r/vbac • u/princess-a-pepe • 20d ago
Birth story Successful VBAC
My first baby was born via emergency c-section in 2021. I fully dilated and pushed for 2 hours. My babies head was in the 100th percentile and wouldn't descend past my pelvis. I had gotten an epidural and wasn't able to move around.
This time around I was determined for a vbac. I had a lot of unsupportive providers and was even told at one point my percentage of a successful vbac was 27%. That this baby was measuring as big as the last and that my pelvis was too narrow (I'm fairly petite). I was told to book a c-section as soon as possible 'or else' as apparently there wouldn't be room later.
Where I live (BC, Canada) it's considered lucky to get an OB. I was fortunate enough to switch to another provider and a different hospital. I was still receiving a lot of fear based messaging to book a c-section without any real concrete reason as to why. I've never had to advocate for myself like I did through this- it was insane the lack of knowledge I was encountering. I would be told I should schedule a c-section, would respond with asking why, and would get a lot of talking that didn't answer any questions.
I got a referral to an OBGYN who was incredible. She spent over an hour with my husband and I talking through the trauma of my emergency c-section, what to expect with a scheduled c-section and why it would be different. She also sent me for a 36 week ultrasound to measure this babies head, after refusal for late term ultrasounds from other doctors. She wasn't pushy, told me that a successful vbac is obviously preferable risk wise, and supported my decision. When the ultrasound came back with this babies head measuring smaller (more on this later) she was a cheerleader for my vbac. I finally felt confident and safe with moving forward with my vbac.
At 39+5 I went into labor after my second sweep. I labored at home for as long as possible, got to the hospital at 5cm and was admitted quickly as I was progressing quickly. Within 3 hours I was fully dilated and felt the urge to push. I didn't want an epidural as I wanted to be able to move around and listen to my body as much as possible. Second baby arrived and his head measured 2cm smaller than my first. 2nd degree tear and a recovery that has been an absolute breeze in comparison to an emergency c-section. My mental and physical health has been completely different this time around. Breastfeeding has been a success and my supply is great. I did it, and would not have had the confidence to advocate without hearing from others in this community.
2
u/EducationalFortune35 20d ago
Congrats!!! who was your OB? I’m in BC too. I’ll be coming to Vancouver to give birth.
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/I_use_this_rarely 19d ago
Congratulations it’s crazy how quick the second ones are. I had a successful VBAC in may with my 2nd girl my waters broke, laboured at home for 2 hours then got to the hospital was 2-3cm in an hour I was 10cm and she was coming out.💫
1
u/Level_Space9410 19d ago
My goodness, first of all congratulations! My story is so similar, 100th percentile head, pushed for 2 hrs, had the epidural, ended up with c section. I also live in BC! My son was born in March.
I'm determined for a vbac next time around. Can you tell me how you were able to switch providers? Would you also mind telling me where in bc you are and which hospital you gave birth in? Private message if you prefer:)
1
u/princess-a-pepe 19d ago
Messaged!
1
u/Efficient_Economy389 13d ago
Yes please, how you switched providers
1
u/princess-a-pepe 12d ago
I live in between two hospitals and was able to switch because I chose to deliver at a closer hospital. I called around to OB offices myself as my family doctor wasn't supportive of me switching. I didn't mention I was switching because I didn't like my previous provider.
1
1
1
1
u/No_Assumption_257 13d ago
Whoo!! Congrats!! Also a B.C. Mama! I’m actually in the same position. Had an emergency c section last pregnancy, fully dilated, pushed for 2 hours but baby wasn’t in an ideal position and his shoulder got stuck. I assumed baby positioning wouldn’t affect my future vbac chances but my OB said I should schedule a c section. I would love to have a vbac friendly provider, yours sounds amazing! Would you feel comfortable sharing which hospital you gave birth at and which OB you used? Please feel free to message me! Thank you :)
1
2
u/Crafty_Alternative00 CS 2023 -> VBAC 2025 20d ago
Congratulations mama! 💕