I feel incredibly fortunate to be the mother of two amazing kids, each with their own unique personalities and entrance stories into the world. My four-year-old son, Jake, has a knack for being straightforward. After he casually told one of his friends that he “came out of my tummy,” the friend chimed in, “just like your sister!” Without missing a beat, Jake responded, “No, she came out of Mom’s vagina.”
Experience Number One: The C-Section
My daughter, Lily, made her grand entrance via emergency C-section at 2:12 AM, just hours after we arrived at the hospital. With her heart rate skyrocketing and my blood pressure plummeting, the on-call doctor delivered the news that a vaginal delivery might not be safe for her.
As the medical team prepared for surgery, the atmosphere shifted from a sense of urgency to full-blown emergency mode. I distinctly remember the doctor starting the procedure before my husband had even finished washing his hands (I half wondered if he’d fainted!).
Lying on the operating table, I realized that this was just the first of many parenting experiences where I would have little control. Did it match my vision of giving birth? Absolutely not. However, the moment the nurse placed my precious baby girl against my cheek is one of my all-time favorite memories.
I was lucky to have a smooth recovery, aided by the fact that this was my first child and my husband took two weeks off work. I spent those days cozied up on the couch with my newborn, focusing on breastfeeding and healing.
VBAC: The Journey Begins
Fast forward about two and a half years, and I found myself pregnant with baby number two. My OB reassured me that I was a great candidate for a vaginal birth after Cesarean, also known as a VBAC (which stands for Trial of Labor After Cesarean).
During my first prenatal appointment, she laid out the risks of both options. Spoiler alert: It’s not the most fun conversation, with some serious risks on both sides. With my doctor’s support, I decided I wanted to try for a vaginal birth, as long as she felt it was safe for my baby.
As my due date approached, my confidence soared. I read, exercised, and felt hopeful that I would experience the birth I had longed for. Then, during a routine growth ultrasound at 34 weeks, we encountered an unexpected twist. The technician cheerfully announced that my baby was measuring eleven pounds. She quickly corrected herself, but the real number, seven pounds eleven ounces, left me with a rather scary image of delivering a ten-pound baby.
While my OB still believed a vaginal birth was feasible, she didn’t want me to go past my due date. So, we scheduled a C-section but kept our fingers crossed for labor before then.
Experience Number Two: My VBAC
The night before my due date, I had come to terms with the likelihood of not achieving my VBAC. There are definitely upsides to a scheduled C-section, especially when planning for childcare for an older sibling.
Then, labor began. I tucked Jake into bed for the last time as an only child and off we went to the hospital. After a long night of contractions, my water broke at 7 AM. By 9 AM, I was blissfully numb thanks to an epidural, and by noon, my doctor arrived to prepare me for pushing.
Expecting a classic lengthy labor, we were surprised when my OB said she could already feel the baby’s head. After less than ten minutes of pushing, she announced, “it’s a boy!” and placed our son, Ethan, on my chest. This was the best part of having a vaginal birth. Unlike my daughter’s birth, when I spent the first hour in recovery being stitched up, I got to enjoy immediate skin-to-skin bonding with my son.
C-Section vs. VBAC: A Difficult Comparison
Comparing the recovery from my C-section and my VBAC isn’t straightforward. With nearly three years between births and the hormone Oxytocin fogging my memories, I’m not entirely sure of the specifics.
I do remember that it took longer to feel like myself after my C-section compared to my son’s birth. I was grateful to lift my daughter without restrictions, and I only needed Motrin to ease any discomfort.
What I can say with absolute certainty is that neither option is “the easy way out.” Reflecting on both experiences, I remain in awe of what our bodies can achieve and the strength I found within to bring my little ones into this world.
Final Thoughts
For those considering a VBAC (or even anyone preparing for childbirth), here are a few tips:
- Choose a supportive doctor. My OB guided me through every decision and alleviated my anxiety. Every expectant mother deserves that respect from their provider.
- Trust your instincts. You’ll likely receive tons of unsolicited advice about everything related to parenting. Ultimately, this decision should be made between you and your doctor.
- Stay flexible with your birth plan. I was fortunate to have a successful VBAC, but no matter how your child enters the world, it will be magical (and a bit traumatic).
If you have thoughts on C-sections versus VBACs, share your experiences in the comments below. For those pondering whether to try for a VBAC or opt for another C-section, check out this insightful discussion.
Summary: This personal narrative shares the contrasting experiences of a C-section and a VBAC, highlighting the emotional journeys and recovery processes associated with each. The author emphasizes the importance of having a supportive doctor, trusting one’s instincts, and staying flexible throughout the childbirth process.