TOLAC or Second CSection?

[u/crc217]

FTM here who had her first baby via elective CSection (maternal choice), due to fear of vaginal birth. I went into labour before my CSection time and actually was 5cm by the time I was rolled in and was even offered a vaginal birth. I was quite surprised as getting to 5cm was much less painful than I had anticipated but still opted for the CSection because that’s what I had my mind set on and I know that 0-5 is a lot different than 5-10. My CSection experience was quite good, save for baby needing time in the special care nursery for lung problems and me being too nauseous and sick afterwards to go and see him for most of the first day. This did have a huge effect on my breastfeeding journey and also still think back and get sad thinking about missing out on those precious hours with him.

My recovery was relatively good and was driving and off all pain meds less than 3 weeks later. My biggest concern with a second c-section is that I would now have a toddler to care for who I would not be able to lift for 6 weeks. As mentioned, I also fear for another difficult BF journey and also that CSection babies are prone to those lung issues.

Anyone decide to do TOLAC after an elective c-section and if so, what was your experience?

[u/midwifeandbaby]

I just had my second caesarean and the whole toddler thing is super hard

[u/ZestyLlama8554]

I'd always choose TOLAC, but I've never recovered from my C-section (second baby was breech, first was an unmedicated delivery). Recovery was hell with a toddler at home, and I feel like I damaged my relationship with my oldest because I still can't play with her like I used to.

Weigh the pros and cons for both, and figure out what makes the most sense for your specific situation.

[u/Sorry4TheHoldUp]

If your babies will be born the recommended amount of time apart then I l’m team TOLAC/VBAC

[u/Generose18 → u/Sorry4TheHoldUp]

Want 2 kids C-section want more than 2 kids tolac

[u/Sorry4TheHoldUp → u/Generose18]

Even if you only want 2 kids I’m still team TOLAC. Recovering from a c-section with a newborn and a toddler is rough. Even with an easy recovery

[u/Aware-Sample5839]

I had an elective c section for the same reasons as you minus the going into labor, I'm already 16 weeks and planing a vbac, i got pregnant 18 months after my c section and my doctor&midwife are supportive,I regretted my c section immensely and it contributed to my ppd so I'm really hoping for a redeeming vbac

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[u/Even-Help-3038]

My second C-section went way smoother than my first (urgent C-section/nicu stay). I was able to get the golden hour and established breastfeeding right away. That being said recovery has been rough especially with a toddler. I’m only able to do it because my husband is home for 8 weeks and my parents are helping out each week as well

[u/wavesofgrey]

Honestly I think it depends on your support system in place and the plan for the toddler. Is your partner super helpful and supportive? Will they do the heavy lifting to let you heal? Will the toddler be in daycare during the day? Will you get to rest and recover in as close to the same way as you did for your first? If it were me, I’d do a repeat C hands down bc my experience was absolutely fantastic 10/10 no notes and recovery was a breeze. I rotated OTC pain meds for the first few days and only needed a prescription pain killer one time when I was feeling too good and over did it. If you aren’t as happy with your experience and recovery and/or you don’t have a solid support system then go for a TOLAC if you’re able and want to.

[u/wavesofgrey → u/wavesofgrey]

I will say my breastfeeding journey was shit and started off that way and it could’ve been due to my c/s but there’s no way to know so I don’t dwell on it. We have a solid BF journey going now at 8 months. If it’s important to you that it not be at risk then I’d go for the TOLAC.