I had an elective c-section with my daughter but now considering a vbac. Any positive/negative experiences?
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I did that. Very positive experience for me

I had a VBAC and it was the most amazing experience.
BUT, while it was everything I was hoping for, it's not perfect either so I'd say it really depends on your reasons.
I found my planned c-section and recovery easy physically but I had a hard time dealing with it emotionally.
The VBAC was wonderful in itself but the recovery wasn't as easy as I thought. The first few days/weeks were better but definitely not painless either and I feel like it took longer to fully heal.
So, do it if you want it for the birth experience itself, not necessarily just for the "easier recovery while dealing with a toddler" argument. I was so disappointed that I wasn't allowed to lift my toddler for 2-4 weeks even after an uncomplicated, all natural vaginal delivery.

Thank you for this and yes I am thinking of the recovery time which I always thought would be quicker so this is really useful to know! I also found the amount of strong painkillers used within the first week tough on being able to function properly!

I did not take any painkillers after my VBAC (and of course I did after my c-section) so it's hard to compare. Clearly, the recovery was easier with the VBAC, at least at first, and it was manageable without painkillers (I had a 2nd degree tear, could have been worse with 3rd or 4th degree, or better with 0 or 1st).
The weird thing is that the advice I got was so different. After the c-section, I was told I should be up and walking as soon as possible to speed up the healing process. After the VBAC, I was told I should stay in bed as much as possible, as standing up could be hard on the pelvic floor. That felt so much less natural to me to not "actively" work on healing, if that makes sense.

I haven’t had a c section, but it took me a good 6 weeks to feel somewhat mobile after VBAC (2nd degree tear) and almost a year to feel completely normal. I wasn’t prepared for how long it would take to repair. I’ve had friends who bounced back much quicker (and preferred VBAC to c section), so impossible to predict.

I had an emergency c section Jan 24 and a VBAC Feb 25. Hands down would choose the VBAC recovery over the c, even with the stitches 😵💫 I was so nervous about having to have another c section due to the recovery with a one year old at home so I’m glad I avoided it. I was able to pick up my older one straight away and really only struggled with sitting down. Lying down fine etc but sitting was not fun for the first 2 and a half weeks.

There’s an amazing vbac podcast. I have had a c-section and recovery was a challenge. I want to try to have a vbac one day. Even if I fail it’s worth trying.
The podcast is called vbac link!

Momma of four , first 2 c sections (Irish twins) then a VBA2C and then a 2VBA2C. For me VBAC was amazing

I had a VBAC and it went well. I spoke to my doctor before I got pregnant the 2nd time to increase my chances of success. I got pregnant after 18 months. I gained 22 lbs with the pregnancy. I exercised, eat well. I did a lot of yoga for pregnancy to get baby into position. I practiced all the positions to help baby move down the Pelvis during labor. I took a birthing class. And it was beautiful. I had fake candles and lavender, wireless monitoring and a birthing ball. And use a bar to squat during pushing

Thank you everyone 💕 thats really useful to hear your experiences!

I would be open minded that a vbac can fail and to listen to your body. I had a failed vbac but glad I called for a csection. Midwife tried to convince me to continue with the vbac but something just felt terribly off and something in the back of my mind was telling me if i continue something bad will happen. Doctor came in and asked why the change and I just told her 'something feels wrong/off.' She said, ' you know ypur body better than any of us so we'll go forward with a csection'.
After my csection I found out I was 1 good contraction or kick from baby in the right spot from a uterian rupture. I had a large window opening on my uterus. My Doctor said she could clearly see my baby in my uterus and asked how I knew something wrong was going on and I said it was just my gut telling.
So listen to your body and be open minded the vbac may fail. I would loved to have had it be successful but I am truly grateful baby and I were okay and so glad I listen to myself 💜

hmm, I've heard some great stories about VBACs, but also some scary ones, so it really depends on your situation and how your body feels, ya know?
I actually checked the 'Heal Baby Care App' for this and here’s what it says:
"Many women have positive experiences with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), including shorter recovery times and the ability to have a more active birth experience. However, some may face risks such as uterine rupture or complications related to the previous cesarean. It's important to discuss your specific medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider to assess if VBAC is a safe option for you. What factors are most important to you in making this decision?