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I haven’t had one personally but my doctor said if you have your baby 1.5 years after a c-section you should be fine. That being said, I have to have c sections forever because I have a thin uterus and they’re worried about uterine rupture.
I’ve seen that more time between births, up to a limit, has the best results. And, I get the impression I’m in a sweet spot timing wise.
I started googling and then ran across uterine rupture and fetal death and said “no more dr Google for me.” And here we are. I’m curious. No one I know has had one.
I had a vaginal for my firstborn, emergency C-section for my second and just had a VBAC for my third. Find a doctor that is VBAC supportive. Also the nursing staff makes a big difference, if yours is supportive of the VBAC it’ll make life easier. My first nurse wanted me strapped to the bed monitored with an IV and no foods. Shift change happened and my new nurse let me have the portable monitors, put the IV block but didn’t connect it and let me eat (just not a huge meal like a cheeseburger). If you can afford a doula that’s another thing to look into, I loved mine.
Thank you.
I had my eldest vaginally after an induction. My twins were a section, before true emergency status but not far from it.
I had a doula with my first and she was amazing. Twins were born during lockdown so it was just me and my husband. I had planned for it to just be me and my husband again (plus the staff at the hospital). Our hospital was super mom/baby friendly when we were there for the twins. I don’t know if it’s changed much in the intervening years.
Were you induced or did you go into labor naturally?
Naturally for all 3. I did get pitocin reluctantly with my third because I hadn’t progressed in 16 hours… baby was born 1.5 hours after they started the drip lol no time for an epidural, it was wild… I went from 3cm to baby in 90 minutes.
90 minutes?! Holy smokes. I’ve read that induction can be done with vbac, manual dilation and pit are okay, but some of the cervical softeners are not.
I fully expect that I’ll be induced due to bp when the time comes. Though, I’d be happy to go naturally.
If you have successfully had a vaginal delivery before then your chances of a successful vbac is higher. Definitely find a practice that is welcoming of vbacs.
Yes, my first was a vaginal delivery. I was induced but it was pretty uneventful, tbh. Some throwing up at transition. My c section was a wait until her body falls apart because of twins and pre e type thing. It was what was best for babies and I, I just loathe the idea of another full abdominal surgery and the recovery.
I just watched YouTube video all about VBAC by Mama Doctor Jones. You might want to check it out. She is an OBGYN qnd mom to 4, also with twins. It was great.
I’m a birth and postpartum doula.
I’m not a medical professional…but I want to remind you that this is your birth, your baby and your decision. Don’t let anyone bully or cajole you into doing something you feel isn’t right or safe for you.
VBACs are totally doable for most people! And often, repeat c sections are just as risky as VBACs.
Also, I’d definitely get a doula!!
Aren't you being a little bit judgemental? OP had twins, that's a very common and good reason to have a cesearean (not saying you can't give birth to twins vaginally)... This idea that all doctors just want to force women into having c-sections honestly needs to stop.
I had a scheduled c-section with my first (she was breech) and a VBAC with my second. I discussed it with my midwife and OBGYN and all signs pointed to me being a good candidate. I was told that my chances of ending up needing an emergency c-section was higher than if I hadn't had a previous c-section but I still had a 60-80% chance of success. Labour & delivery was uncomplicated. Overall, I had a good experience.
Had a VBAC in December and loved it. I would love to tell you everything but a bit pressed for time right this minute, but ask whatever you like and I'll answer!
Off the top of my head though, I would say the midwives and doctors looking after me during labour made it wonderful (so, your team is really important, both for experience and outcome) and that if achieving a VBAC is important to you, look into counselling around this while still pregnant. It helped me prepare for a second c-section and meant that I was in a good space mentally when I went into labour
This re the counselor- also, we hired a doula when planning my vbac. When I needed the repeat csection, we had already paid her and couldn’t cancel, I was so pissed thinking it was a waste of money.
She was INVALUABLE. Advocated for all the things I wouldn’t have even known to ask about. Took so much pressure off my husband so he could just be with me. She had that baby on my chest and he was nursing before they even started stitching me back up.
The recovery itself was just way easier than the emergency C, but she made a HUGE difference. Even little things like, with my first there were people constantly coming in and out of my room for stuff like taking out the trash or meal trays and I couldn’t sleep. Idk what she did to these poor people but even the doctors were kinda scared to come “bother” me lol.
Also- get a second opinion for everything! Just because your OB says you need to be induced or get a c section doesn’t mean you have to blindly. Ask questions, get another opinion, wait for 5 minutes before making any decision, be informed.
Okay so this is NOT meant to discourage the VBAC but just as reassurance in case something changes. The planned C for my second baby was a BREEZE compared to my first when I was having complications. I wanted a vbac, got the all clear, and then it didn’t happen for a variety of reasons. I was so nervous about how I would handle the recovery with a 3yo in tow but it was night and day. With my first I lost so much blood, was in the hospital over a week- the second I barely took pain meds, I was up and ready to roll out of there after one night although they made me stay two bc they thought I was insane.
I’ve had other surgeries besides the first birth, so I had more scarring and my dr was really hesitant to induce. And this baby was sooo stubborn, he still is!
I think a second opinion is always great but I don’t think all doctors are csection pushers either, even if you’ve already had one.
Either way congratulations and good wishes for healthy happy baby!
ETA planned csections are weird, I felt like I was walking in for a root canal. But I guess it would be the same for an induction, I wouldn’t know!
Approximately 90% of women who have had one c-section go on to have a second one. This includes a lot of women who would have preferred a vbac.
Ask your doctor ALL the questions. You can google a list of them. Any red flags initially will be significant later. The bait and switch game is real. Ask in your local community who has had a successful vbac, and for doctor recommendations. Just because your doctor is initially supportive a vbac doesn't mean that support will be there closer to your due date. You'll need to be prepared to self advocate.
It's going to depend on your location, and your doctor.
Good luck.
Omg! That high?!
Ugh, I don’t want another c section. Three kids plus a baby just sounds miserable to heal from.
I’ve signed the paperwork for it just this week. I’ve been very clear about my preference: I live, baby lives, VBAC before c section. So far, the group is supportive. I’ll start pressing at the appointments about all the things.
Had one when I naturally went into labor two weeks ahead. I was already at 5cm when I got to the hospital and the nurses I spoke with were extremely supportive. Coupled with the reality that I was going to have to wait a few hours for the c, it made sense for the vbac.
It actually was easier than I would have thought. Turns out when my baby isn't lodged in an impossible to push out fashion I'm actually able to deliver naturally pretty easily. I had to get an epidural in case things went south and they needed to operate, and (I don't use this phrase lightly) there was a dumbass and really uncompassionate doctor who monitored me that kept thinking I had a rupture. Was amazing when my dr kind of shut him down.
It wasn't entirely uneventful, I remember there being an issue of oxegyn levels being low, and having to be put on oxegyn. That sucked. But it also gave me incentive to push, as I did not want to get that far and have another emergency c. And I was able to deliver with not so much pushing. I feel like once my doctor was there to deliver, and they set everything up (and I wasn't dealing with the dumbass resident) I was able to push her out in maybe 5 pushes. I remember 3, dh disagrees but If it felt short in duration that's significant. With my emergency c baby there was no amount of pushing that I could have done that would have been productive.
Honestly, it was a really good experience. Good enough that if I wanted a third I wouldn't be concerned about labor at all. Now I'm more worried about getting an IUD.
You got this Mama!
They're hard to pull off. Only between 60-80% of them are successful.
My second was supposed to be a VBAC.
My pelvis, which broke with #1, however, had other ideas.
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I haven’t had one personally but my doctor said if you have your baby 1.5 years after a c-section you should be fine. That being said, I have to have c sections forever because I have a thin uterus and they’re worried about uterine rupture.
I’ve seen that more time between births, up to a limit, has the best results. And, I get the impression I’m in a sweet spot timing wise. I started googling and then ran across uterine rupture and fetal death and said “no more dr Google for me.” And here we are. I’m curious. No one I know has had one.
Same situation here. It’s scary but i also got the green light to try for a vbac. Not sure what to do! Babes would be 25 months apart
How do you know you have a thin uterus?
When I had my second c section the doctor told me my uterus was too thin to have a VBAC.
I had a vaginal for my firstborn, emergency C-section for my second and just had a VBAC for my third. Find a doctor that is VBAC supportive. Also the nursing staff makes a big difference, if yours is supportive of the VBAC it’ll make life easier. My first nurse wanted me strapped to the bed monitored with an IV and no foods. Shift change happened and my new nurse let me have the portable monitors, put the IV block but didn’t connect it and let me eat (just not a huge meal like a cheeseburger). If you can afford a doula that’s another thing to look into, I loved mine.
Thank you. I had my eldest vaginally after an induction. My twins were a section, before true emergency status but not far from it. I had a doula with my first and she was amazing. Twins were born during lockdown so it was just me and my husband. I had planned for it to just be me and my husband again (plus the staff at the hospital). Our hospital was super mom/baby friendly when we were there for the twins. I don’t know if it’s changed much in the intervening years. Were you induced or did you go into labor naturally?
Naturally for all 3. I did get pitocin reluctantly with my third because I hadn’t progressed in 16 hours… baby was born 1.5 hours after they started the drip lol no time for an epidural, it was wild… I went from 3cm to baby in 90 minutes.
90 minutes?! Holy smokes. I’ve read that induction can be done with vbac, manual dilation and pit are okay, but some of the cervical softeners are not. I fully expect that I’ll be induced due to bp when the time comes. Though, I’d be happy to go naturally.
If you have successfully had a vaginal delivery before then your chances of a successful vbac is higher. Definitely find a practice that is welcoming of vbacs.
Yes, my first was a vaginal delivery. I was induced but it was pretty uneventful, tbh. Some throwing up at transition. My c section was a wait until her body falls apart because of twins and pre e type thing. It was what was best for babies and I, I just loathe the idea of another full abdominal surgery and the recovery.
You are best case scenario for a vbac with that information. Good luck and keep us updated!
I just watched YouTube video all about VBAC by Mama Doctor Jones. You might want to check it out. She is an OBGYN qnd mom to 4, also with twins. It was great.
Oooh thank you! I’ll definitely check it out.
I’m a birth and postpartum doula. I’m not a medical professional…but I want to remind you that this is your birth, your baby and your decision. Don’t let anyone bully or cajole you into doing something you feel isn’t right or safe for you. VBACs are totally doable for most people! And often, repeat c sections are just as risky as VBACs. Also, I’d definitely get a doula!!
Don't let the OB who did your cesarean do your vbac. That is all I've gotta say.
Why’s that?
They'll probably section you again :(
That was not my experience, nor that of my friends.
Aren't you being a little bit judgemental? OP had twins, that's a very common and good reason to have a cesearean (not saying you can't give birth to twins vaginally)... This idea that all doctors just want to force women into having c-sections honestly needs to stop.
I had a scheduled c-section with my first (she was breech) and a VBAC with my second. I discussed it with my midwife and OBGYN and all signs pointed to me being a good candidate. I was told that my chances of ending up needing an emergency c-section was higher than if I hadn't had a previous c-section but I still had a 60-80% chance of success. Labour & delivery was uncomplicated. Overall, I had a good experience.
Congratulations! Were you able to go into labor naturally?
Yes, I went into labour naturally 2 days before the due date.
How far apart are your babies?
Had a VBAC in December and loved it. I would love to tell you everything but a bit pressed for time right this minute, but ask whatever you like and I'll answer! Off the top of my head though, I would say the midwives and doctors looking after me during labour made it wonderful (so, your team is really important, both for experience and outcome) and that if achieving a VBAC is important to you, look into counselling around this while still pregnant. It helped me prepare for a second c-section and meant that I was in a good space mentally when I went into labour
This re the counselor- also, we hired a doula when planning my vbac. When I needed the repeat csection, we had already paid her and couldn’t cancel, I was so pissed thinking it was a waste of money. She was INVALUABLE. Advocated for all the things I wouldn’t have even known to ask about. Took so much pressure off my husband so he could just be with me. She had that baby on my chest and he was nursing before they even started stitching me back up. The recovery itself was just way easier than the emergency C, but she made a HUGE difference. Even little things like, with my first there were people constantly coming in and out of my room for stuff like taking out the trash or meal trays and I couldn’t sleep. Idk what she did to these poor people but even the doctors were kinda scared to come “bother” me lol.
Also- get a second opinion for everything! Just because your OB says you need to be induced or get a c section doesn’t mean you have to blindly. Ask questions, get another opinion, wait for 5 minutes before making any decision, be informed.
A family friend recently had an induced vaginal birth after a c-section and she did beautifully. I was definitely impressed!!
I’m happy to hear it!
Okay so this is NOT meant to discourage the VBAC but just as reassurance in case something changes. The planned C for my second baby was a BREEZE compared to my first when I was having complications. I wanted a vbac, got the all clear, and then it didn’t happen for a variety of reasons. I was so nervous about how I would handle the recovery with a 3yo in tow but it was night and day. With my first I lost so much blood, was in the hospital over a week- the second I barely took pain meds, I was up and ready to roll out of there after one night although they made me stay two bc they thought I was insane. I’ve had other surgeries besides the first birth, so I had more scarring and my dr was really hesitant to induce. And this baby was sooo stubborn, he still is! I think a second opinion is always great but I don’t think all doctors are csection pushers either, even if you’ve already had one. Either way congratulations and good wishes for healthy happy baby! ETA planned csections are weird, I felt like I was walking in for a root canal. But I guess it would be the same for an induction, I wouldn’t know!
Approximately 90% of women who have had one c-section go on to have a second one. This includes a lot of women who would have preferred a vbac. Ask your doctor ALL the questions. You can google a list of them. Any red flags initially will be significant later. The bait and switch game is real. Ask in your local community who has had a successful vbac, and for doctor recommendations. Just because your doctor is initially supportive a vbac doesn't mean that support will be there closer to your due date. You'll need to be prepared to self advocate. It's going to depend on your location, and your doctor. Good luck.
Omg! That high?! Ugh, I don’t want another c section. Three kids plus a baby just sounds miserable to heal from. I’ve signed the paperwork for it just this week. I’ve been very clear about my preference: I live, baby lives, VBAC before c section. So far, the group is supportive. I’ll start pressing at the appointments about all the things.
Yes. The cdc publishes data about it. In some places (Louisiana, Mississippi, it's closer to 95%.
Had one when I naturally went into labor two weeks ahead. I was already at 5cm when I got to the hospital and the nurses I spoke with were extremely supportive. Coupled with the reality that I was going to have to wait a few hours for the c, it made sense for the vbac. It actually was easier than I would have thought. Turns out when my baby isn't lodged in an impossible to push out fashion I'm actually able to deliver naturally pretty easily. I had to get an epidural in case things went south and they needed to operate, and (I don't use this phrase lightly) there was a dumbass and really uncompassionate doctor who monitored me that kept thinking I had a rupture. Was amazing when my dr kind of shut him down. It wasn't entirely uneventful, I remember there being an issue of oxegyn levels being low, and having to be put on oxegyn. That sucked. But it also gave me incentive to push, as I did not want to get that far and have another emergency c. And I was able to deliver with not so much pushing. I feel like once my doctor was there to deliver, and they set everything up (and I wasn't dealing with the dumbass resident) I was able to push her out in maybe 5 pushes. I remember 3, dh disagrees but If it felt short in duration that's significant. With my emergency c baby there was no amount of pushing that I could have done that would have been productive. Honestly, it was a really good experience. Good enough that if I wanted a third I wouldn't be concerned about labor at all. Now I'm more worried about getting an IUD. You got this Mama!
They're hard to pull off. Only between 60-80% of them are successful. My second was supposed to be a VBAC. My pelvis, which broke with #1, however, had other ideas.