C-section or VBAC?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 4:57PM
This is the decision I’m facing. Nathalee wrote about her reasoning for a scheduled c-section but according to my OB, my odds of having a natural birth are much higher...so here I am debating which route and I’d love your input.
Let me start by saying I don’t have regrets about my first c-section. I don’t feel like I was robbed of the birthing experience and my recovery went very smoothly.
There are primarily two reasons why I’m considering a VBAC:
- Recovery is faster and I will be able to pick up my 2-year-old much sooner. I can’t imagine going 6-8 weeks without picking her up. With the new baby entering the picture, I want our transition to go as seamless as possible and my daughter loves me to pick her up and hold her. I worry that not doing this will make her sad, confused, etc.
- This is how babies are “supposed” to be born meaning all the mucus, etc. is squeezed from the lungs as they pass through the birth canal. Anything that is supposed to help my baby I’m all for.
- A c-section isn’t something to be taken lightly. It is serious abdominal surgery.
There are also some reasons I’m considering the c-section:
A c-section is more predictable. I know I will be going in and getting a c-section so it won’t be such a long process.
- I’d like to keep my nether region in good condition. Hey, I didn’t mess it up the first time. I don’t want to start now. One scar is enough!
- The risk of a uterine rupture is higher for mothers who formerly had c-sections though the risk is still just 1%.
This article does a good job of detailing how mothers are affected by each delivery method. I also know that there is a chance that I could try for the VBAC and still end in a c-section. Would that upset me? Well, I’ve done it before, I can do it again. I would be fine with it…I just wouldn’t want the c-section to be because of a uterine rupture.
Still, I’m on the fence as I’ve had some women say vaginal delivery recovery is a piece of cake while others who have had both ways say c-section all the way.
Do you have any insight to share? Thanks in advance!
Reader Comments (7)
I did a repeat C. If I had it to do over again, I would opt for the VBAC, and in actuality, would have not gone in for the induction the first time and hopefully avoided both C sections altogether. Good luck with whatever you decide!
I went with another c-section--just had my 3rd, as a matter of fact. I feel like 1% is a pretty high statistic, if it's your body and your baby. Also, for me, the consequences of uterine rupture are pretty awful (potential brain damage for the baby). Here are my thoughts on my blog: http://mamagab.blogspot.com/2011/01/oh-baby-my-thoughts-on-c-sections.html
That said, recovery is not fun, and it really is hard to go so long without picking up the baby. My mother stayed for several days and then took my 2 older kids home for a week so that I could recover. But when they came back, I had a 3 1/2 year old and my 19 month old to care for by myself during the day. It was rough, but we made it. My husband came home for lunch so that he could put my toddler into the crib for naps. We also lowered the highchair to its lowest setting so that our toddler could climb in and out on his own. It wasn't fun, but we made it work.
As the 1 in 15,000 who had a uterine rupture on an unscarred uterus (with my first baby, no less), and almost lost my baby and my own life, I'd never knowingly risk another. My second C-section was a much easier recovery, even with a 2-year-old to take care of. Whatever you choose, I wish you all the best!
I tried for an all natural birth with my first an ended with a C-section. Then we tried a VBAC with my second and he was breech so we went with another section. For me, the emotional preparation for a VBAC was a big part of my pregnancy. I did feel let down with both surgeries, but at the same time thankful the doctors could keep me and my babies safe. However, the recovery with the second section was a big deal for me. Even with help from my husband, mom, and mom- in- law, it took six weeks before I got off pain meds. That's because, with a 2 year old and infant, I couldn't possibly stay as activity free as someone should after abdominal surgery. If picking up your daughter is a really important part of your relationship, probably try for a VBAC and just be as healthy and prepared as possible :) good luck! Congratulations!!!
It sounds like you've done your research and collecting possible advantages and disadvantages for each. I know it's a tough decision but I know you'll choose what is best for you, your new baby and your family. Good luck! And thanks for sharing all your research!
I have only had one birth and it was a vaginal birth with no meds. I was lucky in that everything went perfectly except for having some post-partum hemorrhaging. I had my baby on a Saturday morning and left the hospital the next day (late afternoon/early evening hours) and other than taking some motrin because uhhh...hello...I just had a baby, recovery was pretty easy. My little family went out to run a couple short errands on Monday and just got into the swing of things of our new life as a 3 person family.
Speaking to the condition of my neither region. It went back to normal. That took some time. I did have to have a stitch put in after birth, so even after the 6 week waiting period, I had some pain when trying to have sex. That kinda took a little while longer for me...but everyone is different. Now though (over a year after having my kiddo), everything is great.
I will say, I had a doula. A doula is an amazing help. If you are wanting to go the route of a VBAC, I would highly suggest looking into the possibility of having a doula who has dealt with VBAC's. Doula's rock!
You have thought it through and researched it well! And it comes down to what you feel is best for you! I truly think both are good options. Only you can decide what your priorities are and what is best for you. In the end, things can be different than you planned, but if you are committed to your reasons for your decision, you can be confident however it turns out.
I had a C section for my first almost two years ago because she was breech. When she was 17 months old, I had a VBAC. It was very important to me to try for a VBAC because that birthing experience was important to me and also, if I had more than two kids, I didn't want to have to have more C sections. From my experience, I didn't have any complications from the C section and recovery went as smoothly as it could. I actually had a 4th degree tear from an episiotomy during the VBAC, so recovery was difficult, even more so than the C section from my memory of it. However, I don't think I can acurately compare the two recoveries because I had a toddler to take care of during the second recovery, and I think that made a BIG difference! In hindsight, I would still choose a VBAC for the same reasons I chose it in the first place. (And believe me, it was something I questioned and thought about a lot.) BUT, I think if those reasons weren't quite so important to me, I would choose a C section becaus I love more predictability and one scar is enough. :)
Again, I think only you will be able to know what's best for you! Everyone is so different, and you have to be confident you made the decision for yourself.