I also had an emergency C section with my DD (having gone the whole 10cm and started to push) and have decided to go for a VBAC this time, I have the consultant's appointment on March 23rd.

I am too very nervous!!! But am also thinking about all the draw backs of a C section...

xxx

I can't speak from personal experience but if it's any help, my sister in law had a VBAC and everything was fine with the birth. However, she didn't have enough time to get to the hospital as the baby arrived very quickly and the midwife did a very straightforward at-home delivery. Mum and baby were absolutely fine

Im trying for VBAC, with my 1st she was in direct Op and I progressed very slowly, only got to 6cm after 3 days... the consultant was very happy and excited for me to try a VBAC and said I should have very good chance of going for it but they are unable to use the gel to induce so u really need to come into labour natuarly by yourself... so fingers crossed.... when u do come into labour consultant said to help things along they can break waters... my waters were broke with my first tho and it didnt bring things any further forward So ths time just doing anything I can for baby to be in a good position and hope that I can have a natural birth.
Some people ask me if im crazy wanting a VBAC as birth is so painful (like a section is the easy way out) but out cours ethe people who tend to suggest this havent experienced a section .... xx

just to add, I definatly recovered much faster from my vbac than i did my section

I'm going for VBAC too. I think a lot of it depends on why u had to have c section in the first place, but i definitely what to give it a go and the midwives are encouraging it. But i suppose in the end i will do whatever is best for the baby, so will stay open minded, all the best everyone x

I had an emergency c section with dd as she was breech and then 18 months later I had a VBAC with ds. My community midwife encouraged me as I really wanted to avoid another c section but she did warn me that I would probably be strapped to the fetal heart monitor throughout labour - and I was, constantly! But I am pleased I went through with it as I don't think I could have coped with the recovery of a c section again, especially with a toddler and a new born to care for.

Thanks to everyone who shared their experience. I have never had a vag birth, but spontanously went into labour with both my previous children, before their scheduled sections. I haven't spoken to my OB about all this yet, so I am not sure if he will even want me to...but, just trying to reserach a little and hear everyone's stories.

Do you mind if I ask some questions?

- was it continuous monitoring throughout labour?

- were you encouraged to have an epidural, just in case?

- anyone here have 2 section, then a VBAC, or attempted a VBAC?

- what medications were you offered instead of an epidural, if any?

- during the pushing stage, were you continuously monitored?

- did anyone feel like they couldn't do this, just because they have never? But, then did it OK? I am really feeling like I can't have a baby...but, it is probably because I have never had one.

- I have large babies...anyone else have a larger baby (9lbs + ) and have a successful VBAC?

- do you remember what the risks your OB/MW said there was with a VABC?

I was monitored continuously throughout labour, my midwife said that if I wanted to get up and walk about then I needed to be firm with the hospital staff and tell them that as the continuous monitoring was not necessary.

I was not really encouraged to have an epidural but I near enough demanded one. I had gas and air which did not do anything so then I was given pethidine which did nothing either so thats when I asked for the epidural and it was bliss - even managed to get some sleep and was woken a few hours later to be told that ds was ready and waiting to be born.

Because of the epidural I did not feel any contractions which slowed labour down a bit but at least I got some rest before the pushing stage. It was difficult as I could not feel when to push but the midwife will let you know.

I never really thought that I couldn't do it, when the time comes I think you just get on with it and any fears or doubts go flying out the window.

With regards to risks, I was told that a VBAC is considered safer then another c section, but as I only had one previous section I am not sure if the risks increase if you have had more then one previous c section.

I hope this helps. x

is labour more painful if youve had a section? Or is it just the same? i know labour pain can vary anyway but on general do the contractions feel more intense with the preassure around ur wound? And does the pushing stage feel more painful also?

- was it continuous monitoring throughout labour?

I chose to try for a homebirth, so this wasn't an option. A lot of hospitals say that it's 'policy' to have CFM, but they can't force you. I would encourage anyone going for a VBAC to avoid CFM totally as it's strongly linked to increased c-section rates. I was checked by doppler every 15-20 mins. I also stayed home to avoid the whole 'you must dilate 1cm per hour' that they like to insist on.

- were you encouraged to have an epidural, just in case?

Again, this wasn't an option for me, but I think they're more likely to want to put in a canula in your hand 'just in case'. Either way, only accept either if you're happy with it, as they can impede an active birth which is the best way to achieve a VBAC

- anyone here have 2 section, then a VBAC, or attempted a VBAC?

No. But I know of 2 women from the VBAC yahoo group who successfully achieved a VBA4C! At home no less! Your risks are not significantly increased by being a VBA2C

- what medications were you offered instead of an epidural, if any?

Gas and air. I could have had anything except artificial augmentation, which significantly increases your risks of rupture.

- during the pushing stage, were you continuously monitored?

No. The only time I went on CFM was after transferring to the hospital, I accepted it as I knew I was going to end up with another section. Again, CFM during pushing can lead to being forced to birth on your back and increases your risk of intervention.

- did anyone feel like they couldn't do this, just because they have never? But, then did it OK? I am really feeling like I can't have a baby...but, it is probably because I have never had one.

Every VBAC woman feels this at some point, it's horrible. I tackled it by thinking about my need to at least try, otherwise I would regret it.

- I have large babies...anyone else have a larger baby (9lbs + ) and have a successful VBAC?

I didn't, but again I know women that have

- do you remember what the risks your OB/MW said there was with a VABC?

What they say they are and what they actually are are not always the same. eg, they told me about the risks of rupture being about 8/9% but the actual rate is 0.5% only 0.2% difference from a woman that's never had a CS. They also told me that the safest way to VBAC was in hospital under CFM, when actually CFM leads to higher intervention rates which are more risky for mum and baby.

have a look here for more info http://www.vbac.org.uk/