VBAC or c section

My friend is due to have her 2nd baby soon. With her first, she began with a vaginal birth but ended up having an emergency c section as the baby's head was very big for the birth canal. So far scans have shown this baby looking quite big too and she is due to have a final growth scan. She is unsure whether to go ahead with a vaginal birth, knowing that it could result in complications/an assisted delivery or go for an elective c section instead. She'd ideally like to have another baby in the future and has heard that it is unlikely she would be able to have a vaginal birth after 2 c sections. What are your thoughts please?

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I’ve tried birthing twice and both times resulted in emergency C-section. I’m about to have my third but this time is elective C-section I decided before I even saw a consult. I’m just not even putting my body through that stress again. But also because I only had a C-section last year natural wasn’t really an option anyway

My friend’s sister had 1vaginal birth, 2 C sections then 1VBAC. It is not impossible.

I wonder if they tried to make her switch positions before saying her baby’s head was “too big”. I would go for the VBAC. More benefits with a VBAC and less long term risks. But she would also need to VBAC informed/friendly provider and a birth team that will really help her achieve that with moving during labor and pushing in positions that use gravity etc..

If she tries a v-bac she shouldn’t be pushing on her back! Try on all four or on her side with her leg up. Dr might not like it but she’ll have to advocate for it

Tell her to hire a doula!

I don’t think anyone should be given the power to tell you what to do about your birth. You should know the pros and cons to both and know what you want and do what will be good for you and your conscience.

My first was “too big” and resulted in an “emergency” c section. I was told by the OB that delivered him I’d never have a vaginal delivery and I was just too small. A couple of days later before we were discharged, my midwife in training came in and told me the c section was totally avoidable but the OB threatened her license if she came in to help position me better to avoid it. Less than 2 years later I had an unmedicated VBAC. 2 years after that, another unmedicated VBAC, and 2 years again another unmedicated VBAC. 1 c section, 3 VBACs. After being told it wasn’t possible. I personally advocate hard for that VBAC.

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