Successful vbac after c-section story

Hey ladies! Thought I’d share my story as I was so anxious leading up to the birth of my 2nd, but the stories shared of successful vbac really helped me stay positive. My first was born under emergency c section after failed induction at 37+5days, and only made it to 2cm dilated before being rushed to emergency c-section. My first is exactly 2 years 1 month old. The recovery both physically and mentally was horrible for me personally, and I really wanted to push for a Vbac second time round. I was told I’d again have to be induced this second pregnancy at 38weeks, and was gutted when I heard this as I was worried id have another unsuccessful induction which would lead to a C-section, plus the doctors where more encouraging of a planned C-section rather vbac, as I was precious c section and the gap in between the 2 would lead to a higher risk of rupture if I attempted vbac. I explained I was very keen on vbac and wanted to explore all my options before resulting to a C-section. I was booked in for my induction on Saturday 19/10, and the process started straight away. This time I didn’t have the same process as my first induction with my first born, as I was previous c section they started me off with inserting, Dilapan - S rods (dilators), to soften my cervix. The procedure was done by a doctor and she explained if I was at least 1cm dilated from this method, she’d be able to manually break my waters. Which is what happened 24 hours later, so after the doctor managed to break my waters she said I was 1cm dilated at the time. They then started me off on oxytocin with continuous all round monitoring by my midwife on Sunday at 12:30pm, the first review was 6 hours later and my midwife said I was 3cm dilated but also had to further break my waters as the first breakage didn’t fully let out all of my waters. The next review was 3 hours later and I only went up to 4cm dilated and it was at this point that the doctors suggested that I should be open to c section if there isn’t much development in the next review 3 hours later, she said if I wasn’t at least 6cm they’d have to consider to take me off the oxytocin. Reviewed 3 hours later and I made it to 6cm, but the doctor then said baby was starting to look a bit sleepy, but after a second doctors opinion they said they’ll continue to monitor baby but I should take a break from the oxytocin as my body should now be in active labour with natural contractions, which is what was happening. My next review was meant to be 3 hours later at 6am, but at 5:30 my midwife said baby is starting to look very sleepy with a slight drop in heart rate and so she wanted to examine me to see how far I was gone, she emergency buzzed the doctors in, and they agreed to examine and they said I was 10cm dilated ready to push!!! I was literally soo happy at this point I couldn’t believe I actually made it! That doctor that was pushing for the c section also smirked and said well-done you made it.. baby girl was born at 07:31 21/10 naturally, with no tears or cuts. Already having an active toddler and not much family support I was really relying on this vbac, and this recovery has been so much better for me mentally as well as obviously physically. Main thing is that our babies are born healthy and safe for both mum and baby.. but I just wanted to share my story for anyone who is feeling doubtful, as many around me didn’t think it would be possible either. Good luck ladies 🫶🏼
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thank you for sharing your story ❤️❤️❤️ and congratulations on your new baby! i find it so interesting how much c sections are pushed on us. well done for making it through and holding your ground. You said you have a toddler at 2y1m and they said that it was too close? i thought 18 months is the threshold for second baby after c section? asking because my toddler will be around the same age when my second is due and i’d love to have a vbac as well 🥹

@Kelly thank you so much! So they do advise the recommended threshold is 18 months but I feel in my case personally they where still pushing for a c section because I was just over the 18 month gap and just mainly because of my history of already having a c section (no vbac history), and the fact that I only dilated up to 2cm in my first induction after completing the full induction, the term used was ‘it could be that your cervix is just very thick and closed up and unlikely to open so my chances for vbac would be low regardless’. I think just generally if you’ve had prior c section they like to push for the same procedure as they claim low chances of successful vbac after. Not all hospitals though, as I do have friends who’ve had positive support for vbac after c section, but just going by my personal experience I’d say they didn’t support my preference much. Just do your research and definitely hold your ground, and be confident in your choice you got this mama 🫶🏼🫶🏼

Wow congrats! Do you didn’t have epidural at all? And I didn’t know you can get oxytocin is that for the pain? So you didn’t get the pitocin?

@Porcha Grigsby thanks! I did get the epidural when they measured me at 6cm the drip really intensifies the contractions as well. I was advised oxytocin was in my hormone drip they started me on at 12:30 to induce the labour. Pitocin is something that was given to me in my first induction not this and that was in a form of a gel which is inserted in the vagina. Oxytocin (hormone drip) was inserted through my vein

Soo happy for you, such a great story! The only thing I don’t understand is why they were pushing for an induction when you had passed the recommended time to have another child when you’ve had a C-section previously? I’m 36 weeks and my births are so much more closer and they haven’t mentioned induction to me yet! I said I want a VBAC and they said that’s fine as long as baby is in the right position.

@Divine thank you! So the induction had nothing to do with my gap i was induced for both pregnancies because they said baby was growing on the smaller side, although she came out 6.5pounds at 38 weeks

Okay, this makes sense! I’m just glad that it was a positive birth for you, I’m really praying the same thing for myself x

All the best..you got this mama!

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