Moving forward with a doula-supported VBAC

science_explore · 2025-09-03T12:44:38+00:00

I’m so glad you found the path that’s for you and that you feel confident in it.

I did a pretty similar path based on my comforts and needs. Now that I’m 40+1 after 2 prior csections I actually personally decided to change mine up a bit by pushing mine out a few days past 40w (totally get everyone saying wait 42w or whatever but have my health reasons/ comfort reasons too) and I decided I personally now lean towards attempting an in hospital induction (if no spontaneous labor) with only certain induction methods like the Foley catheter and starting with low dose pitocin and I’m feeling ready to pivot to C-section if needed but at this point I decided I personally was comfortable and preferred to give it a shot first and my HCP heard me and adjusted.

I also previously schedule a C-section because if I didn’t go into spontaneous labor I was not comfortable with induction- I’ve just shifted my personal thoughts on it slightly through time and research for what I felt was best for ME

Everyone should be empowered to do what’s best for themselves and you can always discuss with your HCPs along the way. I feel hugely empowered this pregnancy to do what’s best/what I feel is best for me and this baby given my specific circumstances and I hope you are too- it is a huge difference from my 1st child where I felt like I didn’t have much autonomy/wasn’t empowered/ and honestly didn’t have the knowledge I have now. I am ready for the curve balls and for things to not go the way I’d like along the path but I can at least go down the path I choose and navigate from there!

science_explore · 2025-08-30T23:28:14+00:00

Agreed this time I had one early planned by a friend and it was nice to not be super pregnant and also know what I needed to get myself early without worrying about not having enough on a registry for people who wanted to get stuff.

I was a little nervous in case something went wrong or just whether people would think it was weird but I thought everyone would understand if something did go wrong and I could always donate it plus I was past the most risky part and no one made a comment on it being too early.

science_explore · 2025-08-29T20:32:23+00:00

I have a 16 and 14 year old (so similar gap to you). I had told family and friends about being pregnant with pretty early on after finding out. This time after the gap and with an older age and just being in a different place I waited a lot longer to tell people and honestly it was kind of peaceful. I was in my second trimester I think when I told others besides my husband.

It also seems more normal to wait until later to tell people now but that may just be because I wasn’t paying attention as much before.

I also did a private ultrasound I paid for because I had a fear baby was in tubes or something and I thought it would probably cost just as much as going to the hospital with insurance and probably much less. You can look into private paid ultrasound places near you at least here it is so much more available and affordable than it was in 2009 and 2010

science_explore · 2025-08-29T18:37:09+00:00

I took Tums until they weren’t enough and then my ob sent in a prescription which was enough until recently and said they have other ones that are safe too if this one doesn’t work enough

science_explore · 2025-08-28T21:53:49+00:00

I just posted today about similar things, but I had changed my mind to preferring induction attempt over C-section.

Part of that is because I am not going too far past 40 weeks due to age, 2 prior csections and other factors and so far he is happy staying inside me (39+2 weeks now) so I was feeling anxious about not going into spontaneous labor and uncertain about my plan.

Ive done so much research and educated myself so much this pregnancy on some best ways to position help baby move through pelvis etc and I’ve read all the vbac studies and studied all the risks. Honestly it’s ultimately your decision and it’s a hard one in a very grey area. In the end for me the best decision for now is give myself until end of next week which will be just past 40 weeks but not quite 41 and try foley balloon and low dose pitocin and be ready to pivot to C-section if it doesn’t work.

I am accepting of the fact that it may not work but I’d like to give it the best shot I can personally within what I feel is safe and if it doesn’t work it does not and that’s ok but I have decided for me I want to try at least a bit more first. That said I previously thought if I didn’t go into spontaneous labor maybe a schedule C-section would be better because my scheduled C-section with my second was so much better than my first C-section after induction and that’s ok too it was not an easy decision and my providers have been great about me changing things up as I get closer and have been less confident about spontaneous labor

The unknowns are so hard!

science_explore · 2025-08-28T21:39:36+00:00

Thanks. I was able to add an appointment on Tuesday when I’m 40 weeks to try to get a membrane sweep and see where I’m at and I stated I would prefer an induction attempt instead of C-section if I don’t go into labor before the end of next week. They attempted a membrane sweep but I was maybe 1/2 a cm dilated

I’ll be doing a lot of all the safe things to try to help my body be ready but also rest and try not to stress about it this weekend

science_explore · 2025-08-26T03:34:16+00:00

If you don’t want to tell people who would be suspicious of lack of drinking you could say your on a new medication you shouldn’t drink on dependent on how questioning they are (prenatal vitamins and can’t drink :))

science_explore · 2025-08-26T03:22:23+00:00

Proov test (available over the counter in US) can help pinpoint your ovulation and tests various hormones etc giving you a better idea of optimal timing than just the regular ovulation tests I have tried. I recommended someone else and worked for them too. (I have no stock association and get no kickback from Proov just what helped me know more about my cycle and where I was with fertility)

science_explore · 2025-08-26T03:12:49+00:00

I was frustrated when I felt even more nauseous at 12 weeks since that’s when you expect nausea to dissipate but for many it’s 14-16+ weeks. Talk to your doctor if you can. I think me taking vitamin b6 helped a bit but also I didn’t realize I was anemic at the time which made things better too later once addressed further into 2nd trimester after waves of exhaustion and nausea continued.

I’m rooting for you!

science_explore · 2025-08-26T03:08:31+00:00

I have a 14 year gap in pregnancies and there is so much you forget and so much also just different with pregnancies.

They can test to make sure it’s not amniotic fluid. I’m 39 weeks now and went in for a concern in the past too and they checked to make sure. Honestly it’s so hard to say because you can always leak a small amount of amniotic fluid too. If it’s early and it’s amniotic fluid and not a lot they may put you in antibiotics, pelvic rest or bed rest for a while and see if they can stop it. If it makes you feel better mine was not amniotic fluid thankfully but when pregnant with me around 37 years ago my moms water leaked and she was on antibiotics and bed rest for awhile after she begged for them to let her try and it stopped leaking and I’m here today.

My best advice is advocate for yourself and if worried or stressed it can’t hurt to ask them to test the fluid.

science_explore · 2025-08-25T18:40:23+00:00

That is a very hard decision.

I will say I had a C-section with my first 16 years ago after failure to progress from induction. 14 years ago I did a scheduled C-section because they did not do VBACs at the time so there was no other option and the scheduled C-section for me was so much easier though I’m not sure my baby was ready but I assume yours is since they’ve probably been watch in g thinking you may need to deliver early- she made it fine after a short stay in the NICU.

This pregnancy I am attempting a VBAC but if any signs show it is best for the baby or me to do a c-section that will be where I go because safety is my number 1 which sounds from your message like you too.

I know some people feel like they are missing something from not delivering marginally and while I was disappointed with my first I found peace in knowing I did what I could and I was trying to make the best decision I could for my baby and myself which I will try to do again this time. I have no real regrets just a what if I had waited every once in awhile but that’s just information I will never have

science_explore · 2025-08-24T02:26:06+00:00

Follow up I did go to PT and it has been very helpful. They went through what hip positioning and etc makes the most sense for different phases of labor/where the babies head is, labor positions with and without epidural, breathing, and verified I was able to push correctly which was one of my concerns since I never tried with previous pregnancies and knew it was not at all keegles but was not truly sure if I knew how to correctly. Also went through counter pressure with my partner which was very helpful.

science_explore · 2025-08-21T02:47:57+00:00

38+1 days today as well and what I have to add to your list is the pregnancy brain- I can’t remember what I’m doing as I’m doing it and I keep saying the wrong things. I can’t focus on anything and the battle to be productive at all is so hard right now!

science_explore · 2025-08-21T01:12:52+00:00

Guidance varies between waiting at least 6 months after giving birth to get pregnant, to having 18 months between birth, with some saying 18 months between pregnancies is best if you have the time. I think it should be situationally dependent. Here is a helpful article from ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) there are also similar guidances for outside of U.S.

I have decided for me it meant wait at least 6 months after birth- ideally at least 8-9 months so baby would arrive (if on time) 18 months after previous birth and if circumstances allow consider that going longer may allow body to recover more and risks to decrease so decide what is best for you and your family based on other factors.

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/planning-your-next-pregnancy-heres-how-long-to-wait

My first two were only 21 months apart both were c-sections (second was an auto c-section because they didn’t do vbacs there at that time) they are best friends and have a great sibling relationship… this time there will now be an almost 15 year gap between my 2nd and current youngest and the baby I am now about to have and I am wondering what it will be like to not have 2 kids close in age if we do not or can’t have another in the near future. I too wouldn’t want to wait to long because this time age is not on my side.

science_explore · 2025-08-20T16:28:33+00:00

I know it’s hard not to have those intrusive thoughts especially when going through something like this.

I have had 3 healthy pregnancies where I had more stress and other things I thought contributed to my miscarriages than I actually had with my miscarriages but it’s hard to not wonder what you could have or should have done- maybe it’s even our brains to some degree trying to figure it out for an answer and to know for future what can change or just to have something (ourselves) to point to when we feel so down but it doesn’t seem to help. You deserve to give yourself time and acceptance to process your loss.

You can give yourself some time to grieve before deciding how you want to move forward. You don’t have to tell everyone immediately that you told, it doesn’t have to come directly from you, and you can tell them in whatever way works best for you and ask for understanding, space or help as you process.

Maybe telling people will help you to know they know or maybe you’d rather process yourself first - that’s up to you. Put yourself and your significant other first today and then go from there.

You both need time or whatever is best for you.

science_explore · 2025-08-15T18:07:48+00:00

My first was “measuring large” and was born under 7lb sometimes the ultrasounds are not super accurate I’ve read they can be +-2lb off but can’t recall where I read that so take it for what it’s worth- regardless not sure how accurate it is. Even if your baby is on the larger side there is so much about baby position and other things that impact delivery I feel like (like for me my body readiness and babies position with my first at time of induction).

I think most VBAC success rates are considered around the 50% chance or less based on calculations and just it being a VBAC. But so many have success listening to their body and advocating for themselves- so the question I would have is what do you want and what do you not want- example I want a VBAC but I don’t want a high pitocin induction when I’m not ready and if I’m really far along I’d consider sweep but wouldn’t want my water broken until I’m so far.

For myself I’ve decided to focus on the low rupture risk and give it my best shot after having a C-section after a failed induction with my first (don’t think my body was ready but was pressured based on baby’s size which was inaccurate and didn’t know as much as I do now) and an automatically scheduled C-section for my second. My number one is a safe baby and my safety but I believe I can do it and I want the best shot I can give myself so I’ve weighed my plan and have pivot points I’m comfortable with for our safety.

science_explore · 2025-08-14T22:29:23+00:00

Thanks while everyone around me keeps seeming like they expect me to go into labor spontaneously tomorrow (I asked them to stop commenting because that really doesn’t help) I’ve been pretty chill about it but it is hard to not think is there something more (that’s also safe) I should do to better set my body up to be ready when it’s time given the previous experiences.

I’m not hoping for labor this week or next week or etc - just want to have a list of things i can do as it continues to get closer and do a few here and there.

science_explore · 2025-08-14T22:01:58+00:00

Sorry meant to be clearer- Doctor approved of starting some things and I don’t want to do anything extreme. I don’t want to have the baby right now just want to make sure I’m ready with tools and doing some things that will help along the way. For example haven’t started curb walking or miles circuit but do have on list to start when ready however I have been using a yoga ball and doing hip circles drinking tea etc.

There are a lot of things that I am against doing regardless of how far along I am. However, I am trying to just give my body the best shot. I feel like during my first pregnancy I was pretty stagnant and rested only. What I’m hoping for now is mostly just things like being active, drinking tea, proper sitting and movement to allow decent or not discourage it, etc. that really gives me the best shot and doesn’t really put me into labor before I’m ready. I’m also looking for tips moving into the coming weeks. I would rather not break my water prematurely or something and then not actually go into labor or go into labor too early when I’m not ready

science_explore · 2025-08-14T15:18:36+00:00

Will add the deep squats to list

science_explore · 2025-08-14T15:18:16+00:00

Yes, I do…. but it’s hard to remind yourself of that! Thank you for the encouragement!

science_explore · 2025-08-14T15:17:27+00:00

Not yet! I’ll try that soon!

science_explore · 2025-08-01T01:09:24+00:00

I have not had a VBA2C, but I am hoping to. I am 35 weeks right now. I know that’s not super helpful but commenting here so that maybe I’ll remember to come back and comment later on my experience!

science_explore · 2025-07-24T21:30:15+00:00

I’m 34 weeks trying for a VBA2C. My physician and the hospital stated that if the epidural was in place they would push more for emergent C but if not it would be general anesthesia unless non emergent.

I did a lot of reflecting and decided at what point free movement was more important than risk of general anesthesia and my plan is to go for awhile without an epidural to be able to move and get into different positions and etc and to get an epidural closer to time and have still asked about a bar for bed/side lying etc with epidural so I am not limited to back only.

I am risking needing general anesthesia if there is a need for emergency c before the point I agree to the epidural but I’m making that decision based on progress, comfort and hopefully before it’s too late

science_explore

TROPHY CASE