Personal stories about the decision to have a VBAC trial of labour
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Amber, age 29: I believe I had a more difficult time bonding with my first baby in the first week because of the caesarean delivery (she was a breech birth). A lot of my energy was taken up with recovering from the surgery, both physically and emotionally. I'm planning a trial of labour for my second baby. My husband and I are really hopeful that things go well, especially since we plan to have a big family. If I can, I want to avoid the risks of having a scarred-up uterus from several cesareans.
Gretchen, age 27: I had my first child by caesarean after more than 30 hours of hard labour and a lot of pain. I am willing to go through another caesarean to avoid that experience again. I know that recovering from the surgery isn't easy either, but I prefer that option. And this is our last baby, so I don't have to worry about the risks of pregnancy with multiple caesarean scars.
Marcia, age 35: During my first pregnancy, I developed placenta previa and had to have a caesarean. I have talked to my doctor and my husband and read up on all the risks of a trial of labour for someone in my situation. My doctor tells me that as long as another placenta previa doesn't develop, there is no obvious reason why I shouldn't be able to try a vaginal birth this time. I hope it goes well, because if I have another caesarean, I won't have the option of trying a vaginal birth the next time!
Graciella, age 31: My first caesarean was done because the baby was in distress. That experience was so scary for me that I don't want to repeat it. My doctor says there's no reason to expect that it will happen again this time, but she also can't say for sure that it won't happen. She says the decision is up to me, and I'm choosing to have another caesarean.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley | Last Updated: June 18, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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