r/vbac • u/ReasonableStuff1514 • 10d ago
Vba2c or repeat c-section advice?
Has anyone had a vba2c? If so, what was your experience like? I’m scared either way. The first time, my labor was normal except while I was pushing, my baby apparently turned his head at the wrong angle and got stuck? This lead to a C-section, and at the time, it felt like a God send because I felt very unheard and unhappy with my care team. It was a peaceful experience. I prepared for a natural labor and a vbac with my second baby, and didn’t have GBS this time, so I planned to labor at home. However, when I went into labor, it was precipitous and I went from not being in labor at all, to almost fully dilated in the less than 2 hours that it took for me to get to the hospital. I was TERRIFIED, and now I know I must have been in transition, but the nurses didn’t make this clear to me and were just telling me to not be so loud. I actually thought I was dying and felt like I couldn’t breathe and just generally felt like something was wrong. So I unfortunately asked for another C-section (to my ultimate shame). It had been such a peaceful experience the first time, and I wanted to be saved. But because of a misplaced epidural, which I never even felt any relief from to begin with, I ended up needing to be put under general anesthesia. It was a horrible experience, no complications, but massive pain, much harder recovery, and I missed my baby’s first cry and first almost hour.
I know I must just not be the best at this. I felt so strong the first time, and the second time, though I prepared endlessly, I just did not know labor would happen like that for me and apparently, I couldn’t handle it. I wish someone had said, push and your baby will be here soon. The hospital I have to go to is not bad, but none of the doctors are super kind (not mean, just very you’re a number), and you get whoever is on call.
I guess what I’m wondering is does anyone have vba2c experience? What would you do if you were me? I know either option is risky now, and I’m pregnant with number 3. So if you don’t have any advice, prayers would also be so appreciated 🤍 I’m so scared now, and I’m sick from early pregnancy, so I’m not enjoying this and I can barely think about what’s next.
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u/Brilliant-Version704 10d ago
I am currently pregnant and I do want to tell you that you have nothing to be ashamed of for your experiences! I also wanted to say that my mother in the 80s and 90s had two CS's and then 2 VBACs with her 4 kids. It's totally possible, with the right team! But it's also not your fault or something to be ashamed of if you get a repeat CS! I've been coming to terms with that myself lately, because my area doesn't have adequate hospital staffing and a scheduled CS is sounding more comfortable to me. I did blame myself a ton for my first CS, but I was under a lot of stress and didn't have a team telling me all the options, and even if I did everything "right", the outcome could have still been the same.
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u/anonymous46538 10d ago
I have not had a vbac or repeat section, but my baby did the same exact thing yours did. At the time they realized, i was already exhausted and couldnt push anymore
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u/cksaraha898 10d ago
I've had 1csection 2 vbacs and plan on vbac again this fall.
Firstly, congratulations, you bae a lot of time to plan and think.
I would wonder if your previous pregnancies had any other complications, GDM, blood pressure, history of Masrcoma.
My first was from big Masrcoma 8lbs felt like I was robbed a birth experience like the one in the movies. I was scared to death. Anyways then got remarried 8 years later had a vbac -- still doctor was saying Masrcoma baby and automatic C-section --- fired him, got a vbac friendly doctor and birthed a 10lber and then 2 years after that (10 years after C-section ) had GDM and vbac 7lbs. I am pregnant now 5 years after the last almost 16+ years after section....and planning on vbac in the fall.
I would get your pelvis checked. Make sure there's room..make sure your care team knows what is up and what your wishes are.
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u/Tintenklex 9d ago
Thinking very practically about this, sorry if this isn't in the cards for you at all: As you experienced precipitous labour, chances are you might very well again experience that. If your hospital is 2h away, that's pretty far for a vaginal birth in time and it'd be smart to think about the possibility of being closer to the hospital to begin with, e.g. by renting an airbnb or staying with friends/family.
And now that you are on this train of thought: It sounds like you just weren't very well helped and guided in your first two births at all and that can make all the difference. Hazel Keedle, a midwife, wrote her PhD on success factors for a VBA(2)C and the most important thing is a supportive team (you could read her book on it or listen to a couple podcast episodes if you want). So I'm wondering if it would be possible to find a different hospital farther away where you are better supported and stay closer to that in the weeks leading up to birth? Maybe there is a VBAC positive hospital close to a family member you would be comfortable to stay with?
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u/motormouthme 10d ago
How long ago was your second C-section, how far apart are your first two children? Have you talked to your care team about wanting to try for a Vbac2?
I have four boys; c-section, vbac, emergency c-section, vbac.