I had my 8 month check up today and the doctor asked me what I had decided, I told her I still don't know. She said there is no wrong decision and that I should think about it a little bit longer. I go back in two weeks for an Ultrasound and check up and I will give her my decision then. She said if we do a C-Section it will be in July 1st, my due date is the 8th.

I just don't know what to do. The only concern I have about the C-section is the recovery. With a VBAC I have to worry about finding childcare for Dylan, getting to the hospital that is about 45 minutes away and going through labor. I had a C-section the first time because DS was Breech this time it looks like Taylor is head down already and a VBAC would be fine.

I an sooooo Confused, have any of you been in this situation? Was the decision hard for you? I swore I would just have another C-section the second time but come to find out the decision is not that easy.

By Ladypeacek on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 04:02 pm:

I was, i had a c-section with my dd and had the option with ds, i chose VBAC. I am glad i did too cuz it was wonderful to do so much work and then get to hold him right after!! I was up and walking around 2 hours afterward and i loved being able to have him in the room, something i missd out on with my dd. Everyone saw her before me which saddened me. Good luck!

By Debbie on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 04:28 pm:

I had a vbac also. My 1st ds was breech and because of his position they couldn't turn him, so I had a c-section. I had the choice with my 2nd and I decided to have a vbac. My labor only last about 2 hours and it was so EASY. I went home the next day and I was up and around with almost no pain. If I had to do it again, I would do another vbac. For me, it was definitely easier then the c-section. Good luck with your decision.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 04:31 pm:

I once had to make this decision but my situation was quite different. Baby #1 (DS) was born via c-section after 45 hrs. labor, pitocin and all. They sent me down to X-ray to find out why the baby wasn't coming. Turned out his head was wedged against my heart-shaped pelvis. My OB/GYN at the time told me NO baby would ever fit through and subsequent deliveries would have to be c-section. Fast forward to baby #2 - different city, different doctors. One of the OB/GYNs in the new practice made me feel terribly guilty about choosing to deliver via c-section again. I asked if he had read my file. He said he had, briefly, and that he didn't see anything that would warrant avoiding a VBAC. WHAT?! For weeks I agonized over what to do. I met the the head OB/GYN my next visit and told him what the other doctor said. He was visibly agitated and told me it was MY decision, and that he would agree with me if I chose a c-section considering my history. HUGE relief! I said, "OK, it's settled, another c-section it is!"

Keep in mind a scheduled c-section doesn't necessarily mean a scheduled delivery. DD was scheduled June 17th but my water broke June 13th. We still had the element of surprise!

By Debbie on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 04:32 pm:

Oh, I wanted to add. I was happy to be able to have a vbac. I didn't find out until I was in labor that my 1st ds was breech. I was really disappointed about having a c-section. For me, it was very painful. I had a hard time trying to nurse my ds and it was a full week before I could get around okay. I had a really hard time taking care of my ds the first few days and I felt kind of cheated. So, for me, it was an easy decision.

By Truestori on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 04:54 pm:

I say go for the vaginal birth. I haven't had a C-section but I'm sure the healing isn't fun.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 04:59 pm:

FWIW, the recovery from my second c-section was much easier/smoother than my first. Both times I was breastfeeding within an hour after birth.

It really is YOUR decision. Research all the pros, cons and risks of both options and do what's best for you.

By Palmbchprincess on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 05:02 pm:

I am like you were Andi, I swear I'll have another c-section. I didn't think the recovery was bad at all, and I had no problems, other than going before I was scheduled. I hope when I have my next pregnancy I don't question my decision about not doing a VBAC. Let us know what you decide!!

By Emily7 on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 05:03 pm:

I wanted so badly to have a vbac. That was the plan my entire pregnancy then a month before my due date I found out the hospital was planning on no longer allowing vbac's. My Doctor & I planned to argue with the hospital stating it was my choice and that there was no reason I could not have a vbac. Then I went to another doctor appointment, she measured & said I may want to reconsider because the baby was big. We scheduled the c-section for Jan 2, my daughter was born Dec 28. I ended up having her c-section because even with petocin I stalled out at 8.5 cm (14 hours of labor). I thought my second c-section was much easier. I laughed when they told me take it easy for 6 weeks. How do you take it easy with a 22 month old & a newborn???? I was doing my normal routine 1 1/2 weeks after surgery & only ripped open my incision twice!
I think either way there are pro's & con's. I would have loved to have a vbac, but was just happy I got a beautiful baby girl!

By Andi on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 06:01 pm:

My recovery last time was wonderful. I was up and walking around and nursing my son within a couple hours. I am al little worried this time because I will have a 31/2 year old to take care of while I recover from the C-section. Last time it was just myself and the new little baby to worry about.

I will be sure to let you know what I decide. I was also thinking the extra days in the hospital would be nice for me to bond with the baby and not have to worry about DS.

UGH, so much to think about!

By Dana on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 08:08 pm:

Andi, my best friend had a c-section due to breech with her first. She felt like you. Concerned about doing VBAC but really wanted to avoid the cutting. She finally decided for VBAC. she is SO GLAD she did! She said it was nothing compared to her first birth. No problems at all. And her 2nd was a 10 pounder too!

By Tink on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 08:21 pm:

I had my first dd as an emergency c-section after 11 hours labor. Her heart stopped during the contractions. I planned on a VBAC for my ds but if we had gone fullterm he would have been 11 lbs. and I started spilling protein due to my pre-eclampsia. So another c-section. Then my youngest dd was supposed to have hydrocephelus so yet another c-section. I kinda wish I'd gone through a full vaginal birth with one of them. My recovery time was no problem and definitely easiest with my 2nd. I had my tubes tied with my 3rd so I think that caused more pain. I really don't think how they get here is all that important, just that they do get here!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 08:26 pm:

Andi, either way it is your choice. I have had to natural and a C. And I can tell you either way isn't any fun. I labored first birth 19 1/2 hours. Second birth was only five hours but he was 9 pounds 5 oz and that brought about a whole bunch of discomfort for a couple of weeks.. LOL And with the C I was up on my feet the day after they were born and besides a little swelling issues in my legs if I over did it I was back in the swing of things by time I got home (I got to stay five days when I had the girls 7 years ago. But my sister has a 22 month old and she was only in for three days. Which is how long you stayed 14 years ago with a vag delivery.. Health insurance stinks) I had a 5 and a 7 year old at home I had no choice when you ad twins into the mix I had to get on my feet but quick.

Anyway you decide.... Go with your instincts on what you think is best for you and your baby.

And I can not believe it is time for that baby to come already. Just seems like yesterday that you told us you were expecting.... Boy time sure does fly...

By Fraggle on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 09:19 pm:

I had to make the exact same decision-my first DD was breech so she was delivered by scheduled c-section. After doing alot of research, talking to my Dr. and even taking a class that my hospital offered to prepare for a VBAC, I decided to go with a VBAC. I spent 4 days in the hospital after my C-section and I did NOT want to spend that long in the hospital again if I could avoid it. Each birth is different so I won't go into the details but once my daughter was delivered, I really felt pretty good-other than being a little tired I wanted to hold my daughter right away. After napping for a while, I was allowed to get up(with supervision). I actually even got to take a shower later that day. Breasfeeding went so smoothly with my second DD and I was actually able to leave the hospital 24 hours after I gave birth. I was just so happy to get out of the hospital.

Another part that I enjoyed about the VBAC is I enjoyed being able to go through the whole birthing process. I actually feel like I missed that moment with my oldest daughter. If you could see the pictures of me post C-section-I look pretty horrible-I can barely hold my head up and my baby is in one of those hospital warming beds (her temp. was a little low so I could not hold her for a while-which was fine with me at the time because I was feeling so blah). With my youngest DD immediately post VBAC, I was wide awake and so excited to hold her-and I could. My DH was barely awake at this point (he hadn't slept in over 24 hours either) and he couldn't believe how perky I was.

Obviously I am pro-VBAC. Whatever decision you make will be the right one. The most important part is just bringing your new baby into the world!
-Meredith

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 08:05 am:

I wanted a VBAC, but it didn't work out for me. Got a fever and my labor stalled at 5cm. When she started decompensating in the afternoon, we went ahead with the c-section. I have 2 healthy kids, but still have the feeling I missed out on something by not having a vaginal birth. No more babies for me, so will never know.

By Colette on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 08:07 am:

After viewing a natural childbirth video when I was pregnant the first time, I "knew" there was absolutely NO way I was going to do a vaginal birth. I ended up having an emergency c-section after 13 hours of induced labor due to preclampsia. That was hard because you are recovering from the contractions and the emergency section. A scheduled section is MUCH easier to recover from. I've had 3 total and the scheduled ones are a piece of cake, about 30-45 minutes for the whole procedure. When I went back to my obgyn for my second pregnancy, I asked her what the possible complications are for a vbac, and she talked about rupturing, and I really didn't want to even chance that happening in the middle of labor.

I was awake through all of them and held them all immediately afterwards while they sewed me up. Dh was with me for all 3 - except he fainted with #2. I was on my feet within 12-24 hours. I enjoyed the longer hospital stay too, because I knew when I got home it wouldn't be just me and the baby. So I took full advantage of that.

By Melana on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 09:25 am:

Ok, I've never had a c-section, but with my dd I actually loved doing a vaginal birth with no drugs! I mean it was painful, but well worth it, like Fraggle, I was wide awake and was able to hold her within seconds of her being born. I just hope this labor goes just as smoothly! I do think it's your choice, and whatever you feel is right for you. Oh, and just to make every one mad, my labor was only two hours, neener neener neener! LOL!!!!

By Mommyathome on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 05:00 pm:

I've never had a c-section, but I have loved my vaginal births. There is just something about it that is so so special.
You can check into your insurance.....some insurances will allow you to stay for 2 full days (after birth) in the hospital with a vaginal birth. Our insurance does that, and then allows another 24 hours after that if the doctor recommends it. My doctor is really awesome and allows me to stay as many days as I want.
I know there are "risks" to doing a VBAC, but there are risks to every birth. I'm sure the doctors will monitor you closely to prevent a rupture.
I loved that I could take my babies right from the doctor and then have them with me until we went home from the hospital. I never missed a moment. I had a standard epidural with all three kids and I was always up and walking within an hour of delivery.
Like everyone else has said, it's a really personal decision. What does your DH say? Let us know what you decide!!

By Kaye on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 06:15 pm:

Let me add to the discussion a bit. I have had 3 vaginal births, they were all so different. I was up and around after my second, with my first I couldn't stand on my own for several hours, plus I ripped so badly that I could hardly potty for a month, I couldn't have sex for close to three months (poor hubby). With my third, he had complications and I didn't get to hold him for several hours because he was in the NICU. So my long winded point is, there are just no givens, follow your heart, read and research, and then just go for it. I have a good friend who is a L&D nurse who had a section baby and swore next time she would vbac, she has since delievered several vbacs and she says it is too scary to risk. I would really look into some research on ruptures and what the chances are etc. I know your doc has given you the okay, but I would do my own research!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 09:44 pm:

I agree with Kaye 100%...

By Pamt on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 10:17 pm:

I had 2 vaginal deliveries, so I can't personally compare VBAC vs C-section. However, like Kaye my 2 births were very different. Epidural with first, couldn't feel to push, Dr. ended up using vacuum extractor because I couldn't push and I ended up with a stage III tear. Because of my probs with the epidural I opted for natural childbirth the second time, had no problems, loved being able to work with my body by feeling and responding to the contractions, and felt GREAT after delivery.

Only you can decide, but remember that unless you absolutely need a C-section for your health or your baby's health, that the "stress" of a vaginal delivery is good for your baby. Being squeezed through the birth canal helps strengthen baby's lungs and pushes mucus out. Good luck with your decision. Can't wait to hear of your baby's arrival no matter how she gets here!

By Andi on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 11:07 pm:

I think one of the reason the decision is so hard is I keep thinking I am missing out on something. To me a C-section is so easy and I really don't have to do much except "recover". a VBAC is something I can't really plan, have to find last minute child care for DS, risk tearing and worst of all...pooping on the table ...

I will keep thinking about it and let you all know what I decide. The one thing I do know is I just want to bring a healthy baby girl into the world and I guess in a few years it won't really matter how I did it, just that I did.

By Emily7 on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 11:32 pm:

I was told once by an idiot that you are never are truly a Mother unless you have a vaginal birth. I have a scar & some pretty good stretch marks to prove otherwise! I felt the need to have a VBAC with my daughter, but I couldn't. I feel like a heathy baby is the most important thing. If you can have a VBAC that is wonderful, but if not you are still going to end up with a beautiful baby that isn't going to know the difference! Good luck in your decision.

By Feona on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 06:35 am:

One thing about the VB us that sometimes they do a cut. Episiodimy. That cut just stopped hurting 4 years later.

By Momaroze on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 10:54 am:

I cannot add to much. I had 3 C'sections. I had no problems. The entire staff was just awesome. I can't say enough. I was "babied". I was awake with them, dh by my side. I got to hold the baby right away and very shorty afterwards. I also got to nurse. These days, C'sections are way "nicer" to experience than even 10 years ago, I found anyway. Good luck with whatever you chose. BTW, I still cannot imagine giving birth the other way....sorry but ouch! Still, I can't compare, but don't care to anyway LOL!

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 11:39 am:

I was told once by an idiot that you are never are truly a Mother unless you have a vaginal birth.

Well, I had 2 c-sections and my kids would beg to differ about me "not" being a true mother! Good grief. Even if they didn't come out the way nature intended, they are still kids! I have a scar and stretch marks also!

I also liked being in the hospital at the point in time when my milk came in, because with my first one, I had trouble getting her latched on. The nurses were so helpful.