Please help me not feel guilty about selecting a repeat c-section instead of a VBAC.

[Anonymous]

OP here - Thanks to all the supportive PPs. You really have made me feel better about my decision and have given me much needed perspective about my decision. This post is about to deteriorate... apologies.

[Anonymous]

I had an emergency c-section with my first and if I have #2, I would probably have another c-section. I don't feel guilty about it either. Why should you feel guilty? The point is to give birth to a healthy baby. I know what to expect and with #2, I could actually plan ahead. #1 came a week early and I had him at home by myself for 2 weeks b/c my DH had taken off 2 weeks of work based on my original DD.

[Anonymous]

I tried a VBAC with my second pregnancy and ruptured, so it does happen.
I will say the 2nd c-section is so much easier as you know what to expect, it's easier to plan childcare for your first. I never had bad recoveries from c-sections and some of my friends have had horrible recoveries from tearing from natural birth - it's nice not to have both areas messed up. There is absolutely no reasons to feel guilty.

[Anonymous]

don't feel guilty. C-section is just as or more difficult on the body than a vaginal birth, and the recovery is probably harder. I think you should do what works for you and your doctor. I had a vag birth, but almost had to have a C when my labor stalled out. I didn't really care either way; I just wanted a healthy baby, however she came out.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I didn't really care either way; I just wanted a healthy baby, however she came out.

Good luck!

I think that is the healthiest way to look at it. Do what you think is best - the goal is a healthy baby.

I'm with another poster who thought the c/s sucked donkey balls but I don't really have a choice in the matter - my pelvic bones are malformed so a VBAC is out of the question for me anyway. I pushed for 2 hours after getting induced for #1 and nothing was happening. Doc reaches in and goes "Oh, there's your problem" and then explains that my bones actually impede delivery the normal way. yeah, would have been nice to know before inducing labor and pushing for 2 hours ;P

Anyway, I've made peace with c/s for #2 - still curse mother nature for not giving me an option, though.

[Anonymous]

My good friend had a vaginal birth with her first child and then a Csection for second (breech) and she actually thought the Csection recovery was easier for her. So make the best choice for you.

[Anonymous]

I vote for a healthy baby and a healthy, happy mom! Csection fits the bill.

NO GUILT!!

[Anonymous]

My maternal fetal medicine specialist told me that she would personally not choose a VBAC for herself after witnessing 2 tragic outcomes with patients in her career. In almost all cases (like over 99%) they go just fine but when they go bad it's really bad...brain damage or death for baby and possibly mom too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another repeat C. We forget that if the uterus ruptures doctors may not realize that has happened immediately. A rupture jeopardizes the baby and can be "like a plane going down," as my OB said. They have a few minutes to get the baby out. Knowing that the consequences could be so dire, why would you feel guilty?

You must not have seen the new reccomendation that ACOG put out yesterday, as reflected by what the NIH has come to conclustion about based on real data. Studies are supporting what a minority of women have known all along, a VBAC is safer than doing for another section.

That all depends on why you had to have the first C. After 30 hours of labor, 2 hours of pushing, and failed forceps, my 9lb6oz-er came out through C. Second baby was 9lb12oz. My VBAC success chances were not 99/100 but 50/50.

[Anonymous]

I had a C-section with my first due to a breech, and am strongly leaning towards a repeat. Either way, definitely no guilt.

I figure I've already got the scar and have already messed around with one area of my body, why mess around with my lady parts also.

I would've loved to have a vaginal birth for my first, but since it didn't happen that way, there's not much I can do about it now!

Good luck to you, OP. Don't feel guilty about whatever you decide. Like the PPs said, you're goal is a happy, healthy baby and a happy, healthy mom.

[Anonymous]

I did not have a C-section with DC1, but several of my friends did and they ALL ended up with C's for #2. Some of them were planned, others wanted to try VBAC's but either didn't go into labor in time (they won't induce you with a VBAC, I think) or didn't progress once they were in labor.

I think it makes total sense to do a repeat C. And NO ONE should make you feel guilty about it!

[Anonymous]

Happy Healthy Baby and Mom most important! It's the life they lead that you remember most, not how they came into the world!

[Anonymous]

No time to read replies, sorry. Here's how I made the decision.

Both repeat C and VBAC are really safe, really low risk.

But within that very low risk, with repeat C the risk is on me, and with VBAC the risk is on the baby.

I did a repeat C and never looked back. I never struggled with it, honestly. I felt that it was the first decision I made as a Mom, and my husband supported me and I felt great.

Hope that helps!

[Anonymous]

I had a second c-section after a lot of thought. I still regret it to this day. It's been a couple years, but when I think of the birth of DD, I really feel sad that I didn't even try to do a VBAC. I know it's silly, but there it is.

[Anonymous]

I've had four c-sections. Don't feel bad. My #1 was breach, wouldn't flip. I tried for a vbac with #2 but had to have an emer c-section. #3 & #4 were planned. Don't feel bad, you need to do what's best for you.