Pontificating…again…
Monkey Doodle and Mommy
There’s been one thing on my mind since we found out we were pregnant again (other than our fears of another miscarriage which were thankfully minimized as my morning sickness intensified)…deciding between a VBAC and repeat c-section.
To give those of you who I don’t know IRL a quick rundown, my first two girls were born naturally (by which I mean unmedicated, although I’ve mentioned before that I find that term laughable since any time you push a baby out of your hooha it should be considered “natural”, regardless of whether you use medication or not!).
My first labor started with my water breaking at home, and Pumpkin Doodle was born 3 hours and 6 minutes later.
My second labor, with Monkey Doodle, started at 37 weeks and lasted just about 6 hours, and it was the most incredible experience of my life.
Sweet Doodle, on the other hand, has always liked to shake things up, and we arrived at the hospital in labor on the morning of her birth (at 38 weeks) only to find out she was footling breech. Because of my history and how quickly I was dilating (and the fact that my bag of waters seemed ready to pop at any second!), they never allowed me to even stand up after we discovered her position, which meant they rolled me through the nurses station on a hospital bed to get to the OR.
Sweet Doodle with Mommy and Daddy
With that history, you may be wondering why someone committed to natural childbirth would even consider a c-section.
The truth is (without getting into graphic detail) that I had a pretty severe episiotomy the first time (which I will probably now always regret!), and a pretty severe tear and some complications resulting from it the second time. Because of this, the recovery from my c-section was almost easier (and certainly didn’t have the same long-lasting pain and side effects) than after the first two natural deliveries.
This is an issue I am truly wrestling with. I had almost made up my mind to have a c-section (which, by the way, is already on the books for September 14th…but I’ll never make it that far, so that’s a moot point!), but my OB feels pretty strongly that I am the perfect candidate for a VBAC and should give it more consideration, especially if we plan – or there is even the possibility – on having more children after this.
And the one issue that keeps rising to the forefront of my mind is that natural birth through the birth canal is better for the baby’s lungs. Well, that and the fact that I won’t have to spend two or more excruciating hours separated from him or her after birth while I’m in recovery, which tore me apart last time.
Pumpkin Doodle Being Weighed
All of that to say…I don’t know what I’m trying to say. I’d love to hear your thoughts if this is an issue you’ve wrestled with, and I’d love your prayers as we make a decision about it. Mostly, I just needed to write it all out because it helps me think!
Oh, and if you’re looking for impartial but informative information about VBACs, I highly recommend this article from the Mayo Clinic. It’s long, but it lays out all of the risks and benefits of both a VBAC and a repeat c-section in a way that I think is very fair to both sides of the issue.
I’ve never had a c-section, so I really can’t give my opinion. But I will say this…God already knows how your precious baby is going to enter this world….He is in control…you’re in good hands! So, while I would like to say, “sit back and enjoy the ride…” I know it’s quite difficult to (since I’m such a control freak planner type…lol). The only thing I can suggest is to pray…and I’ll be praying for you too
BTW, this verse always seems to calm my nerves:
Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.
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When you delivered your other children, did your doctor/midwife do all they could to avoid doing the episiotomy and then the tearing? And (to get personal here) what about perineal massage in the last trimester as well as during the birthing process?
Also, what about the option of laboring with an epidural to help control the pace of pushing?
I feel for you and this decision that you have to make. Having had an emergency C-section with my first and a repeat C-section with my second, I have no experience with tearing or episiotomies or the pain that is involved with those, so I’m not equipped to say one is easier than the other. I can say a planned C-section is much easier to heal from than an emergency one though!
If it was me I’d want to consider the long-term effects of both decisions and the potential outcomes for both, weigh the good with the bad, just like you’re doing. Maybe even my favorite standby of a pro versus con list.
Fortunately you still have time to figure this all out! I’m happy to hear you’re starting to feel better as well.
Our oldest was an emergency/unplanned (but not as emergency as Sweet Doodle! oh my goodness!) cesarean birth. Next baby was a planned repeat, after many months of research and prayer. Honestly, timing issues played the biggest factor for us. I think the only thing I know to say is educate yourself on the options and prayer for discernment to know what is best for YOUR situation.
I agree with Jessalee - the planned c/s was SO MUCH easier than my first. Recovery was a breeze.
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Oh my goodness! You’ve been through the ringer. What about planning a c-section for sometime in August since you have delivered at 37 and 38 weeks? If you wait until 14 Sept (you are due in September, right), it looks like that date is pointless b/c if you “go” like you have in the past, you will have already given birth. If you schedule one for closer to your 37-38 week range, you would be less likely to go into labor before your c-section.
I have never had a c-section, and all of my births have been natural (two w/ medication, my third was w/o), and I have had very easy births compared to yours.
I will be praying for you and your hubby! I know this is a difficult decision, but I am confident that God will lead you in the right direction, and that you will make the best decision for you.
Amy’s last blog post..Par-tay Time!
I agree that really praying over it is the first place to start.
As for personal opinion, I have had four unmedicated births, and have not had any tearing requiring stitches, so I cannot relate to the recovery of either a C-section or a severe tear. But I do believe that vaginal birthing is better for the baby (their lungs for one thing - as you mentioned) and I think that those two hours of being away from your new baby really would be very difficult for you and the baby. So those are two points to really consider. But again, recovery wise, I can’t imagine how all that works. I would also look into the perineal massage, and also study and talk to midwives about positioning during labor. I believe that just delivering in a different position can make a big difference for something like tearing or stretching.
So there are my personal two cents’ worth. In the end (or rather in the beginning…) I really do believe that is something for you to seriously pray over and discuss with your husband. And as someone alreade mentioned, God already knows how this baby will enter the world. So you just get to pray and listen to find out what He has planned for you. Either way, what a blessing to welcome your fourth baby into the world!
On a side note - after three little boys, we were shocked and delighted to deliver our little girl as #4. I can’t help but wonder if you might have the same fun surprise, only in the opposite direction, of course. ;o)
Blessings, and I hope that you can find peace with your decision soon.
Benny
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