VBAC ladies

[britbratjf]

Those of you who had a VBAC or attempted one - did you go into labor on your own or were you induced? I'm 38w5d and still no dilation or anything. I know that doesn't necessarily mean anything but my next appointment is on my due date. My dr doesn't want to let me go past 41 weeks and honestly I'm so miserable that if I get to 41 weeks I'll be an emotional wreck so I can't decide if I should try an induction or not. My dr doesn't love the idea of an induction since it can increase your chances for a uterine rupture but I realllly don't want a RCS. So basically give me your (hopefully positive!) experience!

[barefoot84]

I can't help you since I didn't have a RCS but when I was aiming for a natural birth with Liam, I read a lot of stories on the natural birth board on the place that shall not be mentionned... It was really helpful, and there were so many women attempting a VBAC and reporting back with positive birth stories.

[somethingcleverer]

I don't know if this will be helpful because Aubrey was an "unplanned" vbac. The night before my scheduled section I started having contractions around 2 am. I hadn't had any big contractions or Braxton hicks before that. Around 3am they were regular at 15 minutes apart. I think I called the doctor at 6 am to tell him they were 10 minutes apart and to see if I should come in because I was scheduled for a repeat c-section. He told me to come in when they were five minutes apart for an hour (I think, whatever the rule is, that's what he told me). Well the contractions slowed a bit then got really intense so I probably waited longer than I should have to go in. Then we had to drop Shane off at a neighbor's house because my mom wasn't there yet and we had to go! The contractions were really intense and I didn't think I would make it to the hospital at that point. As I was leaving the house my water broke. Tim booked it over to the hospital and Aubrey was here 45 minutes later!

I initially wanted a vbac but I didn't think it would actually happen for me. With Shane I was induced due to pre-e had pitocin, pushed for 2 hours then had to have a csection. I thought there was no way that baby #2 would be born vaginally but Aubrey proved me wrong. Hang in there! I hope you get the delivery you want.

[xanthepants]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you too that this baby gets a moving. I know between my appointments that things drastically changed and I went from zero signs to baby was here within the week. I'm still hoping this for you, you still have time and a couple important weeks to go. A lot can change soon. Hang in there.

[irish1213]

I had a vbac at 40 weeks 5 days. I started contractions at 4 am, had a doctors appointment at 10 am and was only 1 cm dilated. My csection was scheduled for Wednesday morning. My doctor told me he would see me Wednesday morning. Went home all depressed but continued contractions all day. By 9 pm I was on my way to the hospital and was admitted at 4 cm dilated. I wish I had some advice for you but just know I know how you feel.

[heatherbee]

I had a vbac around 38 weeks. I went into labor kind of on my own - contractions started and were consistent but I was not dilating until they give me pitocin. I was admitted at 3 cm even though I wasn't progressing because with my contractions they wanted to monitor me to make sure I did not rupture. I got pitocin after about 28 hours of contractions and going from a 3 to 4 cm only. Once I got pitocin, DD was here 8 hours later. I hope it works out for you and you get the delivery you want! I was nervous about getting pitocin for a Vbac but they used a very small amount and it seemed to do the trick.

[britbratjf]

heatherbee, yes I'm super nervous of using pitocin to try for a VBAC but I really really don't want a RCS! I'm just stressing myself out I think that since I didn't go into labor with Dagny (scheduled csection due to her size) I'm worried my body won't know how to go into labor or something! I know I still have time I'm just overly anxious about this!! I also think that it doesn't help that I'm just so done being pregnant and I would just like some indication that this baby is going to vacate soon! I want wine and I would like my fingers to not be basically numb anymore (thanks pregnancy carpel tunnel)!

[heatherbee]

Aug 31, 2015 18:51:33 GMT -5 britbratjf said:

heatherbee, yes I'm super nervous of using pitocin to try for a VBAC but I really really don't want a RCS! I'm just stressing myself out I think that since I didn't go into labor with Dagny (scheduled csection due to her size) I'm worried my body won't know how to go into labor or something! I know I still have time I'm just overly anxious about this!! I also think that it doesn't help that I'm just so done being pregnant and I would just like some indication that this baby is going to vacate soon! I want wine and I would like my fingers to not be basically numb anymore (thanks pregnancy carpel tunnel)!

Will your dr give pitocin if your cervix is not showing any progress? My doctor did say they will only give pitocin if your cervix is showing some progress because there isn't any type of cervical induction that can be done with a vbac.
I'm sorry you are going through this though. I remember the crazy amounts of anxiety about trying to have a vbac and it sucks . Isn't one glass of wine ok while pregnant? I think you deserve it!

[britbratjf]

heatherbee I talked to her about it today and she doesn't seem super enthusiastic about induction but she said we could try it. So I guess we'll see - my next appointment is my due date.

I have had an occassional glass of wine but I read somewhere that back in the day they would prescribe wine to help slow down pre-term labor so now I'm all psyched out from having any more

[barefoot84]

Aug 31, 2015 19:08:35 GMT -5 britbratjf said:

heatherbee I talked to her about it today and she doesn't seem super enthusiastic about induction but she said we could try it. So I guess we'll see - my next appointment is my due date.

I have had an occassional glass of wine but I read somewhere that back in the day they would prescribe wine to help slow down pre-term labor so now I'm all psyched out from having any more

The wine's purpose was to calm the women, so their body and mind could relax. It won't hurt your situation. It could actually help, especially if it puts you in the mood for wild monkey sex (or just plain boring sex).

Come on baby, get out!!! Help your mama out! Also, all of J12 is excited to see pictures of you!

[britbratjf]

Thanks barefoot84, that makes me feel better Heartburn tonight but I'll put a nice glass on the menu for tomorrow. I probably am stressing myself out too much about it all which I'm sure isn't helping.

[aimeefarrahfowler]

Well, i tried for a VBAC but never dilated more than a fingertip and ended up with a RCS. I really didn't want a RCS, but the recovery with the second was much easier! I even got my doctor to release me from the hospital a day early. I really do hope you do get your VBAC!

[mrsrek10]

My MC is that a VBAC freaks me out more than a RCS. I was honestly terrified of labor and delivery; while i would not have scheduled an unnecessary csection, my need for a csection did not upset me last time. I am amazed by people like my sister who had no meds and delivered 3 kids. She is generally a wimp and I am generally the tough one of us two...except when it comes to a child coming out of a vagina, then she wins.

So, no advice but I do hope you get your desire!! Eat pineapple, have sex, walk, jump on a trampoline...do all the old wives tales!!

[mommymadness]

Aug 31, 2015 20:58:38 GMT -5 aimeefarrahfowler said:

Well, i tried for a VBAC but never dilated more than a fingertip and ended up with a RCS. I really didn't want a RCS, but the recovery with the second was much easier! I even got my doctor to release me from the hospital a day early. I really do hope you do get your VBAC!

This was me too. I wanted a vbac. My water broke and I waited and waited and walked and nothing. My doc wouldn't use pictocin but was going to use something that worked to progress labour. He said I had to be at least a one for them to use the internal monitor and that the drugs wouldn't really help much if I wasn't dilated/ already in labour. At that point it had been almost 8 hours since my water had broke so I just did the csection. It went super smoothly and recovery was a Breeze! Sorry I don't want to add negativity (or non positive) but if to do have To have a csection again, know that it very well might be ok!

[britbratjf]

Thanks @mommadness & @amieefarrahfowler - I had a scheduled csection with Dagny and I just can't wrap my head around recovering from a csection while taking care of a 3yo & newborn . Dagny still wants to be picked up & carried occasionally, we have a house with stairs, and I just can't see myself being able to do it. But maybe if I have to a second time it won't be as hard as it was the first time.

mrsrek10 I'm terrified of labor too but way more scared of a RCS recovery while dealing with Dagny. I feel like there's going to be a lot of change for her already - I don't want to throw in all the restrictions of a csection too!

[barefoot84]

Sept 1, 2015 6:31:45 GMT -5 britbratjf said:

mrsrek10 I'm terrified of labor too but way more scared of a RCS recovery while dealing with Dagny. I feel like there's going to be a lot of change for her already - I don't want to throw in all the restrictions of a csection too!

I know it's scary to think of their reaction to the arrival of a new baby, but she'll be just fine. She's going to make a wonderful big sister and she'll most likely be so excited by the arrival of the baby that she won't be bothered by the fact that you're recovering from birth, whether it's a vaginal birth or a C-section.

[tribute17]

Sept 1, 2015 6:31:45 GMT -5 britbratjf said:

Thanks @mommadness & @amieefarrahfowler - I had a scheduled csection with Dagny and I just can't wrap my head around recovering from a csection while taking care of a 3yo & newborn . Dagny still wants to be picked up & carried occasionally, we have a house with stairs, and I just can't see myself being able to do it. But maybe if I have to a second time it won't be as hard as it was the first time.

mrsrek10 I'm terrified of labor too but way more scared of a RCS recovery while dealing with Dagny. I feel like there's going to be a lot of change for her already - I don't want to throw in all the restrictions of a csection too!

This isn't really vbac related but I was so worried how Patrick would handle my broken leg. He still wanted to be carried a lot and wanted me to do bath time and bedtime but I couldn't for a couple of weeks. And I couldn't carry him until I was off of crutches. He adapted very well. He was so sympathetic and helpful even at 2.5 years old. And he understood that mommy was hurt and couldn't do it, not that I didn't want to do it, if that makes sense. He also wanted to hold my crutches while I walked so he could help me. It was really sweet. Maybe Dagny will be the same way.

[aimeefarrahfowler]

Sept 1, 2015 6:31:45 GMT -5 britbratjf said:

Thanks @mommadness & @amieefarrahfowler - I had a scheduled csection with Dagny and I just can't wrap my head around recovering from a csection while taking care of a 3yo & newborn . Dagny still wants to be picked up & carried occasionally, we have a house with stairs, and I just can't see myself being able to do it. But maybe if I have to a second time it won't be as hard as it was the first time.

mrsrek10 I'm terrified of labor too but way more scared of a RCS recovery while dealing with Dagny. I feel like there's going to be a lot of change for her already - I don't want to throw in all the restrictions of a csection too!

A was 22 months when T was born, so I definitely know the worry about caring for the older one while recovering. Luckily my mom was able to come over every day for the first 2 weeks we were home and help me. I explained to A that mommy had a big boo-boo and I couldn't carry him and he had to be gentle and he really understood that. I was able to get him in the crib on my own at 3 weeks pp even though I shouldn't have been doing that much.

I also set up shop with a pnp on the main level to avoid the stairs. I found the couch more comfortable to sleep on and get up from than a bed too.

[britbratjf]

Thanks ladies. For real I don't think I could handle this without having you ladies to turn to All the hugs.

[bantyrooster]

britbratjf a friend kept her hospital arm band on and told their 3.5 year old that mommy couldn't lift her until the band came off. It worked really well for them. Just a thought! Even having Gage vaginally I had restrictions because of my tear. She may suprise you!

[xanthepants]

britbratjf, Where are you? Are you having a baby today??!!!

[britbratjf]

Sept 3, 2015 15:05:12 GMT -5 xanthepants said:

britbratjf, Where are you? Are you having a baby today??!!!

Ha no. God I wish!! Just been busy with Dagny out & about today. Trying to get out of the house as much as possible before baby comes since we probably won't be doing quite as much for at least a couple months.

And no impending labor signs of any kind.

[xanthepants]

Darn. I was obviously hoping your moments of silence was a good sign. Come on baby start working your way outta there.

[MissMusic]

This might not be helpful but its all I know:

Definitely ask your OB. I just changed offices because of the VBAC policy. Some OBs require you to go into labor on your own, progress at a certain rate, etc. Some OBs are ok with induction and whatever it takes. I've heard it go both ways for sure.

Best of luck and hang in there!

[britbratjf]

Thanks MissMusic - haven't seen you around in a while! My OB is willing to try an induction but isn't really positive about it, especially if I'm not even dilated or anything on my own. Pitocin is the only thing she'll do. There's some drug that is supposed to help open the cervix but that has a higher risk/rate of uterine rupture than pitocin so it's pitocin for an induction or nothing. My next appointment is Wednesday which is my due date so hopefully I will have some dilation & she will do a membrane sweep. I'm hoping she'll give me until 41 weeks to go into labor on my own but she doesn't seem to want me to go beyond a few days overdue.

[MissMusic]

britbratjf yeah sorry I've been MIA...I've been so goddamn sick day & night I can't do much else but rot on the couch

[britbratjf]

Sept 6, 2015 19:47:09 GMT -5 MissMusic said:

britbratjf yeah sorry I've been MIA...I've been so goddamn sick day & night I can't do much else but rot on the couch

Ugh that is awful. How many weeks are you? Hopefully it'll be over soon.

[sarasansh]

britbratjf if you're dilated you should ask about a foley bulb induction. I haven't had one but my understanding is its basically like a balloon that pushes on your cervix and helps dilate you--no drug needed. It can be used in conjunction with pitocin. I think it tends to be more common in midwifery than with OBs but it's worth asking!

[MissMusic]

Sept 6, 2015 20:15:45 GMT -5 britbratjf said:

Sept 6, 2015 19:47:09 GMT -5 MissMusic said:

britbratjf yeah sorry I've been MIA...I've been so goddamn sick day & night I can't do much else but rot on the couch

Ugh that is awful. How many weeks are you? Hopefully it'll be over soon.

10w, tomorrow

[roo1582]

Sept 6, 2015 22:15:39 GMT -5 sarasansh said:

britbratjf if you're dilated you should ask about a foley bulb induction. I haven't had one but my understanding is its basically like a balloon that pushes on your cervix and helps dilate you--no drug needed. It can be used in conjunction with pitocin. I think it tends to be more common in midwifery than with OBs but it's worth asking!

I had a foley bulb induction with Kayleigh because the cervadil didn't work.  I think you have to be about 2 cm dilated for them to use it.  It wasn't horrible, just a little uncomfortable.  Its basically a little balloon they put in with a tube attached.  Once its inserted, they inflate it and about every 30 mins or so, they lightly tug on it to help open the cervix a little more.  If your cervix responds, it will eventually just fall out on its own.  You do have to stay in bed the entire time its inserted, so for me they did it over night.  Honestly, I thought it was no big deal and would do it again if needed.