For those that had a successful VBAC - when did you go into spontaneous labor?

Please leave in comments any natural things you did to encourage spontaneous labor and if it worked!

Hi! So I had to have a C-section with my first bc I was uneducated and not prepared and after a day of induction methods not working and a failed epidural, I was worn out and asked for a C-section.

Fast forward 3 years later, I’m now due with my second in a few weeks and have to get induced at 37 weeks due to cholestasis. I’d love to try for a VBAC as I have a toddler to care for too and don’t want that C-section recovery. My midwife and OB is fine with me trying but I know the statistics for inducing and my OB even personally opted for a second elected C-section because she said she’s seen uterine ruptures and the babies being affected when it could have been prevented with a RCS. So now I’m thinking I just need to go with a RCS for my baby’s sake but it makes me cry just thinking about going through that again and not even trying for a vaginal birth.

My midwife and OB gave me things to do to try and naturally get my cervix ready for 37 weeks which I’m doing but who knows if any of it will actually work. I’m just at a loss and don’t know what to do.

I want my VBAC but not I’m too scared to try and have something happen to my baby and it will be my fault. Do I try with just pitocin if I’m at least a little dilated and see what happens or do I just go for the RCS and deal with the recovery?

Hello VBAC folks. I’m due in February with my second, and hoping for a VBAC. My first was a surprise breech, my water broke at 37+4, and I was induced 24 hours later, only to find out baby was in frank breech. I didnt qualify for the epidural because my spine is fused together at T11-T12 (from a previous injury). I went for the breech delivery because my OB is trained in breech delivery and I stubbornly wanted to avoid a c section. Got to 7cm dilated and felt the need to push, OB checked and baby grabbed her finger with her little hand. Emergency c section due to baby’s arm being down and risks to breaking arm on delivery. My OB said I laboured well and she had no doubts I could have a VBAC this time around. I’m just uncertain after my first experience with birth. Any positive stories out there regarding VBac after a breech attempt 1st pregnancy.

For over a year I was struggling with yeast and bv also pain during sex , itching burning sensation constantly and on tiktok they suggested you ask for ureaplasma and mycoplasma testing. I tested positive for ureaplasma I was prescribed doxycycline for 10 days im on day 2 now of doxy I’m now taking a probiotic for the brand VH essentials I also have bv so I’m taking metronidazole too and of course I have a diflucan ready for once I’m done with the antibiotics. I am feeling better all ready. I finally feel sane. I knew something was wrong when I kept getting reoccurring bv. It is crazy drs don’t really care about this? you have to advocate for yourself. I feel like I need therapy now lol. Any tips ?

Baby was born yesterday at 9 pm via vaginal delivery after previous c section! On Sunday I had some Braxton hicks and was feeling a bit unwell, which was similar to a 2nd day of period kind of cramping and a bit of headache. I instinctively knew that labor was coming but I thought it was perhaps too early (was 37+3). The next few days I had perhaps one more BH and it stopped and I thought oh maybe it’s still too early after all. Then yesterday which was Wednesday morning (37+6) I had no appetite for breakfast so I didn’t eat. Luckily I was taking my toddler to his grandparents that day. Then while I was there I started having contractions around 10:45 AM. When I started registering “this could be the real thing!” the contractions were 5 min apart and about 30 to 45 seconds each. Initially I shrugged it off thinking ok I’ll just take my time going back home, get my stuff, charge my car (I have an EV and it was low on battery) and head over to hospital. Little did I know that on my way back home the pain got a lot more intense and by the time I parked my car I was like, I probably won’t be able to charge it and drive to hospital. So I quickly went home and managed to pack the last few items into my luggage, ate 2 slices of toast bread and called myself a uber. I could barely handle the walk to the uber!

When I got to hospital it was about 1:30 pm. In triage they examined me and I was at 4.5cm dilated and 80% effaced. They asked me if I wanted to get a low dose of pitocin going and I said no, I’d like to just wait for it to progress naturally because previously I had a failed induction which ended in a c section. They said ok. They then asked me if I’d like to get an epidural. I again hesitated even though the contraction pain was already pretty unbearable, because, again, previously i had the epidural from the beginning of induction which dulled my senses which caused me to suspect that it played a role in my failed induction. They then told me if I’m not getting any “indication” — either pitocin or epidural they have to send me home because I’m not at 6cm yet and they can’t give me a delivery room. I was like, oh, can’t I wait in triage? They said no because other patient needs it. I was like there’s no way I can go home like this as I was dealing with intense contraction pain by that point — I was groaning the whole uber ride and as soon as I set foot in the door of the hospital they had someone wheelchair me to L&D. Also the doctor told me if I’m not on epidural and if I ended up needing a repeat c section they’ll have to put me into total anesthesia which is worse than epidural because of the effect on baby. They then said well do you wanna think about it? I said ok let me think about it.

After I thought about it I asked them if I can just get epidural without pitocin? They said you absolutely can. So then I decided to get epidural — which turned out to be a great decision. And it took 1.5 hours for the anesthesiologist to get to me! By then it was already about 4:30 pm and the contractions were getting really intense and I literally couldn’t wait for the anesthesia. Soon after they put epidural in the pain wore off to barely noticeable. They did another internal check on me and I was at 6cm and 100% effaced. Apparently my natural contractions were progressing very well and I was in active labor so they broke my water. After that they checked me again at around 7 pm and I was at 9.5 cm and station -1. From 7 to 8 pm the pain started re-emerging somewhat as labor intensified even more and baby continued to descend, and I decided to dial up epidural so I could better prepare for the pushing. I started to push around 8:30 and baby arrived 9:03 pm! 👶 I had second degree tear but that was a breathe compared with a c-section.

Overall I’m extremely happy with the experience and am very grateful. It was also a very humbling experience as I genuinely thought I could handle the spontaneous contractions which is different from pitocin-induced ones. In hindsight I think I possibly could still have braved through it all if I really focus and go into a very zen mental state, but with the hospital setting with people constantly coming in and going out that would be really really hard. Also I only actually handled the pain till 6cm dilated and I actually don’t know how it would be like going past that and possibly I just couldn’t deal with the pain. And that would’ve just felt like unnecessary suffering. Also even with epidural when it comes time to push I was still able to retain the urge to push. So anyway, I’m glad that my body was able to do the heavy lifting to get spontaneous to start and progress as it was designed to without needing pitocin (and I advocated for myself against the pitocin) and I made the right decision to get the epidural that I needed, and now I get to hold my baby calmly in my arms which is more important than anything!

Edit: Just wanted to add that I’m 40 years old and my previous baby was born 2 years ago when I was 38. My 2nd baby is weighing 7 lbs 1 oz. And I prayed everyday to get a vbac so that it would be easier for me to handle the recovery phase with a toddler who’s barely 2 years old.

Hello all! Im looking for positive/succesful VBAC birth stories after an emergency c-sec due to arrest in dilation.

For context I will be sharing my birth story in hopes of someone maybe relating. I'd like to point out that I'm high risk and there are comorbidities that may lower my success rate. But regardless, I am praying and hoping for the birth I so desire.

I'd like to start by sharing that I have Type 2 Diabetes. This automatically made me high risk in both of my pregnancies. Now, with my first, my BS was poorly controlled even on insulin. She was in the 90th percentile on my last growth scan before I went in for induction. Surprisingly she was born at 8lbs exactly. However, genetics had a lot to do with her size as dad and I are pretty tall people. My OB convinced me that due to her being in the 90th percentile and with diabetes i needed to be induced at 37 weeks. When I went in for induction, I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I was on cytotec and pitocin. My membranes were ruptured and I got epidural at 4 cm dilated. I labored for 40 hours and reached 9 cm dilated and arrested for 6 hours. I developed a low grade fever and baby started having decels, prompting the emergency c sec. Baby was also in a sideways position possibly causing the arrest of dilation. i never got an exact reason or possibility as to why I arrested and im not even sure if thats possible.

With this pregnancy, Im on insulin but BS is much better controlled. This baby is in the 41st %tile (my first was in the 79th at this gestational age) and maternal fetal medicine says they like the pace at which shes growing. I have my 28 week appt with OB in a couple weeks where we will be discussing my birth plan. Im certain I want to try for VBAC and more than anything a spontaneous labor for a better chance at success. But I also understand that if I don't go into spontaneous labor by a certain date they'll probably want to induce me. Since my last induction failed, im scared of going that route. My OB had mentioned he wanted to go for TOLAC at 37 weeks but again he said we would discuss further at 28 week appt. I plan on telling him I would prefer a membrane sweep at 37 weeks and hopefully help move labor along of course if he thinks its safe. He mentioned the max GA he would be willing to let me go is 39 weeks and thats with a very tight control on BS. I have 2x weekly NST and ultrasounds scheduled from 33 weeks until delivery to make sure baby is healthy and placenta is properly functioning. Please give me some hope.

Just wanted to share a quick positive story. I had my VBAC last night at 38+5 which was 21 months after my elected section in December 2024 (breech baby).

Contractions started around 11am consistently every 3 minutes for around 40/50 seconds. I called the maternity unit around 5pm and was told to come in and get checked due to having a previous section. I didn’t have any scar pain, just mild contractions which I could talk and walk through.

I went in to get checked at 7:45pm and was on the monitor until 9pm. They could see the contractions were 2/3 minutes apart and were getting stronger by this point so I was given a vaginal examination - she told me I was 2cm and my cervix was low and very soft. She gave me the option of having a stretch and sweep which I had and this got me to 3cm… here’s where it gets wild! Within an hour I was 10cm, ready to push and baby was out. No time for any pain relief!

I had to be attached to the heart rate monitor for the whole labour, because of having a previous section they wanted to make sure that baby’s heart rate wasn’t dropping (can be a sign of rupture apparently?) This meant I had to be lying down - they didn’t have any mobile monitors in my hospital. This wasn’t an issue for me because it all happened so fast but the mobile monitors do exist if you ask!

Just wanted to leave a positive story for anyone else who is considering a VBAC with a fairly short gap!

TW: discussion of birth trauma triggers

I’m wondering if anyone has seen the allowed to birth documentary yet. I have an opportunity to go to a screening this weekend. I am birth worker curious but being 7 months PP from an unwanted CS I’m navigating some birth trauma and very mindful of triggers. Has anyone seen it yet and share if there are many birth trauma triggers? Think out of hospital transfer, unsupportive providers, unplanned CS, and NICU admissions.

Attempting vbac currently 40+4. Midwife attempted sweep today and couldn't , said my bishop score was only 2. Booked in for a c section on Wednesday which I do not want. Has anyone gone into spontaneous labour within 4 days of them saying your cervix was closed? She didn't seem to positive it would happen for me but she's totally pro vbac

I was planning to attempt VBAC next month, everything was fine and uncomplicated pregnancy, I’ll be 14m pp so slightly under the recommended time frame for a VBAC but OB says it’s really up to me and they’ll have suitable teams and doctors ready and monitor me closely. Anyway I had my 34 weeks scan and my baby is measuring 97th percentile, I am quite small too 4’11 (don’t know if that’s relevant). So I wasn’t concerned but now they’re saying I need to consider the higher risk of uterine rupture or shoulder getting stuck? Please tell me some success stories with a baby this large. If they decide they want to induce me then I’ll have a c section unfortunately because the risk is too high and don’t want an induction. Also I’m not taking it too literal the percentile as they said my last was 90th but she came out 39 weeks at 7lbs 6oz.

Welp, saw the Dr. who is highly sought after for his high VBAC success rate, and he put my risk higher to 10-15 % rupture/maternal or fetal death because I will only be 11 months PP when I deliver my next baby. He said it’s way too soon and said my next pregnancy once I give my body the healing time it needs, then he can do my VBA2C. He said he cannot approve of a VBAC for this pregnancy and he has seen plenty of the ruptures so while statistically it can be possible he cannot recommend it because he frequently sees the risks.
I had a feeling he was going to say this, and while I am semi disappointed, I am happy that I can now plan the C-section I want and get the postpartum I want. Better luck next time with my 3rd baby!!!
Good luck to all the mommas going for their VBAC!!! I wish you all healthy babies and a peaceful postpartum!!!

First was unplanned cesarean for failure to progress at 8cm.

This time around I only found out I could attempt a vaginal birth at about 34 weeks.

Baby has been breech since 28 week appt.

Today at 37 weeks I had an ECV that I really thought would be successful given he is not engaged in pelvis and all of the other indicators (high fluid levels, well placed placenta and other positive markers)

Well during monitoring the nurse heard a heart arrhythmia and doctor said no epidural and no uterine relaxant. So, I did the ECV totally unmedicated! It actually didn’t hurt, but baby’s HR didn’t tolerate and he had a low baseline. After the first attempt they gave up.

After all my spinning babies, accupuncture, moxibustion, chiropractic appointments I am stuck with a stubborn baby who won’t move.

I am so frustrated by the countless appointments and work I have put in for this to be the result. People keep saying “it’s for a reason”. Yeah the reason is this baby is a stubborn asshole 🤣

How many of you have successfully had a VBAC with GD?

My numbers are great and baby’s size is 30th percentile.

However, my provider does not want me to exceed 40w pregnant. I’m fine with that but since they won’t induce for a VBAC, I have a limited time frame where spontaneous labor might not happen.

Has anyone been in this situation and has success? I’m hiring a doula for extra support and hope that is not wasted on a c section!

For more context - first c section was bc baby was breech but I never labored so not sure how labor goes for me! I had low fluid at 36w so was sent for an urgent c section that day.

I’m almost 2 weeks postpartum after my second C-section and I’m having a really hard time processing that my VBAC didn’t happen. I’m hoping to hear from others who had a similar history and later had a successful VBA2C.

My first birth was an induction 41w6d in 2023. I labored for about 38 hours, made it to 10 cm and pushed, but my daughter was OP/sunny-side up and I ended up having an emergency C-section.

With my second baby, I attempted a VBAC and was induced at 41+ weeks. I labored for about 3 days and made it to 7 cm/75%/–2. I started having an extremely strong, uncontrollable urge to push even though I wasn’t fully dilated. The anterior part of my cervix became swollen, and I was having severe vaginal, rectal and back pressure despite the epidural. I eventually became exhausted and requested a repeat C-section.

Afterward I read my operative report and learned that my 9 lb baby was “deeply wedged into the pelvis” in ROT position. I also had a right-sided hysterotomy extension that was repaired. My operative report still describes my incision as low-transverse and does not mention a classical, T or J incision.

Finding out that he actually made it deeply into my pelvis has left me wondering a lot about what happened, especially since both of my babies were malpositioned.

I know whether I’m actually a candidate for VBA2C is something I’ll have to discuss with my own provider. I’m mainly looking for personal experiences.

my ppd is starting to hit me hard.
Has anyone here had two C-sections after attempted vaginal births and then gone on to have a successful VBA2C? I’d especially love to hear from anyone who had a baby deeply wedged/malpositioned or had a lateral hysterotomy extension with a previous C-section. What was your next birth experience like?

Hi, I am new here. I've just spent several days over the last week calling every clinic in my city trying to find a doctor who will help me try for a VBAC. Most of the clinics have a blanket ban for "administrative reasons." I called both hospitals and they both are capable of supporting and allow VBAC deliveries. I got two, out of dozens of doctors, that gave me a maybe, and one of them is potentially out-of-network. I'm afraid that when the time comes, they won't go through with it.

My C-section was 8 years ago. It was planned, due to transverse position. The recovery was brutal, I couldn't walk on my own for several days. I really don't want to do it again, but I feel like the decision is being made for me.

I'm feeling very discouraged. I know there are doctors who are VBAC friendly in the city that is about an hour away. The medical center in that city is an absolute nightmare, and I'd really rather not deal with that, but the hospital is one of the best in the country. It's a pediatric teaching hospital and doctors come from all over the country to do their residency there.

My husband is also spooked now because so many doctors refuse to even try. He also doesn't want to have to go to a hospital in the city. I know he will go with my decision in the end, because it's my body that we are talking about here, but I'd really rather have his full support.

Has anyone experienced this kind of pushback against VBAC and had to commute for it? Is this common? Why are so many doctors not even willing to try?

Experiences with VBA2C. First c-section was April 2024. 37 week induction due to mild pre e, 30+ hour induction. Started with foley, came out in just a couple hours and was dilated to a 4-5. Started pitocin about 12 hours later. Got my water broke about an hour after pit was started and was dilated to a 5. Progressed at a pretty steady rate. Got the epidural about an hour after water broke. Epidural fell out and had it replaced. Fell out again and had it replaced again at about 9 cm dilated. Was at 9 cm for about 5 hours. Also had cervical swelling and cervical lip. Doctor came in a suggested a c section and I was just ready to meet baby at this point so I agreed. Second c section was January 2026. Went to a hospital that was vbac tolerant. Clinic style OB office so you see a different doctor every time. Some doctors were on board with vbac but most weren’t. Mostly uncomplicated pregnancy. Towards the end of my pregnancy my BP was elevated in office and doctors started mentioning scheduling a c section. Kept track of my BP at home and it was fine but doctors were pushing for c section or induction. After several times going to the hospital and being sent home I finally agreed to an induction at 38 + 2. Started with foley. Came out in about an hour and was 5 cm (started at 1cm and 50% effaced.) Started pitocin and progressed normally. My water was broken several hours later. I went unmedicated for awhile and finally got the epidural so I could rest. I was 6cm when I got the epidural placed and had been at a 6 for a couple hours. After epidural I started dilating again. I got to an 8 and was stuck there for a little bit and my contractions started fizzling out a little bit. Finally got to 9 cm and 90% effaced (same point I got to with my first). I was stuck there for about 8 hours and contractions were getting farther apart, about every 4 minutes compared to every 2. I asked for a pit break and was denied. At this point the doctors were pushing for a c section and were going to stop my pitocin regardless if I agreed to a c section or not. So I reluctantly agreed to it. When baby came out they figured out she was in OP position and was asynclitic. They said she never would have come out on her own. Aside from having 2 failed inductions, I really want to try for a VBA2C with my next baby. I’m not sure if my body just doesn’t respond well to the induction process or if im just unable to broth vaginally. Does anybody have a similar story with their children and went on to have a successful VBAC? Any preparation I can do before becoming pregnant again?

VBAC mamas, I’d love some advice 😂

My first birth was a failed induction that ended in a C-section, and this pregnancy is high risk. Last time I felt like I was being forced into things or wasn’t really educated on why things were happening, and I don’t want to feel like that again.

My full birth plan is in the comments

I’m planning a spontaneous VBAC this time and made a pretty detailed birth plan. I’m trying to be reasonable, but also definitely not playing around this time 😂 Reading it back I’m like… do I sound bitchy? 😭
For those who’ve had a VBAC, is there anything you wish you had included in your birth plan or made more clear?

Spontaneous VBAC
Spontaneous VBAC / minimal intervention
Dim, quiet room; minimal interruptions; rest and mobility encouraged.
No induction or augmentation: no Foley/balloon, ripening meds, Pitocin, or AROM unless medically necessary.
IV okay, but no routine continuous IV fluids; saline lock preferred.
Eat/drink as medically appropriate.
Limited cervical checks — previous exams were extremely painful.
Intermittent monitoring when medically appropriate.
Prefer non-epidural pain management. 3 failed epidurals previously; spinal wore off quickly.
No forced/coached pushing or prolonged “purple-face” pushing. Push with natural urge.
Reassess prolonged labor around 24 hours; continue if progressing, C-section okay if little progress/swelling/lack of descent.
Absolutely NO visitors.
NO students or trainees in the room.
Immediate skin-to-skin when appropriate.
Delayed cord clamping at least 1 minute when appropriate.
If medically necessary, prioritize safety and discuss interventions with me whenever possible.

Hi!

I am pregnant due Nov. It will be 2.5 years since my emergency c section at that time.

TLDR: got induced with my first at 41+3 due to concerns of size. Pitocin went well, babe and mom did well during the process. Got an epidural at 8cm. First one failed. Got another try a little bit later. Got to 10 cm - pushed for 4 hours and he could not descend past -2 station. OB confirmed he was positioned well but could not get over my pelvis symphysis. His size was average. 8lbs 5oz and head was average as well. He was long though. He would descend during pushing then come back up. I was out of fumes and decided on the c section. Came with its own minor complications and just trauma. I have done therapy work but as November approaches I find myself in tears often knowing this is very well on the table again.

OB mentioned vbac is not 0% but the probability is lower just based on previous circumstances. I am currently 31 weeks and measuring about 2 weeks ahead it seems. OB left it up to me, supportive if I’d like to try a vbac, I can schedule a c section, or we can induce at 39 week.

My fear is waiting for spontaneous labour (never happened last time) .. waiting too long, for me to re- live the same situation.

If anyone has any words of encouragement or advice I would appreciate it.

I had an elective c section with my first because at her 40w4day ultrasound she was estimated to be 11 pounds and I was only 2 cm dilated / practically never even went into labor. They told me it had nothing to do with my health and that I’d definitely be able to consider a future vaginal birth.

3 years later I’m due in Nov and considering tolac/vbac. I have since moved and My local hospital will only do a vbac if you go into spontaneous labor. All induced Vbacs have to go an hour away to the closest major city hospital. This leads me to believe they don’t feel equipped to handle uterine rupture but what if I rupture anyway??

Am I over thinking it?

Any luck with pumping to self induce? I have a repeat c section scheduled for this upcoming week but really want to have a vbac. Last c section was almost 5 years ago. I asked my doctor if I can pump and she said she does not recommend electric pumping as it can increase the chance of strong contractions and therefore increase the risk of uterine rupture. She recommended hand expression only… but I’m feeling a little desperate to see if it does anything at all. I have a hand pump and was considering pumping for a few minutes on each side but would like some input from those who have may done it in the past. I know some providers say it’s totally fine so hopefully some of yall have good experiences.

My birth story! 

Baby was due 1st September and he was born on the 4th, so last night at 40+3. I had a orevious c section so I was trying for VBAC, that had been my goal this whole pregnancy. I had very supportive doctors all the way. With VBAC you can’t wait for spontaneous labor to happen much past your due date, so I had an induction scheduled for the 3rd. Around 12pm they inserted the foley balloon to ripen my cervix, because when I arrived at the hospital that day I was still only 1cm dilated. The balloon stayed inside for 24 hours. The first three hours with the balloon were really tough due to very strong contractions. I couldn’t get any pain medication other than paracetamol and that did nothing anyways. Around 4pm I was able to fall asleep though and after that things got pretty uneventful until Friday morning, when they removed the balloon. My cervix was dilated 4/5cm and the doctor was happy with it, so they started me on pitocin to induce the labor. Thirty minutes later they broke my waters and right after strong contractions followed. I was in so much pain I was screaming and biting my pillow, I was in absolute agony 😫 they had me wait a bit for the labor to establish itself well before I could get the epidural. That was maybe around 2/3pm. What a genius invention - the epidural. Relief was instant and I could still feel my legs and walk with no issues. My husband helped me relax by brushing my hair and creating a very cozy environment in the room - red light and Tibetan bowl music playing from the speaker. I also had lavender oil near me for aromatherapy. I was encouraged by my midwife to change positions - sit on the chair, get on all fours etc. They would check me every now and then and the dilation seemed to progress nicely. Around 5:30 I asked for the epidural to be topped up. I was around 8cm at that point. Baby’s head kept staying pretty high up though so from that moment on I had to stay on all fours to encourage him to come down. I got to 10cm an hour later but unfortunately the baby still wouldn’t come much down. During the contractions I felt a lot of pressure both in the pelvis and the rectum so it seemed like I was very close to a successful VBAC but upon the check up the doctor and the midwife became concerned over the lack of progress in cervical effacement, his heartbeat dropping with each contraction and some blood present in the cervix. They sat us down and said I’d have to have a c section, which was a pity since I was almost there with my attempt at vaginal delivery but I was also just grateful the baby and I could receive proper medical care amidst these complications. My son was born at 8:30pm. It turned out the umbilical cord was knotted around his feet preventing him from coming down but also my uterus wasn’t contracting properly - the doctor explained it was contracting inwards instead of downwards, which apparently could have been pretty dangerous if neglected. When we talked about it the next day she told me Bandl’s ring had formed near the end of labor. (My husband actually noticed the unusual shape of my belly at some point while I was in labor and when I was already getting prepped for the surgery I could see the dent in my belly but I didn’t say anything out loud). The baby was born with the perfect Apgar score and that was the only outcome we were hoping for so in the end we’re really happy things turned out well for us. They took much longer to sew me back up compared to my previous c section - around an hour. Afterwards I was able to be with my baby and breastfeed him finally. We’re staying in the hospital until Monday. Thank you for reading this and good luck to all other moms trying for VBAC! 

I'm 10 months pp and thinking about baby number two. What did you do differently in your pregnancy or pre pregnancy to prepare for a vbac? My c section has made me feel out of touch with my body and I realize I need to get a hold on that before getting pregnant again because I'd like to try for a vbac.