after your labor has started) Hope this helps. Alisa