VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Having a Cesarean Section

Many woman today have had a baby delivered by Cesarean Birth method, Myself included. For most it was a choice they had no say in. Cesareans may be performed for a number of reasons. One of the most common causes a doctor may order an emergency Cesarean section is fetal distress. Another cause for a stubborn birth requiring a Cesarean could be the baby is in a breech, or 'backwards' position. Sometimes mom does not dilate enough, or dilates enough, but quite simply is too small. The reasons may vary , but since C- Sections became so popular in the late 1970's, it was commonly felt in the medical profession that once a Cesarean always a Cesarean. Again, not much choice in the matter for the women.

Today A growing number of C- Section moms have begun to question this line of thought. For a variety of reasons of their own they are now considering Vaginal Birth After Cesarean as an option for delivery. Some may feel like they were cheated out of the total birth experience, Others may have had a terrible recovery from surgery. Issues with insurance coverage can be a source of concern for many today. Maybe Mom doesn't want to spend so much down time recovering from surgery with a new baby and a toddler at home.

Whatever the reasons you may be considering VBAC , talk to your doctor first. In some cases your doctor may encourage you 100 % to go for it. The reason for the initial C section can play an important role in this decision. If the surgery was ordered due to fetal distress, or the baby was in the breech position, there is a good chance mom may have been quite capable of natural delivery. If mom was too small one factor to consider would be "was the c- section birth baby exceptionally large?"

There is an important condition for some women though that could make choosing Vaginal Birth After Cesarean less feasible. The development of car tissue. This Condition is one of the main reasons once a C- section always a C- section was considered common practice. You will want to discuss adhesions as the scar tissue is called with your doctor . A little or a lot can make a little or a lot of difference.On my fourth pregnancy I attempted VBAC, it was later discovered during surgery my uterus was attached to my spine by the adhesions. So yes development of scar tissue is a definite factor.

Lastly I would recommend that mom and dad talk about this together. How does mom really feel about ? Discuss with each other how important the factors are that are urging you to consider VBAC. If it is in the best interest of the family for mom to have a speedy recovery, and you are a suitable candidate after careful consideration, you may want to consider VBAC. You may be one of those moms who deep down inside feels like you did not get to experience the total wonder of the birth process, if so share these feelings with your husband . Love and support from your spouse are important elements.

All four of my children were born by Cesarean section. The first was my son, he arrived in 1978. Back then VBAC was a real no no . Once a section always a section was not even questioned when my next child was born in 1980 VBAC would not have been a good choice for me anyway due the development of extensive adhesions, my small frame, and my daughter's oh so healthy size. In 1986 I was again expecting, and my doctor did support my wish to attempt VBAC. Unfortunately after twelve hours of full on labor the doctor called for the section. Afterword's he informed me that the old adhesions had been so severe they had literally joined body parts together that did not belong together. In 1988 I made my final effort for VBAC. This was because I developed pneumonia the last time , and with 3 children to care for I was hoping to avoid the long recovery. We got so close ! I did stay awake for the section though , and the culprit was again the scar tissue. To this very day I have intestinal problems and other issues due to the adhesions. If surgery can be safely avoided then VBAC is the way to go for quicker recovery and less chance of complications, Immediately and in your future.

My information is based solely on my own personal experiences and as always when researching information go to multiple sources, and of course always refer to your doctor first. Happy Healthy Birthing which ever route you choose.