"I found that VBACs are so possible"
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 12:18AM Submitted by Margi. Originally posted here.
Now that I’m pregnant again, all those emotions from Buster’s & Noodle’s births are coming back to haunt me. So much that happened was not what I would have chosen & so many women who’ve had Cesareans have run the same emotional gauntlet as I have. And yes, I know that I’m extremely blessed and I should be thankful that I had healthy babies… but there’s this part of me that always feels cheated. From that first moment the Dr gave up on my body’s ability to birth a baby the natural way…
Buster’s birth
I was due July 23, 2003, which was our 3rd anniversary. Six days before that, I went in with high blood pressure (150/110) and they decided to induce me. After lying in triage for 3 hours listening to the wails & shrieks from Labor & Delivery, they got me my own room and broke my water at 11 pm. I immediately starting having fairly intense contractions and to my regret I asked for an epidural only 30 minutes in. Really it was a good feeling at the time; hubby & I both napped through the first few hours until the medical staff bustled in and informed us the baby was in distress… but I had only been in labor for 5 hours, had dilated to an 8 and he was well into the birth canal, when they decided to slice me open and wrench him out. We were first-time parents – I was 21 and Tech Guy 23 – and we trusted their judgment. To this day I still believe if I would have been informed and stood up to them, Buster would’ve been born within 30 minutes…
Noodle’s birth
When I became pregnant the 2nd time I wanted a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and my OB talked me out of it. She said I could possibly rupture and my life & the baby’s would be at risk. So I foolishly believed her and we scheduled a 2nd Cesarean for September 20, 2005, 9 days before Noodle was due. I tried to take control; I told them I want to watch Noodle emerge, no curtain in the way. I told them I wanted to hold my baby right away, instead of 2 hours later. To be fair, they tried. They really did. But hospitals have protocols that need to be followed… and I felt cheated again. I felt like I had contributed *nothing* to the birth of my own child; I might as well have been asleep.
Today
Now I’m almost 28 weeks pregnant with our 3rd. I have armed myself with so much knowledge & numbers & statistics. I am going in with guns blazing & I’m going to try for the birth that’s best for both the baby & me. Homebirth is not an option & midwives are not available but I’m determined to make the most of a hospital birth, so I hired an incredibly understanding doula. She has had 2 Cesareans herself & knows why I feel this way. I’m sorry so many doctors choose convenience over healthy mom & baby (both physically & emotionally). In my research I found that yes, uterine rupture is a risk with VBACs, a risk that sits at less than 1%. I found that VBACs are so possible, even after multiple C-sections. I don’t want to be selfish & stubborn… if in the end a Cesarean is the only way to ensure good health, I won’t refuse it. But meanwhile I’m praying things will work out and I can finally have a baby without the weeks of surgery recovery.
I will let you know how that goes…
Reader Comments (11)
VBACs CAN happen, and I think your mindset is going to really help you. You're looking for what's best for you and your baby. I wish you the very,very best and hope you have the support you need and deserve to experience the birth you desire.
Congratulations to you and your family Margi! I will be praying for a successful VBAC for you! I have had 3 cesareans, but my 3 labor and birth experience was by far the best for me. I believe this was because of the team of Midwife and Doula that we had around us. I felt amazing the entire 32 hours of labor and I never felt like my body gave me more than it could handle. And in the end, when we knew that the baby was going to be born by cesarean, I was far more at peace with the decision because of the journey. I knew I had done, and my team had done all that we could do. Although I still wish I had been able to vaginally deliver, I am far more satisfied with that experience. I hope you have a beautiful and positive experience and I wish you all the best.
aaaaahhhhh my love. you are fully capable. i knew a woman who had had 2 elective sections because her doc convinced her she was too small in comparison to her husband. with her 3rd she went into labour a week b4 her scheduled section and was in the car on the way to the hospital 20 mins into labour when her baby popped out in the back seat. her doctor told her she'd 'have to' have a sect again for the next baby. well, she lied about her dates and went into labour and the next birth was also less than half an hour. we were MEANT to have our babies out our vaginas not our bellies!
You are in my prayers! It is awesome that you educated yourself and prepared for the birth YOU want! You go girl!!
I am in the exact same boat. If I didn't know better I would think I wrote this. I will be praying for you and for a very healthy and natural birth.
I really, really, really want a VBAC. I'm not sure how to go about educating myself so that I can make it happen though. Where do I start?
Hi Mrs. Jones,
I would start with ICAN. Start talking to other women as soon as you can. :)
Hello,
I can so relate to you when you say you feel like you contributed nothing -- I have one 9 month old daughter who was born a month early. She was delivered c-section and 12 hrs later flown via medstar to a children's hospital 80 mi away. I didnt get to hold her till she was 3 days old; didnt get to feed her till she was almost a week. I felt like I wasnt even a mom. I admire you for going for a natural birth; please let me know how it goes and you will inspire me. Good luck and you are in my prayers.
I have pretty much the same stories too... I can't wait to hear about the outcome! Praying for you!
I had a csection for my first b/c she was breech. I was very lucky to have wonderful doctors and nurses who completely supported, and in fact, encouraged my vbac. I was nervous, envisioning all that could go wrong, I didn't want to jeopardize the baby b/c of my selfishness in not wanting another c-section. Babies don't care if they are born vaginally or via c-section, but they do care if they are healthy.I went in to labor on my own at 39 weeks and delivered vaginally and the baby is very healthy. I was so happy to be able to do so and felt supported the entire time by the hospital staff. I do trust my doctor. Ladies- if you don't, then please find one that you do.
I think that you have the right attitude and I wish you a successful vbac.
Congratulations! You inspire me. Now my story and a few questions. I have 6-beautiful children. My first son who will turn 19 next month was born via c-section, because in my opinion the doctor 'rushed" things and was scared. Two-years later I had a succesful VBAC and all together delivered 3 more babies vaginally. 3-years ago I had horrible scare tactics presented to me and unfortunatley had to ensure a c-section after not having to for the last 16-years!
Well, finally after 3-years attempting our last addition to the family I just discovered we are pregnant! It is such a joy because we planned to stop trying if it didnt happen this month due to turning 40 next June.
So, with all that said, I was wondering how I go about finding a OB doc that will be supportive of my decision to attempt a VBAC after two-prior c-sections. My last C-Section was the most horrible experience and I felt cheated and still suffer emotionally.
Is it the hospitals decision as well. Thanks for your help and I look forward to a reply. Good luck on your new addition and i will be rooting for your success all the way!