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[quote=Anonymous]I am expecting my second child in a couple of months. I had my first one via a last minute c section, so for this one, I have a choice of trying VBAC or going with a planned c-section. I would like to give birth vaginally through VBAC but I am afraid that my chance of succeeding could be low. I have talked to my OB about my options, but wanted to get some thoughts from others.

I am in my late 20's, healthy both pregnancies without any complications. I have super small frame - 5'9" pre-pregnancy weight of 110lbs. I have a very small hip too (wears size 0). I went into my first labor naturally without induction (a day before my due date), and I progressed (dilated) fairly quickly without any problems. First contraction to labor was about 11 hrs. I did have epidural around 4-5cm and a boost once my water broke (I probably shouldn't have gotten that boost). I still progressed to 10cm quickly with no issue. Comes the time for pushing, I didn't have much sensation and was unsure if I am pushing correctly, although nurse/ob tells me I am doing it right. Pushing for 2.5 hours, I was not making much progress (I could see the tip of his head going in and out, but never made to crowning) at which point OB gives me an option to push further or going with csec. I chose c-section. My first one was 7.5lbs but with a large head 14.5 inches (around 80th percentile I believe).

My OB says I can try VBAC or scehdule a repeate c section, but estimates my chance of succeeding at around 10% given my last birth, also given the fact that the second one is likely to be bigger. Both my babies are boys. I did heal pretty well and fast from my c-section last time, so I am not worried too much about recovery/trauma, although I hear repeated c-section has higher risk.

I would love to experience vaginal delivery, but I am afraid that I am working with a very low chance of succeeding. Personally 10% sounds like way too low for me. If I go VBAC route, I would probably wait for the natural contractions (not getting induced) and get less epidural. I am not sure if I can go through without any pain med :( It's hard to know if the way my first labor went was because I got epidural or because my pelvis was too small for my baby's head size. My OB thinks it is the latter, but he could be biased because he is the one who suggested the c-section. It's been a difficult decision to make up my mind on what to do.

I am delivering in Inova Fairfax, which I am aware is not VBAC friendly.  I LOVE my OB, and he is supportive of VBAC and suggests to me that I dont need to schedule a c-section and we can play it by ear, but of course he has nothing against csection either.  He said he is fine to wait until that I go into labor to do csec either but I havent discussed with him how long he is willing to let me go.  I would hate to switch provider because of this reason, but willing to hire a doula - I've heard a doula say on this forum that she's worked with my OB and he was very supportive of natural birth in that instance.

What would you do if you were me? Any kind of insight/thoughts would be appreciated!!!
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