Wanted: reasons for not choosing a VBAC

[rachdent]

HI gals

I've recently had a second caesarian where I was hoping for a VBAC, which has left me in a spot of bother. You see I was supposed to be writing an account of my VBAC for a freelance job I have. Anyway now I've decided to do a comparison of why some women opt for VBACs and others prefer the repeat caeser option. There'll be no bias towards either, it's just an informative article on women's choices. I already have a few mums who've written about VBAC for me, but if anymore would like to give their opinions/experiences, I'd be happy to hear from more.

If you decided on a repeat caeser I'd love to hear from you via PM, email (Pink.Ink077@gmail.com) or reply to this post. Please let me know why you wanted to have another caeser and (if you've already had the birth) if you were happy with your choice. You can also include any other info you think may be useful.

Thanks,
RACH!

[sam's mum]

I am not pregnant again yet, but a caesar last year. I had been thinking about whether I would try the VBAC or have a caesar again - or if it would be once again out of my control. an article in this month's mother and baby (I think right mag) scared the pooper out of me. She had opted for the VBAC and a perfectly healthy baby died in delivery because her uterus ruptured and they didn't get the little one out in time. :eek: :crying:
I don't know how I would cope with something like that. I have had a miscarriage, but at least you know you can try again, she doesn't have that option now.

On the other hand, the more caesar's you have, the riskier it becomes to have more kids and I wanted to have a few more.

[MrsMiggins]

I know you're wanting to hear reasons for NOT choosing a VBAC, but I thought I'd just offer my story for wanting a VBAC.

I had a c/s for my DD last year. There was no option for me really as not only did I have unresolved placenta praevia, but she was breech. I was not even able to experience labour.

We are now expecting #2 in March & I am desperately hoping for a VBAC. It all depends on the placenta behaving itself this time round! My DH is also keen for me to avoid a c/s and after discussing the situation with my GP, she is 110% behind the VBAC if at all possible too.

I guess my reason for wanting to go VBAC this time is that all my life I imagined what it would be like to have a baby. You hear all these stories growing up of women being rushed to hospital by their nervous husbands in the middle of the night & to me it all sounded so exciting! But with my DD there was none of that! DH & I drove to hospital at the appointed time, waited in the labour ward waiting room with 3 other mums who were actually in labour, then got wheeled off down to the operating room, where I was handed my baby about 2 hours later, wrapped in a blanket with only her face peeping out. It was nothing at all like I'd dreamed about all my life!

Now when I meet with friends & they all have their labour stories to tell, I feel left out, like I've missed out on something that the vast majority of women have experienced. It's like they are part of this exclusive club where knowing looks are passed between those who share the same or similar experiences.

I want that moment of feeling contractions & saying to my DH "I think it's time!" Driving to the hospital, labouring away knowing that with every contraction my baby is getting closer, and finally the moment where they lift my precious bub up onto my chest and we meet for the very first time! (I'm getting teary now just imagining it!)

Even if I get to trial labour & end up needing a c/s again, I will at least have a part of the experience.

[skyejax]

On the other hand, the more caesar's you have, the riskier it becomes to have more kids and I wanted to have a few more.
it really depends on the condition of your uterus how many more babies/c-sections u can have the drs should tell u when enough is enough. my mum had her 5th c/s after having 8 vaginal births just a couple of years ago and her gyny/ob has said she can definately have another so she is ttc now for her final bub. (and yes if anyone reading this is doing the math, that will make 14 kids....crazy i know....lol).

i had en emergency c/s followed by an elective one for various reasons, which r in my email.

[pegasus]

Hi rach

I'll send you a pm or email.

Cheers

[sam's mum]

it really depends on the condition of your uterus

not so good. I had placenta praevia and even with the caesar they had a lot of trouble getting Sam out with forceps.

[rachdent]

HEy ladies

Just wanted to say thanks so much for all your thoughts on VBAC vs Elective-caesarian. You all make such valid points and I'm sure will help make my article one that challenges lots of thinking on the issue.

Thanks heaps and please others keep your thoughts coming.

[Bessie]

Hi Rach, not sure if I belong in here lol...
When I was pg with Eliana we thought I had PP (it moved) and so I considered a CS, I would have gone ahead with it if the placenta had been attached to my scar or if it had actually been blocking the os or very near. I researched placenta acreta (happens when placenta grows into scar) and the possible outcome of bub being pushed out through the scar was much worse than for a standard (can you call it that?) uterine rupture. I remember reading about one family who lost their bub to this and the story was heart wrenching and DH and I were nearly both in tears. Maternal mortality was also an issue, it's high with placenta acreta and there was no way I would want to be depriving my little family of their mummy. Thankfully my placenta was free of the scar so I could VBAC with a high degree of confidence.
I think knowing there are problems which are due to having a CS in the first place can be one of those things which really depresses you, because they wouldn't be an issue if you hadn't had the CSection in the first place. It's worse when you consider you may not have needed it or if you were pressurised into the original CS. It's like being hurt all over again. I felt a degree of anger and resentment because of this... not really directed at anyone in particular though.
I would have considered a CSection for breach although that is a less cut and dried decision... I may have attempted a VBAC but I'm not totally sure. Perhaps I would have accepted a CS during the labour if things turned out badly?
I probably come across as very pro-vbac and I guess I am, but I realise there are times when a CSection is best... things aren't always that black and white when it comes to labour.
Well, good luck with the article Rach!

[Leez]

Hi Rach

I had an emergency c/section and if I was ever to get pregnant again, I wouldn't want a VBAC. My view is that I now have a compromised uterus and I don't ever want to be in the situation again where I'm labouring and then things all of a sudden go pear shaped, and I've got a major emergency on my hands and my baby (and myself) are at risk. I'd rather plan a c/section and have a controlled process, which I would find far less stressful than dealing with the unknown elements of a VBAC.

Also, people talk about the recovery from a c/section which makes a vaginal birth much more preferable, but to be honest with you, I didn't find it that much of a drama. Sure, I had a sore abdomen for a couple of weeks, but it wasn't that bad and I didn't even need painkillers after the third day, when I went home from the hospital. I've heard some horror stories about what women have had to deal with following a vaginal birth, and what I experienced in recovery certainly wasn't any worse than that.

I've never been that worried about a natural birth. Sure, I was hoping for it, but it didn't work out that way however the main thing is, DD and me made it through ok, and to me that's all that matters.

Hope this helps, good luck with the article.

[Kaileysmum]

Hi

I had an emergency c/s last time, I'm not pregnant yet but will be (try) in the next 6mths. I will be going for a elective c/s I think. Mainly because last time I had a lot of complications, and I want to be able to have a stress free birth of my next child. As much as Id love a VBAC, I just don't think I could do it, because of all the trauma from my DD's labour, and emergency c/s.

Oh and plus I read that thing in Mother and baby mag that sam's mum read and it scared the s**t out of me.

[Kaileysmum]

an article in this month's mother and baby (I think right mag) scared the pooper out of me. She had opted for the VBAC and a perfectly healthy baby died in delivery because her uterus ruptured and they didn't get the little one out in time. :eek: :crying:
I don't know how I would cope with something like that. I have had a miscarriage, but at least you know you can try again, she doesn't have that option now.



Ohhh I read that too, so scary.....Turned me right off VBAC's. I cryed when I read it.

[Tracie]

I have just posted some evidence-based info in the VBAC section - I just worry that there might be some mums facing the very difficult choice of VBAC vs Repeat C-section who might read some of the posts here and get the impression that
VBAC is simply too dangerous and repeat c-section is completely safe, when that is just not the case.

Both options have risks / advantages and while it is always helpful to get opinions and stories from other mums who have been in this situation, it is also really important to access the most up-to-date research and evidence....there is a link to a great website in the post which every mum should visit when searching for good quality research and information about pretty much anything to do with pregnancy and childbirth....

I think most mums instinctively know which choice is best for them in their particular situation, so in the interest of ensuring mums can be confident (rather than fearful) about whatever choice they make and can feel like they are fully informed, I felt it was important to add this info to the pot....

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?p=552581#post552581

[Oscar's mum]

Ohhh I read that too, so scary.....Turned me right off VBAC's. I cryed when I read it.


I read that story too and yes it was very very sad but for me it didn't turn me off having a VBAC it more turned me off actually having an epidural.