Would You Consider a VBAC?

December 23, 2008

Our parents' generation believed that once you had a c-section, all subsequent births would happen the same way. Today, many women who delivered prior babies via cesarean are considered candidates for Vaginal Birth After C-Section, or VBAC. About 60-80 percent of women who try VBAC are successful, but the rate of women willing to try is falling every year.

If your doctor said you were a candidate for trying a vaginal birth after a c-section, would you try it?

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16 Comments

mstrauss 4 years

I wouldn't go VBAC, but not because I am worried about health risks...I tried pushing my son out first and it was pretty freaking horrible. My son never dropped so we had to go c-section, but I have no interest in ever pushing again. No thank you to the pain. My recovery was really amazing and I would go through the surgery again in a second!

kikidawn 4 years

It would all depend on the circumstances. I, like Greggie, wouldn't avoid a surgery just because I didn't want to have one again. I would consult my doctor and do whatever is best for me, my child, and my family.

kikidawn 4 years

Isen 4 years

I had c-section and if I have more children will be delivered by c-section, I do not expose a natural birth.

Greggie 4 years

"a lot of women are probably great candidates for VBAC and their doctors hold them back."I agree. I know too many women who've wanted to go with VBAC and were told no.

Greggie 4 years

"a lot of women are probably great candidates for VBAC and their doctors hold them back." I agree. I know too many women who've wanted to go with VBAC and were told no.

katedavis 4 years

25 years ago my mother had to search for a doctor that would do VBAC for her. I had a C-section with my son because the cord was wrapped around his neck. He was so close to being born vaginally. The first thing my OBGYN told me after he was born was "VBAC," and it's the first thing he said to me when I told him I was pregnant again. Having a C-section was a terrible experience for me and I really want to avoid having to go through it again.I think that a VBAC might be dangerous for someone like Greggie who physically would have issues with a vaginal birth but a lot of women are probably great candidates for VBAC and their doctors hold them back. It's unfortunate.

katedavis 4 years

25 years ago my mother had to search for a doctor that would do VBAC for her. I had a C-section with my son because the cord was wrapped around his neck. He was so close to being born vaginally. The first thing my OBGYN told me after he was born was "VBAC," and it's the first thing he said to me when I told him I was pregnant again. Having a C-section was a terrible experience for me and I really want to avoid having to go through it again. I think that a VBAC might be dangerous for someone like Greggie who physically would have issues with a vaginal birth but a lot of women are probably great candidates for VBAC and their doctors hold them back. It's unfortunate.

luv2blazy 4 years

I had a vaginal birth with my daughter. The doctor said because of my pelvic bones I should have had a C-section and that any other children I decide to have should be c-section. So I guess I am the opposite of the above choices.

gaellemj 4 years

My mother had a VBAC 25 years ago. She had a C-section and heavy bleeding for her first baby, me actually, and 10 days at the hospital to recover. Vaginal birth was so much easier but longer: 13 hours in a delivery room. C-section should remain an exception for specific cases recommanded by doctors, not an option for mothers.

gaellemj 4 years

Greggie 4 years

I think it's kind of crappy to blame the decline in VBACs on the mother, to be honest. Doctors are getting less and less willing to offer it or attend VBACs because of the high risk of lawsuits should something go wrong.

silly3 4 years

I was a VBAC baby! It worked out just fine, according to my mom.

Greggie 4 years

Also, I do have that I loved my c-sections. *lol* When it comes down to it, I'm so glad I have c-sections instead of vaginal birth. It's just that if a VBAC had been the better option, I would've done it.

Greggie 4 years

Other - I would and did consider a VBAC but not for the reasons given. My no reason isn't the same either. I didn't research it as an option to "avoid surgery," but because I wanted to do what was best for us all.I considered VBAC for my second and even a VBA2C with my third, but decided against it. It wasn't because "I didn't want to risk anything," it was because we discovered that my vagina tilts so severely that my chances of giving birth vaginally are slim.

Greggie 4 years

Other - I would and did consider a VBAC but not for the reasons given. My no reason isn't the same either. I didn't research it as an option to "avoid surgery," but because I wanted to do what was best for us all. I considered VBAC for my second and even a VBA2C with my third, but decided against it. It wasn't because "I didn't want to risk anything," it was because we discovered that my vagina tilts so severely that my chances of giving birth vaginally are slim.

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