VBAC and hyperemesis

[AnneCan]

Hi all,

I'm hoping to get some stories of other's that have had successful VBAC's with hyperemesis. I don't even know if HG would be a factor with VBAC? My doc said she'd support VBAC (and our hospital allows them), but I'm worried that she'll find a reason at the last minute not to let me have one (like baby measuring small again). I want to be informed when we talk about it more in coming weeks.

Has anyone done a VBAC with hyperemesis still present? Was it any different (protocol wise) than a regular delivery?

I really want to avoid a repeat C-section. As background... I had a CS wtih DD because she was breech. I threw up after the CS, and still really nauseated, weak, and exhausted for days (partly from the HG, partly from surgery, the drugs, messed up food and drug orders, plus a stomach virus I caught at the hospital 3 days after DD was born). I found recovery, on top of still feeling sick, really tiring, long, and painful. I just want to avoid it all this time in hopes of a better experience for us all.

Any advice, stories you're willing to share, encouragement, etc. are appreciated!

[nukuspot]

I can't imagine why HG would be a barrier to a VBAC. A VBAC is similar to a normal vaginal delivery except with more monitoring, Nothing that an HG mama can't do! Great luck on your VBAC! I really hope it is successful....So much less healing time for you and such a good feeling that you accomplished it afterwards....

[eliana1300]

HG should not be a consideration regarding VBAC or any other type of delivery. A woman's body is amazing in the fact that after 9 months of starving, HGers can still deliver vaginally.

Personally, I had a great C-section experience. I am not sure if I would have had the energy needed for labor, but for my next one, I am willing to try. The only problem I have really is that I had such a good experience with my C-section, that I was really comfortable through it all, and it all went textbook, that I am pretty nervous about actual labor, and I might request a C-section when I could go through labor just fine. I hope that all makes sense.

All in all, I really think you can have a VBAC if that is the way you want to go!

[AnneCan]

Ok, well that's encouraging to hear. Last time, DD had a safe birth (all that really matters), but I really want a normal delivery this time for a few reasons. I'm just trying to prepare to argue my case with my OB in case she says "well, X is a factor, so I think you should just have a repeat c-section"... Either way, DH will be home on summer vacation for a few weeks after this next one is born, so if I do end up with a RCS, I'll have more support.

[Hinano]

No reason why not.

Any chance of hiring a doula?

[AnneCan]

I haven't given much thought to a doula. I'm not sure how I feel about the idea yet. I dunno, I guess I feel like it would be like having a complete stranger at the birth, but I'm sure it's nice to have that extra support during labour (especially since DH is the kind of guy who is very disconnected/grossed out from the whole birth-'experience'). I'm sure I'll be more supportive of the idea as I get closer to the delivery and when I know if I can actually do a VBAC.

[Hinano]

The thing is you get to know the doula and they are not a stranger and they work with you in preparation during the pregnancy which is as valuable as the support they provide you and your husband in labour.

All the research supports the huge benefit a doula brings.

[AnneCan]

Thanks Hinano, I'll do some exploring to see what our city has to offer. I think there is a 'doula agency' here. Good suggestion.

[eliana1300]

If you are really wanting a VBAC, I would check out the doulas in your area. Check out the doulas at dona.org. I believe they gave you a choice as to which doulas are in your area and you can interview them as you choose. If I really was going for a natural delivery last time, I would have insisted on a doula. They can be very helpful in being your advocate when you need it and encouragement as well. My DH isn't always the most encouraging, so I know personally I would have needed someone else. They often spend enough time with you before birth that they can tell when you would not object to a repeat C-section. They can also be very encouraging for the C-section as well, and there are even some post-partum doulas that can help after birth (which in your case, sounds like you could have used an extra hand). For my next child (when/if), I probably will hire a post-partum doula, because I had a lot of transition trouble mentally.

I don't know of anyone specifically that had a VBAC here, but I am sure there are some. All in all, OBs seem to favor C-sections, but there really shouldn't be any reason for you to not try if you want (obviously, if you have had, say, 6 C-sections, that might be higher risk at uterine rupture, but it really should be your choice).

[phaerelastra]

I really wanted a VBAC, especially because I was afraid of the pain and recovery of another c-section. In the end, I got scared about complications and I didn't want to wait beyond 39 weeks anyway, so I scheduled the surgery and waited. I didn't start having contractions until I was in the hospital waiting for my surgery... LOL

I found that my repeat surgery was actually far easier than I thought. It didn't hurt as bad, but I surely didn't have the same problems you did. Good luck for whichever you choose, I just wanted you to know that a repeat isn't always as bad as the first c-section, but if a VBAC is what you want, you should definitely go for it.

[MichellevsHG]

Did you talk to your Ob about this as part of your protocol and birth plan? This was one of the first questions I asked my Ob when we started talking about future pregnancies. In fact he wrote it in my file that my birth plan wishes are to go for a VBAC if possible next time. Obviously if I end up with PreE again, that is out of the question and I'm ok with that. As far as HG is concerned, it shouldn't have a bearing on your birth plan unless your organs are showing signs of distress. At that time, your Ob should talk to you about other options.

[AnneCan]

Thanks again for replies....

I have heard that repeat c-sections don't hurt as much because there's already so much numbness in that area, but I still really don't want surgery again for so many reasons. On top of not wanting surgery, I really want a 'normal' birth process for this (my last) baby.

I did ask my OB about doing VBAC at the first appointment I had with her 4 weeks ago. She said yes, so I know she supports the idea, and I know our hospital is equipped to do them. She also said "we'll talk more about it as time goes on". After doing lots of research, I realize that if things aren't 100% before and through labour, doctors will just do a repeat c-sections.

Anyways, I see my OB again today, so I'm hoping she'll be able to give me a little bit more info on what would allow/disallow me from having one.

Thanks everyone for the insight!

p.s. I looked into Doula's here but it's $1200.00 for the complete service, which we can't afford. I may have to see about bringing a friend/sister into the labour room instead.

[MichellevsHG]

Yes, my Ob did tell me the same thing. In order for me to have a VBAC, I have to go into labor on my own with absolutely no signs of PreE. As long as everyone is on the same page, and your labor goes naturally, a VBAC should be successful.

And yup, Doulas here are very expensive. So I would definitely think about having a friend or family member with you as a coach

[AnneCan]

So, great news! My OB said that because of the type of incision I had internally with my c-section, and because there were no actual labour complications (just breech presentation), that I'm a really good candidate for a VBAC. She said that people in my situation have a 80% success rate (ish). She said she'll give me until 41 weeks to go into labour on my own, and after that she'll consider inducing (augmenting) options. I'm SOOOO excited to hear that!

We also found out we're expecting another GIRL! Yay team pink. We always said we'd end up with 2 girls.

It's nice to feel something positive after such a a rough beginning. Still a long way to go, but it's nice to smile for a change.

[Atsie]

Sneaking on while my student is in gym so I can't read all the posts....

I had not planned for vbac with my second but would have if I had gone into labour. With my 3 I was trying. I researched and read a bunch. But my Dr was so uncomfortable with it and the hospital was not allowing it so i just had my section. But then I had fairly easy sections.

Now the thing I did want to share, a doula would be so important you need someone to support you and help you. My Dr had suggested it as he is felt it would offer the greater chance for VBAC for my middle daughter. Also read up. I think the more you know the greater chance for sucess.

I also don't belive that HG is a barrier to a VBAC. Many women have HG and birth nautrally with no issues.

Good Luck!

[AnneCan]

Thanks Erin. I've ready quite a bit about VBAC's (successes, risks, complications, statistics, etc), and am feeling pretty confident about trying one. That being said, I'll also understand if I end up with a section again, if it comes to that. My doc seems totally on board, so as long as everything goes smoothly with this baby, I've got the green light. I'm still doing a lot of thinking on the support end of things. I can't afford a doula, and no one has really been here to support me through my pregnancy, so I can't figure out who to ask. I'm not sure how to talk about it with DH yet either...I don't want him to feel bad, but I've read that having support usually equals a successful VBAC too. We'll see...I still have time I guess...

[MichellevsHG]

You might want to call a local college and ask if they have any student nurses or midwives in training that could be your coach at little to no cost. Our hospital is a teaching hospital, so I had 3 student nurses with me and they were great. They learned ALL about HG that day

[AnneCan]

That's an awsome idea! I just might do that! Thanks!!!

[MichellevsHG]

You're welcome!!! I hope they're able to help!

[teddi]

If I get there... I am VBACing. Considering homebirth. I'm not particularly anti-hospital, however, I still have anxiety and recovered from PTSD as a result of my traumatic c/s with my twins. I hate that at my particular HMO, I have no control over the Dr who'll attend you, and then of course, you never know about what nurses you end up with. Most of my nurses were good (I ended up in the hosp. 10 days), a couple were great, a couple were not so good. For me, it's really opening up an old wound and reopening up some trauma to be there again.

You can do it =) I think it's a great choice. I almost hate the term, because it's like there are three types of birth, vaginal, c/s and VBAC. LOL, but you know it isn't like that! Have you ever checked out ICAN? There may be a local chapter near you, I know they have CAN chapters.