by Catherine (Ireland )
With my first child I had a vaginal birth. I was told by a lot of Doctors that I might have a cesarean because of my size, both build and height, but I had the vaginal birth.
I became pregnant with my second, and when I was 37-38wks I was sent for a scan, because they felt that the baby was small. Went for the scan and that's when they found out that the baby was flex-breech as they called it. Her feet were down and they told me that there was no way she was going to move, so they booked me in for a cesarean.
I was annoyed about it, I was hoping to give birth normally, but now that I have had the cesarean I am worried about becoming pregnant again in the near future in case I would end up having another cesarean.
Answer:
Hi Catherine,
It must have been frustrating to have the cesarean after a successful vaginal birth the second time, and I can understand your worry about falling pregnant again.
Keep in mind that a VBAC – or vaginal birth after cesarean – is very much a possibility. Many, many women have successful VBAC's every year – some even after having more than one c-section.
The attitude towards VBAC's has not been good in the past few years, but thankfully the tide is turning and VBAC's are coming back into favor again.
Women in the 90's were able and even encouraged to try for VBAC's. The early 2000's were marked with hostility toward VBAC's, however research has continued to show that they are safe and even preferable to repeat cesareans. So doctors and midwives are becoming more and more willing to attend them.
If you want to fall pregnant again and plan for a VBAC, I encourage you to read and prepare yourself.
First, having good birth skills will help you prepare for labor and be able to work with anything the birth brings you. I recommend the home study course The Pink Kit as the only course that teaches comprehensive birth skills. The PK group also has a CD with advice just for moms planning a VBAC.
Secondly, here are some good books:
- The VBAC Companion
- DON'T CUT ME AGAIN! True Stories About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
- Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
You can also read empowering birth stories to increase your confidence and excitement about conceiving and giving birth again.
Best of luck to you!
