VBAC or elective C-section

Hi everyone!

I had tried searching for a thread of the same nature but it brought up no results, so I hope I’m ok to make my own.

I am currently pregnant with baby number 2 and I keep going back and forth between a VBAC or an elective C-section. My first pregnancy ended up in an emergency C-section, however everything has healed well and I’m not classed as a high risk pregnancy.

I have done so much research but it is all so conflicting and I just don’t know what to do. It doesn’t help that my NHS midwife seems very anti VBAC, she is so robotic and seems like she is reading from a script when it comes to what is “best” for me. I know their advice is WIDLY different from independent midwife led care. I think if it wasn’t for her, I would feel more confident about a VBAC and it’s only her that is putting me off the idea.

I’d love to hear some of your experiences in the hopes it helps me make my mind up!

Thanks in advance lovely ladies for any responses. X

I had a c-section with my 1st & vbac with my 2nd. As l didn’t have any experience of labour with my 1st. l didn’t know what to expect with my 2nd. Ended up being induced as they said my hind waters had went. Plus my consultant was around should l need another c-section. Which l was glad about. Ended up with a 3rd degree tear. Won’t lie stitching was agony & l was bleeding alot afterwards. Healthy baby who was over 8lbs & was 2 wks early. I did find the stitches agony & at the time l wished ld had another c-section. Really because l was in pain with the stitches & felt as if l was sitting on a rose bush. I did get an infection with my stitches & l worried l wasn’t healing down below. With the c-section you can see your wound & can check on it. With down below its more complicated to check

My advice is do what is right for you & your baby. Think of would you have support after the birth? Family help out? Did your recovery from your csection have any issues? How do you feel yourself? What would you prefer?

I was lucky my consultant said l could go for a vbac & didn’t see any problems why ld need another section. I was healthy & baby was healthy. Obviously ld be monitored closely & should l need a section l knew what to expect. With the help afterwards l had my mum help for 2 weeks then my partner for 2 weeks. By then l was feeling better & sitting more comfortable.

My csection recovery was good. I wasn’t worried about that. Was more not being able to lift my toddler & everything else that goes with recovering from any surgery.

What l will say is if you are both healthy & you want to try a vbac go for it. Every birth story is different. No two are the same. Do what is right for you & your baby. Good Luck!