Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)
Votes: 12
by Kath 10:44am, 13 December 2007
You will need to login
or sign up to do that
With a caesarean section rate of around 30 percent, the issue of VBAC is significant for large numbers of women. Research has shown that VBAC is a safe option for many women, however women are still finding it difficult to discuss this with their carers. What are your experiences of VBAC and what support would you like to see for women exploring this option?
Naomi
Dec 13, 2007 04:27pm
14
0 
After an emergency caesarian in 1990 I attempted a VBAC with my second child in 1992. My obstetrician was actually highly supportive. It was the horror stories of everyone else that rattled me! I had planned for a VBAC right up until the end of my pregnancy. When my membranes ruptured close to 40 weeks I went to the hospital. One of the nurses said that I was "crazy" for attempting a VBAC. When I decided on a repeat caesarian she said I had "made the right decision". It was only years later (and after becoming a nurse myself) that I realised the risk of uterine rupture in a VBAC after one caesarian is minimal compated to the risks of the caesarian itself, risks such as haemorrage, breathing difficulties in the newborn, not to mention post operative infections. I only wish I had have been old enough and wise enough to stand my ground because in my first labour I was about 7cm dilated when I was rushed off for the caesarian. In hindsight, that second labour (if I had the chance to have it) probably would have progressed very well and resulted in a successful VBAC.
JoJo
Dec 13, 2007 08:41pm
11
1
So many doctors and midwives focus on the risks of VBAC and they don't seem so bothered about the risks of caesareans. As you say there are so many risks with caesareans but they are happy enough to book women in for surgery when there is nothing wrong.
sarahf
Dec 22, 2007 04:30pm
11
0
i actually found my public hospital very encouraging to women who wanted to attempt a VBAC. Although they were rather scarce on the risks associated with either a VBAC or C-section. I had a successful VBAC with my second child and although it had been encouraged during all my antenatal appointments I found the staff rather surprised that i had opted for a VBAC once i'd delivered. I think that more information regarding success rates and fewer "horror stories" would encourage more women to attempt VBAC's. I also think that information on what happens during labour would help, as i had no idea i'd be hooked up to monitoring equipment and unable to walk around.