The Girl in the Red Shoes

  • Home
  • About
  • Shop My Favorites
  • Shop My Instagram
  • Breastfeeding Diaries
  • Contact

Uncategorized | October 6, 2015

VBAC vs. C-Section

 

For those of you who are new here, I had my first baby (Hudson) via a scheduled c-section, and chose to have my second baby (Sadie) vaginally. Today I’m going to share my VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) story with you….so if you are not interested in reading about birth and labor go ahead and click that x and we’ll see you tomorrow. I shared my reasons for wanting a VBAC here, but to review: a VBAC would be safer for me than surgery, hopefully I would have an easier recovery, and I was a good candidate because my c-section was due to a breech baby and not failure to progress or baby getting stuck. I also had a doctor who was 100% committed and confident in my ability to have a VBAC and I was delivering at a hospital that was capable of monitoring me and making sure I was safe and so was my baby. If you are considering having a VBAC please discuss your options with your doctor.

Okay. I’m just going to say it. I’ve delivered a baby both via c-section and vaginally and I have to say it sort of makes me feel like super mom. I know that’s silly, but I am really proud of myself for doing what I had to do to get those sweet babes here. And every mom should feel that way too, no matter how your baby entered in to the world. I have learned this: There is no fun way to have a baby. This post is in no way meant to judge anyone for their decision. It is simply a comparison of my experiences of having both a vaginal birth and a c-section.
Let’s break it down…shall we?– Contractions are….no fun.  My experience with my first baby was a little different in that I had a scheduled c-section for 11am but my water broke on it’s own that morning at 4am. So by the time I got to the hospital I was having mild contractions. But they were nothing compared to the contractions I experienced the second go-around. You can read Sadie’s birth story here, but during labor I definitely had a “what was I thinking?” moment. I mean…it was awful. Contractions were coming so fast and hard I couldn’t focus on anything but the pain. I started to doubt my decision. Everything during labor felt so foreign and I would have known more what to expect if I was having a repeat c-section. But I’m so glad I stuck to my plan. As soon as I got my epidural I was like “yeah….I can do this. Bring it.” Seriously the epidural was a game changer for me. For those of you who have natural births, hats off to you. I couldn’t do it.

– Pushing a baby out made me feel empowered. Everyone was cheering me on and knowing that my baby was literally right there was SO motivating. That feeling was missing from my c-section experience. I still felt proud and excited about having my baby, so don’t get me wrong. It’s just that there is something about the encouragement from your spouse and everyone in the room while you push a baby out that just makes you feel a sense of accomplishment. And it was much more exciting. I pushed for just under an hour, and honestly it felt like a long time but not that long. Pushing was hard….but adrenaline definitely kicked in.  My epidural was great in that I didn’t feel any pain but could feel pressure and knew when to push. It was just such an awesome and empowering experience that I don’t feel like I got during my c-section.– As soon as my epidural wore off, I was up walking around with minimal discomfort. With my c-section I wasn’t able to get out of bed until the next day. My husband was in shock this time when I stood up and walked around…and he was so so so happy. With our first baby, he had to do basically all of the baby care, which was overwhelming for a new dad. But with a VBAC I was able to get the baby on my own and didn’t feel as helpless.

– I wasn’t as heavily medicated. With my c-section I was on all kinds of pain meds and they just made me feel more tired. And itchy….so so so itchy. With a VBAC I took pain meds but they weren’t as heavy duty and I definitely noticed a difference in my alertness.

– The trauma to my body was a lot less. I had a 2nd degree tear on my lady bits with my VBAC but it was NOTHING compared to being cut open and then stapled shut with a c-section. It’s all a matter of perspective, I’m sure, but for me, it was a lot easier to heal and feel more like myself after the VBAC. With my c-section, it took several weeks to not feel like my incision was going to bust open. I also took my pain meds for 3 weeks straight. But with a vaginal birth I hurt a lot less and healed a lot more quickly.

– I got to leave the hospital earlier. I hated staying in the hospital with both of my babies. I know some people love it, but for me there were constant interruptions by nurses, techs, and staff and I got basically no sleep. With a vaginal birth we got to leave after one night and with a c-section I had to stay two nights.

– There was more after birth bleeding. Every mom knows that after you have a baby you have to deal with postpartum bleeding. When you have a c-section they suction a lot of that blood out for you, so you bleed but it doesn’t last as long. With a vaginal birth you have to get all that blood out the old fashioned way. Not fun.

– I was sore. The day after having a baby my butt, arms, neck, and chest were so sore from gripping my legs and pulling my body up into a push position.

– Overall, my mood was better. Once I got home I had to take it easy with a vaginal birth, but I didn’t feel as helpless as I did after having a c-section. Walking around or going up and down stairs wasn’t as hard after a vaginal birth.

– Long term recovery was much quicker with a vaginal birth. It took several months to feel like myself after having a c-section. My incision healed but I could still feel it when I would move or if clothing would touch it the wrong way. It’s also still slightly numb right over my scar. With a vaginal birth I felt like myself a lot more quickly. But….things were not quite the same down there, if you know what I mean. That took a little bit longer. Ha.
So for me, a vaginal birth was a lot better experience than a c-section. For me, the only good thing about having a c-section was that I didn’t have to go through the pain of contractions. With that said, I would pick contractions, labor, and pushing hands down over a c-section.I also want to note that probably some of my feelings about having a vaginal birth also have a lot to do with the fact that it was my second baby. I wasn’t as nervous or scared the second time around because I knew more of what to expect. I think that if I would have had to had a repeat c-section it would have gone a little better than the first time, just for that reason. Knowing what to expect would have made my recovery a little easier too.

I know a lot of you are in my same situation and trying to decide what is best for you and your baby. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions!

« Hey Friday
The Breastfeeding Diaries: Jenny from The Sensible Shopaholic »

Comments

  1. Amanda Klein says

    October 6, 2015 at 12:26 pm

    This was SO interesting, Julie! How neat for you to have been able to experience BOTH ways to birth!! Reading the "cheering" part during pushing made me long for that, though – I did a vaginal, drug-free birth and baby was in distress when it came time to push so I had super, super stern doctor and nurses almost demanding I had to push baby out rightthisinstant (it's a good thing they were stern and a good thing I listened because baby had a true knot in his umbilical cord and came out blue – so he was a little miracle – but it was not the "you're doing so well" environment I had envisioned). It just goes to show that a safe delivery for mamma and baby is THE most important thing. Thank you for sharing – this was so well written 🙂

  2. P!nky says

    October 6, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    As a woman that is not pregnant yet [waiting probably another year] I found this post extremely interesting. Thanks for laying everything out so easily.

  3. hello erin says

    October 6, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    I thought my second c-section would be easier because I didn't have to labor AND push first. But NOPE. It actually sucked more and my recovery was a lot harder! But I wasn't a canidate for a VBAC one single bit. From Lex's birth story to the searing pain that almost made me deliver kenz 3 weeks early because they though my uterus was erupting.

    Having babies is no fun. But they sure are cute. And you sure do forget 😉

  4. Whitney @ Work it Mommy says

    October 6, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    Julie this is wonderful to read! Im so glad your VBAC was successful and recover time was quicker! I dont have any csection knowledge but it scares me (hello, major surgery!) so Im thankful for my two vaginal births with epidurals, that wonder drug of goodness 🙂

  5. Meg O. says

    October 6, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    I'm so glad that your VBAC experience went so well!! That's amazing!! Part of me thinks I actually could have had one, especially since I was 5cm when I got to the hospital to have Caroline. I did that on my own with minimal discomfort. Haha. So happy your recovery has gone so well!

  6. Jen says

    October 6, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    This is SO great to read. I had a scheduled c-section with my daughter (my first) because she was breech, but would like to try for a VBAC with the second. I really appreciate hearing your experience!

  7. Paige says

    October 6, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    very interesting! I had 2 vaginal births but very different—the first was with forceps and major tearing and the second was unplanned natural birth (no time for epidural.) After those 2 experiences I would vote natural birth- which is crazy, right?! no matter which way- birth is amazing, I think we all agree!

  8. Shayna @ The Fancy Yancey says

    October 6, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    For so long before I had Jack I was all "just cut me open! I'm terrified of the pain!" But, when it came down to it I did not want to have a c-section unless I needed one for medical reasons. As hard and long as labor was & as long as I pushed (1.5 hrs!) I would take that over the recovery time of a c-section, hands down! I did have a harder time than I thought I would bouncing back but, I feel like because I was in labor so long & I had so much pain meds that my body was just extremely worn out. Next time, if things go as they did last time, I'll be more pro-active in speeding up labor lol! Great post though for those mommas considering a VBAC!

  9. All Things Big and Small says

    October 6, 2015 at 8:12 pm

    This is so fantastic! You are so unique in that you have had both. From my friends who have had c-sections I have heard that the recovery is the worst. I have been really fortunate to have had two natural vaginal births. The first one way worst than the second–3.75 hrs of pushing after reaching 10 cm. EEKS! Second kid- 4 pushes in 6 minutes. The recovery on the lady bits takes time but it gets better. I was seriously peeing myself when I sneezed for 6 months after my first because my pelvic floor was destroyed. But it came back. Not sure if that is what you experiencing but I wish more ladies talked about it!

    Annie- All Things Big and Small

  10. Colleen Sullivan says

    October 6, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    Oh Julie I might just go into a panic attack reading this! Ha! I'm choosing a c-section with baby #2 since my experience with Owen was so rough. I'm still just so nervous about having a surgery and hoping it's easier this time than it was with Owen since I won't have had to go through induction + labor + pushing for 3 hours etc! I'm so glad the second birth was easier for you! 🙂

  11. Liz | Ellie and Addie says

    October 7, 2015 at 12:15 am

    I love this post! I have a friend who wants to do a VBAC and I can't wait to send her this post! I had a a vaginal birth with baby #1 and am hoping for the same with #2 next year!

  12. phyrglory says

    October 7, 2015 at 12:20 am

    Thank you for this! I had a c-section with my son and am a candidate for a vbac with my 2nd. Part of me is excited because I feel like I missed out on "the way things should have been" with my first. On the other hand, it's almost like it's my first. I have no idea what to expect this time around. Yikes! But this post is so reassuring!

  13. phyrglory says

    October 7, 2015 at 12:20 am

    Thank you for this! I had a c-section with my son and am a candidate for a vbac with my 2nd. Part of me is excited because I feel like I missed out on "the way things should have been" with my first. On the other hand, it's almost like it's my first. I have no idea what to expect this time around. Yikes! But this post is so reassuring!

  14. Taryn says

    October 7, 2015 at 12:22 am

    Great post! I had a scheduled c-section with Rhett because he was breech. I was pretty sad about that and asked my doctor about vbac for my next baby before we even scheduled the procedure. I am so hopeful that everything will align properly for a vbac with our next baby. I hated the recovery from the csection!

  15. Ashley Sanderson says

    October 7, 2015 at 1:18 am

    I had a c-section with my first and plan to have a VBAC with my second in February. This was a great read!

  16. Nat says

    October 7, 2015 at 2:16 am

    I had 2 c-sections because they were too close together for a vbac (16 months) and my dr said that hes so happy I did because my uterus was very very thinned out by my scar! My second one was a breeze though!! Only took pain meds for 4 days and was up walking 6 hours after surgery. I never had any lingering pains in my stomach and started running 6 weeks later. My first one was awful and I felt like it took me forever to recover. I can't tell if it was the actual c-section or the shock of having a baby to care for lol. So glad to hear your Vbac went well!! I'm glad Drs are encouraging them again

  17. Caley-Jade Rosenberg says

    October 7, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    Always amazing to read successful and happy, healthy birth stories.
    I seem to be one of the few exceptions with a c-section delivery – I had an emergency c-section at 37 weeks with my first daughter (due to pre-eclampsia) and another emergency c-section at 34 weeks with my second daughter (due to a rupturing uterus) which I had wanted a vaginal birth for both.

    I was lucky enough to be up and about 5 hours after each, pain meds in hospital only, driving after 2 weeks and back in the gym after 6 weeks and not a problem in the world…
    x

  18. Laura {happily ever} Parker says

    October 8, 2015 at 10:56 pm

    Great info!I I had my first vaginally (with epidural) and I had such a nice go at it that reading your labor story actually made me miss it. I miss labor! So weird – but knowing what to expect the second go around just makes things a smidge easier.

  19. privatecracken says

    July 8, 2016 at 3:55 pm

    Loved reading this! I had a csection with my twin daughter's 8years ago due to bp issues. They were born 7weeks early and I am expecting my third child in October this year and have been really tossing up bringing up a vbac option to my doctor. I think he will be ok with it assuming my bp and baby is fine. I am very nervous about both options, bc I never felt a contraction with my girls. I had some lower back contractions but nothing really major. I am 25 weeks along and plan to talk to my Dr next week about the vbac option. Thank you for putting it into perspective for us undecided mommas.

Lately on Instagram

#sponsored Our first real snow! Thankfully our Sco #sponsored Our first real snow! Thankfully our Scout Elf, Spike, showed up this morning with an @elfontheshelf official Scout Elf Carrier and an Elf Pets Official Carrier for our reindeer too! Now our North Pole pals can safely travel with us wherever we go! The kids had so much fun taking their pals on a winter walk to enjoy the snow! And see that cute little stowaway in Belle’s arms? Meet the Bogie – a brand new friend from the North Pole who is ready for some love and adventures! I just love enjoying all of these magical moments with my kids. It really does not get any better than this! #elfontheshelf #elfpets
#ad It’s that time of year! Time to make sure yo #ad It’s that time of year! Time to make sure your child is up to date on their well-child visits and vaccines! As the chief advocate for my kids, I always want to make decisions that are the best for them and for our family. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for these little loves of mine, and I know all of you can relate! That is why I vaccinate my kids. Vaccinating your child is one of the safest and most effective things you can do to protect them against serious preventable diseases. If you live in Michigan like we do, it’s time to schedule that well-child visit and make sure your kids are up to date on their vaccinations! I’ve done a lot of research and talked to our pediatrician at length about what is best for my family and I would encourage you to do so too. It’s normal to have questions—it makes you a good parent! But make sure you are getting answers from credible sources. Remember, vaccines are safe, effective, and help protect everyone. Ultimately I decided to vaccinate my children because not doing so puts them at risk of contracting a potentially deadly disease. I want the best for my kids. If you have questions or need a reliable resource, check out @IVaccinateMI for information and tools based on real medical science and research to help Michigan parents protect their kids from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Sure to please any sports loving tween! Sure to please any sports loving tween!
#sponsored Our @elfontheshelf is BACK!!!! And the #sponsored Our @elfontheshelf is BACK!!!! And the girls could not be any happier! Every year our Scout Elf, Spike, brings Christmas cheer and happiness to our house along with some special goodies…and this year, he did not disappoint! Spike brought along some Christmas magic through a brand-new Elf Pets reindeer and a new collection of special books from the creators of The Elf on the Shelf. The girls quickly loved on their reindeer and couldn’t contain the giggles while they read In Case of Elftastrophe! #elfontheshelf #elfpets
On the hunt for the perfect tree! On the hunt for the perfect tree!
So very thankful. Happy Thanksgiving! So very thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!
Let’s decorate my mantel for Christmas! All item Let’s decorate my mantel for Christmas! All items linked in my highlights!
Happy birthday to my main squeeze. Thank you for s Happy birthday to my main squeeze. Thank you for serving our family so well. We love you!

Copyright © The Girl in the Red Shoes 2023 · Design by Alpine Lane