Dilemma over VBAC or Section!

[Jamtart]

Im getting really stressed out about my section now and am really having second thoughts. I don't need a section for medical reasons so there is no reason I can't try to have a VBAC and it be successful!

I am worried because straight after my section I will have to go back to my 1st floor flat and will be on my own. I am worried about coping etc on my own. My parents and sister work and don't drive so will be unable to come over to help (I live 16 miles from them) and Kenidee is starting a new school so I will be unable to stay at my parents. M is taking some time off when I have wee man but as he wont be paid for it he can't take any extra off to be with me at home. A doctor I saw yesterday said she understood my concerns and didn't think it would be such a good idea to be on my own a week after major surgery with a new baby in a first floor flat!

Now I am having a dilema... if I go naturally then there is still a chance I could have a section later than my planned date especially if I go over due as I am aware they are reluctant to induce if you have had a previous section.

Now if I go naturally and have a successful VBAC then I have no worrys! If I need a later section then I will have the added worry of having to take Kenidee out of school for 1-2 weeks. I don't mind a day or two but a couple of weeks is a different matter but there is no one to take her to and from school if I am in hospital, and I will be in the same position with being on my own a week after my section!!!!

I am going to discuss it all with my consultant today and have loads of questions. I am going to ask if I can have my section this week so if I get even 3 or 4 days extra I can stay at my mums or something.

BUT I am really beginning to think I don't want a section at all!!!!!!!! I know I may need one due to being a VBAC but I would rather try! I just don't know what to do because of whatever happens I will be on my own literally a week after my section if I need one unless I have a successful VBAC!

AAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!!! I will let you all know what my consultant says! Hopefully they will be able to make it all so much clearer in my head and help me make a decision!

[Opprobrium]

Ooh I dunno! Personally I would like another c as it was such a relaxed, easy birth, but I too would be worried if I had to be on my own afterwards so I can see your dilemma...

I don't really have any advice but I hope you can work something out! Is there not a friend who could stay with you? Or maybe a few friends & rels who could take turns to stay with you for a few days?

[Lois Lane]

Was Kenidee an emergency c/s? What was the reason? Did you dilate during your first labour? I've heard it said that if you dilated 6+ cms in labour then your chances of a successful VBAC are 60-70%.

Can I ask why you decided on a c/s for this birth??

Sorry if I'm being nosey - I'm just currently in the same position myself.

[alex]

Hope the meeting with your consultant went ok and you are a bit clearer in your mind about what you want.
I have no experience of what it's like to have a section as both mine were born normally but friends and other people i know who have had them have said that the recovery afterwards is the hardest part especially as you are advised not to drive for up to 6 weeks afterwards.

But just wanted to let you know about my close friends' birth experiences.
With her first daughter 3 years ago she had a very long labour only to get almost fully dilated to be told by the midwife/doctor that as baby was in such an awkward position and that she was getting distressed she would have to have an emergency section.
Baby was born fit and healthy which was an obvious relief but my friend felt very traumatised by the whole experience so when she fell pg with her dd #2 she was very anxious about whether she would be able to give birth naturally or would have to have another section.
Anyway her doctor told her there was no reason why she couldn't give birth naturally second time around just because she had problems with her first as not all births are the same.
Anyway the upshot of it is her second daughte was born vaginally in April this year after a short(ish) labour and she said it was absolutely the best thing ever - the labour, birth and the recovery.
she was so happy to have had such a good positive birth experience after havig such a bad time first time around.
Sorry this has turned in to such a mamouth post but couldn't read and not reply - hope you are feeling a bit better now Lou.
Take care x