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

[Anonymous]

I had an emergency c-section with DD#1 and with our twins, we are doing another c-section. We toyed with the idea of doing a VBAC but both babies are transverse. C-section was a really civilized way to have a baby and I found the recovery really easy.

[Anonymous]

I can see how there are risks to both procedures, but I do not see how your doctor can call them even. The complication rate on VBACs has to be a lot higher than repeat c-sections.

[Anonymous]

I had a VBAC with my first and a C-section with my second (twins - breech/traversed). I found the C-section experience just as "rewarding" as the VBAC. I feel just as bonded to my babies. And, I actually thought recovery from C-section easier - they don't rush you out of the hospital, I anticipated the needed recovery time and so had help at home, less issues in the private area, etc etc. Don't feel guilty!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can see how there are risks to both procedures, but I do not see how your doctor can call them even. The complication rate on VBACs has to be a lot higher than repeat c-sections.

You are wrong. Ever heard of evidence-based medicine? The evidence shows that a vbac produces better outcomes for mothers and infants. And for the posters who act as if the only risks with a c-section are to the mother, are you really unaware of the demonstrably better outcomes for infants born vaginally?

[Anonymous]

20:53. Go shove it. There are a lot of complicated and emotional issues for women who had an emergency CS and want to feel okay in their decision to repeat a CS for subsequent pregnancies. G-d forbid you should ever need a CS and have others make you feel shitty about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a VBAC with my first and a C-section with my second (twins - breech/traversed). I found the C-section experience just as "rewarding" as the VBAC. I feel just as bonded to my babies. And, I actually thought recovery from C-section easier - they don't rush you out of the hospital, I anticipated the needed recovery time and so had help at home, less issues in the private area, etc etc. Don't feel guilty!!!

PP how did you have a VBAC the first time? VBAC means vaginal birth after C-section. Did you have other abdominal surgery before your first birth? I don't get it.

[Anonymous]

20:53 -- yes, everyone has heard of evidence-based medicine. I noticed that you cited absolutely no evidence for your assertions.
I had to have a C-section with our first. My water broke, and after 24 hours, 18 of which I was on pitocin and contracting almost constantly, I was still not dilated at all. My baby was delivered via c-section at 9 lbs, 8 oz, with her cord wrapped around her neck twice, and with black eyes and bruises from banging against pubic bones. She wasn't going anywhere.
OP -- I'm with you. I'm pregnant again and not doing VBAC. Though I know it is usually safe, the studies I've seen lead me (and, btw, my OB) to conclude that it's still riskier to the baby than a repeat C-section, and I care more about that than any risks to me.

[Anonymous]

This seems timely: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/725597

[Anonymous]

I had a repeat c/s with my second and I don't regret it for a moment. Not only was I relaxed going in, I had a 4-day vacation from my older child (2.5 at the time)...

Do what feels best for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Either one of my friends is posting on DCUM or this is more common than we think! Anyway, I did not face the same situation you did, OP, but do NOT feel guilty. If we had a third, I would have gone for the C. #1 was a preemie and I was induced after my water broke. It was not fun. By the time #2 came along, I was over the idea of the perfect birth, which is where I think all those feelings of guilt come from. Let them go - for yourself and your baby. Then choose what is best for you.

[Anonymous]

I had a csection with my first and already the Bradley method groupies are hounding me on whether i will opt for a VBAC with my second. Im not even pregnant yet. Hell, my baby isn't even a year old. That class--it has got to go. If I meet one more self righteous Bradley Method alum, i will scream. I have never a met a reasonable one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can see how there are risks to both procedures, but I do not see how your doctor can call them even. The complication rate on VBACs has to be a lot higher than repeat c-sections.

Completely untrue. Based on a scientific EVIDENCE that recently came out of the NIH, the ACOG is not reccomending at the least a TOL and a VBAC and even VBAC2 where possible because it is safer than a repeat c-section.

You are correct, the risks are not even, VBAC is safer.

[Anonymous]

I was planning a repeat c-section with #2. Then I watched the business of being born and decided on a VBAC. Do what is right for you and make sure you are clear about why you are doing what you are doing. I don't think either is a bad decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was planning a repeat c-section with #2. Then I watched the business of being born and decided on a VBAC. Do what is right for you and make sure you are clear about why you are doing what you are doing. I don't think either is a bad decision.

I could be suppportive of your decision, up until I read that line. What a stupid basis for a decision - a Ricki Lake propaganda film.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a csection with my first and already the Bradley method groupies are hounding me on whether i will opt for a VBAC with my second. Im not even pregnant yet. Hell, my baby isn't even a year old. That class--it has got to go. If I meet one more self righteous Bradley Method alum, i will scream. I have never a met a reasonable one.

Thank you! I could have written this.