How do you get over fear of rupture going into a vba2c? With my vbac attempt two years ago I never even thought about it everything went perfectly fine up until I got to pushing and my baby would not descend, same thing that happened with my first, so that’s why I got the second C-section. I am not pregnant yet with my third but I know I want a third and I very much desire to have a vaginal birth and I truly think I can. It’s something I think about daily. But the fear of rupture is I think ultimately what is making me keep pushing the date back of when I tell myself I’ll be ready for a third.

Looking for some positive VBAC stories + advice on managing a toddler and newborn with little family support

Hi everyone! I just found out that I’m 6 weeks pregnant with our second baby, and honestly, I’m feeling a mix of excitement, anxiety and “how are we going to do this?” 😅

I had an emergency C-section with my first. I was induced (on my OB’s recommendation), and after about 8 hours of labour, things just weren’t progressing, so we ended up with an emergency C-section. I still regret the induction sometimes and really want to try for a VBAC this time if I’m a good candidate.

Our first will be 18 months next week and is also starting daycare, so we’re going to have a toddler and a newborn very close together.
Our family doctor has reassured us that we’re within the recommended timeframe for another pregnancy, which made me feel better. But my parents are really upset about the age gap and keep telling me how difficult it’s going to be. They also said it’s not possible for them to support this time due to their health conditions. My in-laws aren’t really in a position to help either.

So,it’s gonna be me and my husband. Thankfully, he’s amazing and very supportive. He’ll take full responsibility for our toddler during delivery and while I’m recovering postpartum.

But I’m trying to think ahead and figure out how I can prepare myself, especially if I have a VBAC vs. another C-section. I’m totally open to hiring a doula for labour and even for the hospital stay because I really don’t want my toddler to have to come to the hospital just because I need support from my husband.

I was also lucky enough to get a midwife this time, and my first call with her is in October.

I’d really love to hear from moms who were in a similar situation — VBAC, with a toddler around 18–24 months old and little or no family support nearby.
How did you manage? What did you do to prepare for postpartum? If you had another C-section, how did you handle recovery while caring for a toddler? If I hire a doula, should I need her throughout my stay in hospital ?

Honestly I was pretty upset when my parents said they can’t support. After reading stories from here, I feel like I can make it through if I plan things ahead and properly.

I’m always hearing it’s better to try for a VBAC at a pubic hospital through MGP or getting a private midwife instead of an OB at private hospital.

Does anyone have any experience having a successful VBAC at a private hospital? Specifically in Melbourne Australia.

Thanks!

Hiii! I'm currently 22 weeks pregnant with my second and hoping for a vbac. Did anyone have a successful vbac around 39 weeks? My OB is not inducing me this time around since my first was a failed induction, baby's heart started dropping and I couldn't get past 5cm for almost 3 days.

I was told if I go into labor naturally it's possible for a vbac, but I will be scheduled for a C-section at 39+4 regardless it seems like. I'm just wondering if anyone went into labor QUICKER with their second? Last time I went into the hospital at 39+1 and was only 1cm dilated. I ultimately just want what's safe for baby and I. I had a great recovery with my first cs so at least I know what to expect. However, I would love to experience a vbac just once since this will be my last baby. I was induced last time bc I tested positive for a clotting disorder so I was also on blood thinners and these are IVF pregnancies.if that helps in any way. Thank you ladies.❤️❤️🫶

Hi all, I really need some advice, positive stories, or just a bit of support, please ❤️
I’m currently 39+6 weeks pregnant, so my due date is tomorrow. I had my midwife appointment today, and baby’s head is engaged and facing towards my right bum, with 2/5 of the head in the pelvis, which I believe is a good sign.
However, my cervix is still not very favourable. It is soft, and my midwife was able to put one finger in, but it’s still quite closed, long, and posterior. My Bishop score is around 3, which feels quite low at this stage.
I declined a membrane sweep today because I had one with my first baby at 41+2. Almost within a few hours, contractions started. They were very strong and painful, and after around 30 hours of labour, I was only about 4 cm dilated. I was then rushed for a C-section because of failure to progress and meconium.
Because of that experience, and because my cervix doesn’t seem very ready yet, I decided not to have a sweep today. I now have an induction scheduled for around Thursday, at 41 weeks, but I’m still really hoping for labour to start naturally before then and to have a natural birth.
Any recommendations on how I can help my body, or any positive stories, would be very welcome 🙏
At the moment, I’m trying to stay active and do at least 10K steps a day. I’m also having acupuncture, using homeopathy, evening primrose oil, and drinking raspberry leaf tea.
I think I’m just feeling a bit sad today. I was really hoping my cervix would be more effaced and ready by now, and I was hoping labour would start sooner.

So I’m 36+4 with my second and I’ve been having prodromal labor for the past 5 days. It started last Tuesday at 35+6, lasted from noon until probably midnight? I managed to fall asleep and eventually the contractions stopped in the night. Contractions were following the 5-1-1 rule but I didn’t go into L&D because they weren’t intensifying.

Wednesday the same happened, but they started earlier (9 am) and stopped by 8 pm; these were more intense than the previous day but again didn’t get painful, though they did get down to 2 min apart and over 1 min in duration.

Thursday I had my 36 week appointment and told them about the previous two days. The OB didn’t want to check my cervix that early and said it was just shitty false labor. This was my best day and I had sporadic contractions that didn’t follow a timetable.

Friday they came back with a vengeance. They actually did get painful and were 2-5 min apart but I ended up not going in because they went away by 10 pm.

Saturday and today were much the same. Yesterday it was 2 pm - midnight and today I’ve been going since 1 pm. I am not even bothering to time them because what’s the point? They’re not going anywhere lol.

I have a lot of pelvic and rectal pressure but no bloody show, loss of mucus plug, water breaking, or any other signs of labor. The pain has stretched around to my back and gotten crampy but that’s not consistent.

I’ve had tingles and sensation in my cervix but no pain. I’m also still nursing my first and she makes the contractions very painful but they still fizzle out.

My first is 2.5 and was an emergency c-section for fetal distress after a failed induction. The manual induction did actually send me into labor but I didn’t labor on my own for more than a couple of hours; I went to the hospital immediately upon contractions following the 5-1-1 rule because I was GBS+ and they proceeded with the induction (it was scheduled for the next morning). So this is completely new for me. My first was induced at 40+2 and had a grand total of 3 Braxton Hicks with her.

Has anyone else dealt with this? I’ve learned to sort of go with the flow of the contractions and pain (the endorphin rush from the strong ones certainly helps), but every anecdote I can find on prodromal labor seems different from my situation? None of my friends or relatives has experienced it, so I’m at a loss. I hope it means my chances of a vaginal delivery look good. 🤞🏼

Hi! I’m 26 & this is my second pregnancy - they’ll be 18 months apart!

I had a scheduled c-section with my son at 37 weeks, nothing wrong, just couldn’t push due to a tumor on my neck, but it’s been cleared since!!

My OB said due to my BMI, fact I haven’t had a vaginal, and my hypertension I have a 25% success rate, but if I wanted to TOLAC he would support it. Does anyone have any advice or success stories for situations like this? Trying to labor is really important to me so I want to try and do anything I can to make it happen.

Please note I do have gestational diabetes & hypertension but it’s managed ! I never got preeclampsia with my son.

Hi what was your experience like with low lying anterior placenta? Or did you ever have a lower uterine segment implantation?

Did you have previa or accreta?

Does low lying anterior placenta automatically mean accreta?

In 2021 I had a failed induction at 40 weeks 2 days that turned into emergency c section bc I wouldn't dilate past a 5. I got pregnant again and was due 2025 and I told my ob/midwife that I wanted to try for a VBAC & they basically told me well since you already had a CS we normally just schedule you for a repeat CS. I didn't know that I could've just said no I don't want to do that unfortunately so I did the repeat CS even though during this last pregnancy I actually felt contractions this time when it was nothing going on the first time. No medical need for a c section, baby was head down and looking perfect.

Now fast forward I got pregnant and am due Nov. 6th. I decided I wanted to go to a different OB since my last one just dismissed everything I would say. So I changed OBs to a doctor 30 min south of me (original OB was about 20 min away) and I love the providers here but at my 29 week appointment I mentioned I didn't really want a THIRD c section and would really like a TOLAC and she told me their hospital doesn't do VBACs but can refer me to a high risk doctor and see if I'm an eligible candidate to deliver with them (40 minutes north from me)

I will be 16 months pp when I am due and I know guidelines suggest 18 months pp for a VBAC. But what if I just don't show up for my scheduled CS and wait for my body to go into labor? The hospital that doesn't do vbacs, would they make me do a c section again and just not deliver my baby? Or could I go to my original hospital if I go into labor and still see my newer OB?

I'm in Georgia and the high risk doctor I am meeting with is in Tennessee & would be Erlanger. Why can't I just have my baby the way my body was made to.

I want to share my story and just wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom or similar experiences. I would love a VBAC but feel a bit negative about my likelihood and then feel bad for feeling negative, like maybe if I just believed in it enough I'd be more likely to succeed.

With my first I was induced at 38+6 due to gestational diabetes, polyhydramnios and baby's abdomen over 90th centile. I got a pessary, things were ok, then about 12 hrs went in to hyperstimulation. My OB was fine with that for a while (with my consent too) however started to get fetal bradycardia so they took it out. About 12 hours later she examined me, I had continued to have mild contractions myself and had progressed to the point where my waters could be broken. I was freaked out at stories about oxytocin contractions so I waited about another 12 hrs (I was in normal labour this whole time but it was very tolerable) to be moved to the labour ward where they could put an epidural, break my waters and start the oxytocin. Everything was going well then had a long fetal bradycardia and got an emergency c section. At this point it was like 48 hrs since first having the pessary inserted so like 48 hrs of labour and I was about 1-2 cm I think.

Now I'll be due my 2nd about 20 months later. Same OB, she is very supportive. She had said if birth interval was less than 12 months she'd recommend VBAC only if there was no induction, but after that either induction with manual measures (so breaking waters, rods, foley catheter I guess) or if I go natural is fine. No gel/pessary due to my previous hyperstimulation. So far at 20 weeks I'm negative for gestational diabetes but I only started showing signs at about 28 weeks last time so I'm kind of assuming I'll still get it.

I don't know, I feel like if I put my odds in a VBAC calculator it overestimates my odds. Yes the indication was fetal bradycardia but also it's not like I had dilated very much? Like even if the bradycardia hadn't happened I could well have had a c-section 24 hrs later for 'failure to progress'. And the factors that led to induction (gestational diabetes) is pretty likely to be present again. I've heard from other people that were induced multiple times that with the 2nd it took very little to 'get things going' ex. just a sweep or breaking waters but does that apply if your first ended in a section? Also my mother and 1 sister with 6 births between them all went 10+ days overdue. Although possibly my mom just had long cycles and less accurate dating of her pregnancies as it was in the 80s/90s and don't think she even had an ultrasound during her first 2 pregnancies.

Also very nervous about uterine rupture as my other sister had a scheduled c section for her 2nd and had a partial uterine rupture discovered during the operation. If she had gone in to labour it would have been very dangerous for both her and the baby.

I am wondering if I have a leg to stand in in requesting TOLA2C.

First c section was 6 years ago, the doctor forced me into a scheduled c section claiming my baby was too big. Every doctor I’ve seen since agrees this was unnecessary.

Second c section was a year ago after a failed VBAC attempt. The ONLY reason it turned into a c section was because we had a true cord knot and baby couldn’t descend.

Third and final baby is due in April with a 19 month birth interval from number 2.

Can I reasonably request TOLAC?

Last baby was in high longitudinal position, after 28hrs and going from 8cm to 6cm they recommended going for a Csection because it was suspected baby was not in the right position. They were right as he was in high longitudinal presentation, so it would have been very hard to impossible to birth vaginally. My grandma had one forceps, one Kiwi and one csection, so am a bit afraid that my pelvis might be too small or on the smaller side. I think I am quite similar to get figure wise. Anyone have encouraging words? I will try for a
vaginal birth, but would love to know if I have good chances.

I’ve seen several times that yall have recommended a book called ‘birth after cesarean’ or something along those lines…after googling it seems that there are many books with the same or similar title 😅 is there a specific one that is better than the rest?

I’m open to all book recs! And also VBAC books for my husband to read as well.

Thx!!

I was speaking with my OB about delivery and he told me that their hospital doesn't support vbac's due to uterine rupture rates and said that if I'm a candidate for a vbac later in pregnancy that they would have to refer me to a provider for delivery, in one of the cities here, which happen to both be an hour away. It will be my first time attempting to labor naturally. How do people handle laboring at home knowing the hospital is so far away?

I had an emergency CS with my first in Dec 23. I was 41 weeks, induced and ended up in CS due to fetal heart rate.

Now due on Sept 1, with my second and I was hoping for a VBAC but I wanted to go into labor naturally and my Obg was also more supportive of vbac if i can go into labor without induction.

I was feeling my baby low from a week, pelvic pressure even rectal pressure for few days. Yesterday, I did birth ball exercises in the morning and then curb walking in the evening. I had so many contractions that i think were Braxton hicks as they were not spaced out. But after that and today, i feel baby has moved back up, shortness of breath is also back while walking.

I am feeling so discouraged to even try anything now. I feel is this even worth it. I feel so tired and exhausted in my body even after resting for hours that I am doubtful of me successfully going through labor.

I think i just needed to vent but can use some kind words from a community who might be able to relate.

At this point, I’m feeling so scared of birth either way and days are so close as opposed to few weeks before when i was feeling so ready to have the baby out already.

hey everyone, i had my first son when i was 19 and they suggested a c-section due to my son having a stroke in utero. it wasn’t emergency or anything like that, but he did come a month early so it was quicker than expected.

anyways i’m 23 now and have a better understanding of pregnancy, but completely zero experience in vaginal births due to always knowing i was going to have a c-section. it actually wasn’t until a few weeks ago i realized a vbac was possible so thank you!!

i’m incredibly excited to talk to my provider and see if im able, ive been reading everyone’s post everyday and doing my own research as well. anyways here are the questions im confused about:

1. how do i find a provider/ hospital who are vbac supportive?

2. i live in a small town so would traveling an hour+ to see a provider and eventually have my child there even be doable??

3. do i need a doula/ midwife? if so, how do i find one??

4. how do i prepare my body to have a vbac? i know sometimes its out of our control, but id like my body and mind prepared anyways.

5. what are some things you wish you knew before when you first started planning for a vbac?

6. how difficult is it to try unmedicated?

sorry i know this is a long post. i’m worried but im also extremely excited. i was very depressed when i found out i had to have a c section and when i found this page it brought hope back. it may sound dumb, but you’re all an inspiration for me. so thank you.

If so what was the outcome? Did you have a csection or were you induced early? My vbac was 9lb 3 oz 😅

Has this happened to anyone else? My first baby ended up being an emergency c section after a long labour. He was large (over 10lb) and the surgeon said she had to cut so deeply into my uterus that I'm not a vbac candidate. How can she be so certain? Is it worth questioning this when I plan my next pregnancy? I'm a little bit heartbroken that I'll have to have planned c sections from now on.

Hi, So for some context I needed an emergency CS to deliver my first at 37w as he had fetal growth restriction and was measuring at 2lbs. I had been struggling with gestational hypertension which turned into late onset pre-eclampsia and all my plans for a natural birth were thrown out within an instant. The Drs knew that a SC was a worst case scenario for me so they attempted to induce labor but mild contractions were causing babes heart rate to drop and it was too scary to continue laboring. So I had the SC while absolutely terrified for both our lives, but little guy came out just fine. He spent over 4 weeks in the NICU and was discharged close to his due date. Needless to say it was an extremely traumatic experience I would do anything not to repeat.

I had a low transverse incision and no complications healing from the wound itself, but I did suffer from a hemorrhage and needed three blood transfusions in a span of 36 hours. I think I passed out three times, maybe more.

Anyway this was all in May of last year, my baby boy is 15m old now and I found out I was pregnant again this past May, just weeks before his birthday. I'm 20w+6, due in mid January and have been thinking a lot about the risks of repeat SC versus planning to try for a Vbac. Also planning to start this discussion with my OB. I'm aware that my history with high blood pressure makes me need more frequent monitoring, but I would prefer a medication free birth if my health allows it. Does the short time between delivery of my first and becoming pregnant again affect my eligibility for a Vbac? Anyone with similar history have successful vbac stories?

So my obgyn is on board with me trying for a vbac as long as the rest of my pregnancy allows for it. I just need advice on what you would pick if in this situation as I am so afraid of rupture and losing my baby or causing her damage.

I had a vaginal birth in December 2022. Went great, I went into labor on my own - came into hospital with strong contractions and got an epidural.

Second pregnancy I had placenta previa which never moved and ultimately had to get an emergency csection at 36 weeks because my water broke and I was bleeding excessively. Very traumatic, baby had to spend two weeks in the NICU. C-section was August 2024 which would put me about 30 months between births when baby is due in February.

Had a miscarriage in April at ten weeks 💔

Currently pregnant with our rainbow girl and am 16 weeks. So far placenta has not been anywhere near cervix thankfully but will have my anatomy scan in a few weeks to confirm again.

My obgyn says I am a good candidate for vbac but I'm still so nervous on what if I rupture. Please help. What advice do you have? What questions should I ask?

How long did you wait to conceive after your c section and did you have a vbac?? We were told to wait a year to get pregnant again but I really want them close in age. Our baby is almost 5 months old.

Hi! I’m 39+1 today and I am really hoping for VBAC at my hospital here that specializes in obstetrics. They have this policy that they will induce you with a balloon first if you go past your due date a few days. They don’t administer drugs at first, only after 24 hours with the balloon. Anybody has gone through the same procedure? If so, how did it go?

I saw someone mentioning ‘being able to avoid the balloon’ in their birth story, the wording got me curious if the balloon is something that is best to be avoided at all costs? I thought pitocin and other labor inducing drugs were scarier.

My c-section was Nov 2024. Now 15 weeks pregnant with my second. I’m aiming for a VBAC.

I was 7cm dilated when I got to the hospital. Transition hit and I was begging for an epidural (back labour and vomiting). Gas did nothing for me and epidural didn’t help with the back labor, just left me unable to feel my legs/pelvic floor for pushing. It sucked being in so much pain and unable to move.

I Pushed several times (probably 4-5 hours in total) and was also given time to labor down. baby actually went the opposite direction when I pushed. I think I am just so disconnected from my pelvic floor that I don’t even know how to push.

Do you all have any tips or prep work I can do for the pushing phase? Wanna be ready this time. I was told by my doula I wouldn’t need to push and trust my body. I’m sure this is true for some- but I was fully dilated for 24 hours and this didn’t happen. Baby was at +3 station when I went in for the section as there was no OB at the hospital for vacuum or forceps, only a surgeon available. so baby to be pushed back up for the surgery. Would love any advice.

I went into labor naturally with my first, progressed pretty fast after getting my epidural, then ended up pushing for over 4 hours straight— all to have a c-section. Baby wasn’t in distress and my vitals were also okay, so I guess it wasn’t necessarily an “emergency” c-section. They did try the vacuum 11 times on my son’s head (which I didn’t want at first, but I did prefer that over a C-section!), but he just wasn’t fitting under my pelvic bone. Came out with a 90th percentile head!

For those of you who had a c-section not because of an emergency situation but because baby just literally didn’t fit out, then had a successful vbac, do you have any tips? Or just testimonial for a vbac after the first not fitting through?

BONUS QUESTION: I somewhat wonder if he would have fit/made his way out if I were able to switch positions, which you can’t really do with an epidural. I’m 27 weeks along with my second and am really considering trying for no epidural this time, but what happens if the same deal happens and I have no epidural? Would they just put me under anesthesia to get the baby out? Or would I have to sit through an epidural while 10 cm dilated??? How does that work? lol. I will ask my OB this when I see her next week but thought I will throw this out here too.

I’m trying to plan for my next pregnancy as want to have babies close in age. My c section was in June

My doctor has advised 18 months between pregnancies, but I can’t work out whether this is birth to birth or birth to conception of next baby?

ChatGPT says birth to conception!