VBAC or Repeat C-section

After hours of pushing and no progress, Frankie was delivered by C-section. I have always felt in a way that I failed at childbirth even though I know that is not true. But, I have a lot of questions of what ifs that have left me wondering had we changed one or two things, would I have been able to deliver Frankie rather than having the C-section.

So this time around, I am trying to figure out if I want to just schedule a C-section or attempt a VBAC which I am lucky enough to have the option through my hospital. I have started researching the risks of both and the amount of information so far is utterly overwhelming. My problem is that I read the risks associated with a VBAC and I decide that a C-section is the way to go. Then I read the risks associated with a repeat C-section and I immediately change my mind! Ugh.

I think my greatest fear at this point is going through labor again only to have to have another C-section which would leave me feeling like a failure again and then having to recover from both vaginal birth and a C-section again which was no fun.

So far, here a some of the pros and cons of each that I have either read about or had others bring to my attention. I know the list is longer than what I have below so feel free to add your own pros and cons in the comments sections.

At the moment, I have an overwhelming need to have the VBAC. But this seems to change daily so for the time being, my plan is to 1) talk to my doctor to find out his opinion of my situation 2) attend a class at my hospital on VBAC to hopefully ease my mind and answer any questions that I don't know I have yet and 3) RELAX (lol, why does it feel like I am tackling something that no one else has ever done before!).

C-Section Pros

• Scheduled delivery (no surprises when the baby is coming and it gives us a set date to have family in town to take care Frankie)
• Recovery from only the C-section
• I have the same doctor who performed my last C-section and he did a wonderful job so I trust him completely for another one.

C-Section Cons

• Major surgery
• If scheduled too early, the baby could be smaller than if allowed to come on her own
• The probability of serious complications that may affect me and any future pregnancies increases with every C-section
• blood clots & strokes
• Possible issues for baby: surgical cuts, respiratory problems/asthma, breastfeeding problems

VBAC Pros

• The baby will be allowed to come into the world on her time
• Vaginal birth is beneficial to the baby

 VBAC Cons

• Uterine rupture (less than 1% chance) could lead to harm to the baby and/or hysterectomy.
• if unsuccessful and a C-section is necessary then I will have to recover again from both vaginal birth and major surgery.

Websites that I have found useful:
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/
http://www.vbac.com/
http://vbacfacts.com/