The Million Dollar Question: C-Section or VBAC??

  Hey Ya'll

I hope everyone is enjoying their Friday afternoon and is ready for some weekend fun.

I wanted to come on real quick and post about my experience with delivery. Since I had both a cesarean birth and a vaginal birth, I get asked that million dollar question often... Which delivery option do I prefer, c-section or VBAC??

Well, I am honestly going to have to say a vaginal birth is definitely my own personal preference. From the moment I had my first child via an unscheduled cesarean due to the baby's heart rate not being able to tolerate the contractions, I said if it was at all possible, I was going to shoot for a VBAC with my next child. I wanted to feel what it is like to deliver vaginal and I looked forward to that so when I was told I had to have a cesarean, I was crushed. It was like I had an emotional investment in delivering vaginally. I felt I had cheated on delivering; like I had taken the easy way out. Plus, I personally do not like having surgeries.

Here are 3 reasons why I did not want another C-Section:

1. The recovery period after a c-section was a much longer, tedious process for me. At the end of the day, its a surgery, so you are wounded and need healing. To do that plus care for a newborn can be difficult if you don't have the help and support at home.
2. The hospital stay was longer. I stayed at the hospital for 5 days after my c-section.
3. When I was discharged from the hospital, since I did not have the assistance of the nursing staff, it was difficult for me to move around and get in and out of bed. The night feedings were difficult since I had not healed from my surgery and could barely get myself out of bed, My husband had to help me with my personal hygiene.

After the baby came out, the nurses placed her on my chest right away for skin to skin, all bloody and full of icky stuff. My husband was able to cut the umbilical cord. We were both in tears. It was just a magical moment that we did not get to experience with our first child. A moment that will live with me forever.

I just really did not want another surgery again; to have to worry about recovery. I wanted to be able to do all the things I normally do especially since I had a toddler at home to look after as well. Contractions were a b**** to get through but once I had the epidural, it all went well after that. I was able to push the baby out. There was vaginal tearing, I ended up needing 6 stitches but I was walking around like nothing within days of delivery. It was great. I felt like my normal self within about 2 weeks.

I hope this helped you mommies that have found yourself having to make this tough decision. Do what is best for you and your family. There is no right or wrong answer. Talk to your OB to weigh out the options and discuss the health risks. My OB assured me the VBAC was possible since the reason for my first cesarean was not because something was wrong with me. It was the baby that could not handle the contractions.

Feel free to comment below and tell me what you all think. You can also contact me via my social media platforms. I love hearing from you guys. Don't forget to subscribe. Thanks for reading :)

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