[mama2riley]

I am really struggling with making a decision about whether to try for a VBAC or to scedule a C-Section for the birth of my daughter in a few weeks. I had a CS with my son bc he was posterior and never entered the pelvis, and I stopped progressing at 7 cm, plus his heart rate dropped, my BP dropped...that sums it up. I have gone over it both ways and I can't come to a decision.

I think deep down I would really like to schedule the c-section. My main concern is that this is only my 2nd baby and dh and I have always hoped to have 3 or 4 children someday. I know there is a greater risk with each CS of placental implantation which would lead to a hysterectomy at the birth, and I also know that each CS is more difficult because of added scar tissue. I don't want the reason I have to stop having children to be because I can't have another CS or because I have a hysterectomy because of a placental problem.

Has anyone had 3 more more CS and have you experienced any complications or lack of complications in your later ones? Your input would greatly help in my decision. Thanks!

[mama2riley]

has anyone experienced this that can help me?

[luvtosave]

I have !, I had my 1st C-section in 1988 My girl went into heart failure and I had to be rushed into the OR,I was cut form my belly button to just past my hairline. Since it was my 1st C-section I didnt fair to well, took a long time for me to recover. I also had my tubes tied same time. 9 years later I had my tubes reconnected also cut same way as the C-section , however, I didnt take as long to recover and was walking 2 hrs after surgery. In 1996 had My 3rd C-section, 1999 Had my 4th C-section and 2002 had my 5th C-section. So since 1988 to 2002 I have had 5 C-section from the Belly Button to the hairline, or 59 staples which ever you would like to vision . It was easier each time.However tho, With the section #3 I had to have alot of scare tissue removed form the sections in the past. It left a HUGE section on my stomach wide. But with the 4th Section it was redone and the scare is smaller.Now with #5 I ran into some problems it was a combo of alot of things just not the section itself. I had 7 children, 1st 3 were over 9lbs, last 4 3 just over 6.5 oz and 1 7 lbs 4 oz, this took a Huge toll on me and 3 weeks after the last baby was born my Uterus fell and had to be ruse into surgery. I was hoping for a hysterectomy , But didnt get one,. dont know why not I had my tubes tied so not like I was going to have more lol.But he just tacted it up again. I had already been told with #7 that my uterus was very weak and this would probably be the last of my births as the lining was really thin..
With my child in 1996 I did OPT for a VBAC. I went into labor with her but couldnt dilate past 3 CM. they sent me home, for 16 days i was in labor with her but couldn't go past 3CM. I called the doctor told him get this baby out of me NOW.We set the C-section up for the next morning. She was born 33 mins later.Needless to say, I never opt'ed for another VBAC again with any of the other ones.I found the C-section were alot easier once you have had 1 already. For me the recovery time lesson each time.It was hard the 1st time around, but I also had been in labor then for 39 hrs non stop and went into a Emerg C-section. the rest were all set up. I dont do well with labor never have. my shortest labor with VB was 19 hrs longest was 96 hrs which he should have been the 1st C-section but they waited too late and he had fell thur the birth canal so they cut me 4 times, broke his collar bone and used forceups to deliever him. he was 9 lbs 14 ozs 22 1/2 inches long. I took over 150 stiches with him. So yes in my personal oppion a C-section is much easier. However, that might not be the same for everyone.
It use to be once a C-section you couldn't opt for a VB, however, they are doing more and more VBAC each day. Good Luck with what ever you go with.

[oweirdo]

Have you looked at Childbirth.org ? I found a lot of info about vbacs there

[mama2riley]

Thanks for sharing luvtosave! That was exactly what I was hoping to hear from someone who had been through it multiple times. That helps me think a little more clearly about chosing that path. Thanks!

Ollie I haven't checked that website out yet, but I might. I feel pretty educated on VBACs at this point, but felt like I needed more info about multiple CS's from someone who had experienced it. Thanks.

[poliscmjr]

Melissa, As you know I am ttc, but I have talked to my mom and mil about this. They both had 3 c-sections. My mother never dialated (sp), and mil babies were to big! Both had very successful recoveries. MIL after her third had a tummy tuck when she was done! The reason why I say this is that they were young when they started having children, and were fine with three. I think because you're young you'll do fine with multiple c-sections as your boby can recover quicker from each one. I think if you were older it might be a problem.
P.S. I think when ever we do get pregnant I'll be having a c-section. The sizes of babies on both sides do not look good for me!

[wanttobemommy]

my mother in law has 7 children 5 of which were C Sectioned. She said that on the last two they were a few weeks early due to her having some issue with her uterus. but all of her c sections were easy breezy according to her and she never felt that she couldnt have more kids due to c sections

[lildarling76]

I've had two csections, and the 10/00 & 11/05. I orginally had one cuz my son was too big to fit and his heartrate dropped. I didn't want to take a chance with my second son and have him go through the same ordeal. The recovery was defiantly easier the second time around. Good luck and hope all this helps with your decision.

[oweirdo]

The reason I suggested that site was you can read stories of vbacs. You can even email lots of the moms...

[ProudMommy77]

Melissa, I just had my second c-section, and it was my choice not to try a VBAC from all the things that happened for DD's birth. Let me tell you, the recovery was AWESOME! I can't believe how great I feel already, and I can't believe the fix-up job they did on my scar. It looks so much better!

My energy exists (unlike the first time after having laboured so long), and I am not overly grumpy, in pain or any of that. In fact, After the first week, I started to have to remind myself that I had a section the week before so I cannot do what I *think* I can do because I feel so great.

Hope that helps in your decision making!