To VBAC or not to VBAC...

I've had 2 c-sections. I went to see at doc at Stonybrook OB/GYN who reviewed my history and said that he would have no trouble giving me a trial of labor. He said that there is one other doc in the practice who would probably be ok with it. But there are apparently like 9 other docs in the practice who would NOT be ok with it, and will try with every ounce of their beings to talk me out of it. He said if I go into labor and get to the hospital and one of them are on, they will say really awful things to me, including asking why I'm trying to kill my baby!

But he said that if I can endure that, that it is my decision and I can't be forced to have the section. He said what I have going against me in terms of odds of a successful VBAC are: I've never had a successful labor (full-on contractions never really came on, even 24 hours after spontaneous breaking of my water), my age (he said that "older" moms have a higher rate of needing a c/s; he's not sure why, but those are the statistics). I think there was a third thing but don't remember it.

My reasons for wanting a VBAC: 1) as a woman, it's an experience I'd like to have; 2) my DD#2 has significant disabilities, and I'm afraid of the downtime required with a c/s and who will be able to take care of her for that long.

Opinions? I AM afraid of the risks of something bad happening, cause that is my luck.

And recs for a different, more VBAC-friendly practice? My docs don't do them at all.

Re: To VBAC or not to VBAC...

Try three village women's health. It's a smaller practice and I believe all the drs are pro vbac. Try to see dr davenport.

Good luck!

Re: To VBAC or not to VBAC...

Honestly if you want to try for a vbac I'd go to another practice. The fact that one or more of the drs in that practice will say you are trying to kill your baby doesn't sit we'll with me.

Message edited 8/17/2013 7:08:40 AM.

Re: To VBAC or not to VBAC...

That's great that you want to give it a shot and I'm sorry there are doctors in your group that are not supportive! I don't have any recommendations but since you asked for opinions I will share my story.

I am considered a good candidate for a vbac. I was induced with my DD due to gestational diabetes, and she really wasn't ready to come out, IMO. I responded very well to the induction, however. I progressed nicely, water broke on its own, I fully dilated. Then I pushed for THREE HOURS. My DD was face up and I had awful back labor. I had a significant amount of vaginal trauma as a result of all the pushing. And then I had a section. So my recovery was pretty flippin awful. THAT is the #1 thing I'm afraid of with a vbac. I don't want a failed vbac and then have to endure that "double" recovery again.

I realize this sounds unpleasant but incase this is something you hadn't considered I wanted to mention it - since you are concerned about your post-recovery and caring for your DD2.

Obviously everyone's body is different. Perhaps someone else went through something similar to me and didn't have a crappy recovery. Good luck as you make your decision!!

Re: To VBAC or not to VBAC...

I had an unsuccessful induction which included 36 hours of labor and then emergency csection. I was never able to fully dilate. I was a week overdue at that point. From the recovery stories I've heard, it seems like it took me much much longer to recoup after having to both labor then have surgery. I wasn't myself for 3 months.

I was told my odds of a successful vbac based on my history were 50%. Fear of the same thing happening and landing up in a csection anyways is one of my biggest fears. So I decided on scheduled section. We'll see how it goes.

If you decide you want to do vbac I would change practices ASAP. It sounds like those drs aren't confident in their own skills for delivery. You don't want to be in that situation.

Re: To VBAC or not to VBAC...

I had a failed induction...the entire ordeal took 2 days and was misery, I was anti c-section but was begging for it by the time they did it. I got really lucky in that my recovery went really well. I EBF, and forced myself to get up and walk down to the NICU to BF Dd every 2 hours, and I think all the getting up and moving really helped my recovery. I didn't even take meds stronger than Motrin. I blame the induction process on DD needing a NIcU stay(I spiked a fever during it and then she had low blood sugar, which I blame on the no food for almost 2 days while I was being induced!)

I was offered a V-Bac this time, but since DD1 never dropped and I never dilated past 6, they said my odds of it being successful are about 60%, and less if this LO is bigger than 7lbs, 1oz (DDs birth weight). I'm opting for a repeat c-section...I just want to go in, and get it over with. No induction meds, no meds to help my labor, and no labor pain meds. Just numb me, take LO out, and see me back up. I've heard it's an easier recovery that way than having been in labor first and then getting a c-section, and since my first recovery was great, I'm hoping for the same this time.

If you really want I Vbac, I'd switch go a practice who'd be entirely supportive, vs risking having Drs telling you you're trying to kill your baby...nobody needs to here that while in labor!! Good luck no matter what you choose!

Message edited 8/17/2013 10:55:28 AM.

To VBAC or not to VBAC...

im not there yet - but i already know i want a vbac next time if its possible. my only advice is if you decide to go for it, i think you really need to want it to be successful. i wouldnt go into it wishy-washy. during labor you will be hypersensitive and not be as competent to stand up for yourself to doctors so unless you get a doula who can really vouch for your wants i would be wary of using a practice that has MANY doctors that are anti-vbac, especially to the extent you are describing.
so if you are considering a vbac i would realllllly make sure its what you want; your outcome and ability to actually make it happen will be better if it's something you are passionate about.

Message edited 8/17/2013 11:24:00 AM.

Re: To VBAC or not to VBAC...

If you really want it, you should definitely look for a more supportive practice. I am 39 weeks and trying for a VBAC. I want it 100%. OB's wanted to schedule a c-section for 39 weeks and I asked for more time (even given my HBP issues). I think that as you get closer you can start to have doubts bc of the uncertainty and even DH went through a period where he wanted me to have a c-section.

I however am not wavering in my decision at all, if anything, I want it more bc I feel I'm so close.

I think you really have to think about the reasons why you want it and be sure that it's what you want, not what would be more convenient, for lack of a better word. Although for me, part of it is also the desire to be home more quickly bc I have a DS, but it is moreso that I do not want a repeat of what happened before and want a diff experience. I asked at my 6 week post-partum apptmt about a VBAC and that was almost 4 yrs ago.

GL whatever you decide. You can't go wrong either way.

To VBAC or not to VBAC...

I would try to VBAC if it were me. Good luck!

Re: To VBAC or not to VBAC...

So with my first dc i had an emergency c water broke on its own labored and progressed well got to 9 cm and stalled wouldnt progrees to 10cm....she was big and was not able to descend any further and actually started to move back up.....the recovery honestly was too bad

dc#2 the doc said depending on how big she was according to growth sonos when i near the end he would be totally be on board for a vbac if thats what i wanted to do.....i decided against it and went with a scheduled c basically bc i didnt want to go through the verrry possible same scenario that happened to me the first time to happen again labor as long as i did only to end up with a c,...the baby did measure big on growth sonos and i just had a strong feeling that trying for the vbac wouldnt be worth it....recovery was pretty good better than the first

this time around for dc#3 my doc wasnt totally against a vbac but he wasnt that crazy about it but if i wanted to that he wouldnt say no....i felt strongly that it was too risky with two past c sections so i opted for the scheduled c again....well thank god i made that decision bc it took a much longer amount of time to get her out bc of the massive amount of scar tissue and then as my doc put it "your uterus with paper thin....i could see the baby perfectly right through it" he then proceeded to say "if you wouldve vbac-ed you definitely wouldve ruptured" and all i thought after hearing this was wow how would i or anyone else ever know these things prior to making the decision i mean its not like you could see how much scar tissue there is or how thick your uterus is....but im sure like everything theres risks for any choice ....so i guess its weighing the risks and benefits to make a good choice for you and your baby...good luck!!!!

eta my recovery for this one was awesomeeee best out of all three!

Message edited 8/18/2013 7:22:55 PM.

Re: To VBAC or not to VBAC...

Posted by MrsDamonSalv7319

I had a failed induction...the entire ordeal took 2 days and was misery, I was anti c-section but was begging for it by the time they did it. I got really lucky in that my recovery went really well. I EBF, and forced myself to get up and walk down to the NICU to BF Dd every 2 hours, and I think all the getting up and moving really helped my recovery. I didn't even take meds stronger than Motrin. I blame the induction process on DD needing a NIcU stay(I spiked a fever during it and then she had low blood sugar, which I blame on the no food for almost 2 days while I was being induced!)

I was offered a V-Bac this time, but since DD1 never dropped and I never dilated past 6, they said my odds of it being successful are about 60%, and less if this LO is bigger than 7lbs, 1oz (DDs birth weight). I'm opting for a repeat c-section...I just want to go in, and get it over with. No induction meds, no meds to help my labor, and no labor pain meds. Just numb me, take LO out, and see me back up. I've heard it's an easier recovery that way than having been in labor first and then getting a c-section, and since my first recovery was great, I'm hoping for the same this time.

If you really want I Vbac, I'd switch go a practice who'd be entirely supportive, vs risking having Drs telling you you're trying to kill your baby...nobody needs to here that while in labor!! Good luck no matter what you choose!