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While the general rule at one time was “once a cesarean, always a cesarean,” that way of thinking isn’t true anymore. With the option of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC), women who have had a c-section aren’t destined to have another. However, VBACs have been on the decline in recent years.

“It’s been more discussed in the last 25 years, but the number has gone down,” said Dr. Karl Schwartz, a Munster Obstetrician/Gynecologist. “It’s not as commonly seen as it was 10 years ago and 15 years ago.” It’s a change he said has resulted from the liability involved. While uterine rupture is rare, it is a risk that comes with the procedure that can involve fetal brain damage and even death.

Those woman who have a successful VBAC have the advantage of a quicker recovery, less bleeding and a faster return to normal activities, said Schwartz.

According to mothers who have had the procedure, the experience of bringing a child into the world in a more natural way makes the procedure worth it.

“The experience was something I wanted” said Jacque Martin, of Lansing. “The best part of VBAC was the recovery and that I was able to see Devan be delivered.”

Martin’s first child was three weeks overdue. Her daughter, who was 9 pounds, 11 ounces at birth, was delivered as a cesarean section operation when she failed to dilate and her cervix hadn’t thinned.

Although she acknowledged that c-sections are often necessary, she said delivering naturally was well worth it as she experienced a much easier recovery.

“I did not miss not being able to sit up or walk around easily, having some discomfort when I held Devan and just not feeling like myself for a full seven months,” Martin said.

Martin was introduced to the idea of the VBAC procedure by reading a newspaper article.

“I then attended a couple of VBAC support meetings. That is when I knew I wanted to be given the chance to experience a vaginal birth,” she said.

“The recovery was easier and quicker. The experience in itself was something I wanted.”

Kathy Lash, a Lansing mother of two, echoed those thoughts. “The experience was great,” she said. “I’m glad I had one.”

After giving birth to her son through an emergency c-section, Lash was interested in having a natural birth the next time. She wasn’t awake to see her first child enter the world or hear the baby’s first cries and she craved that experience when she became pregnant again.

“Throughout the second pregnancy, I remember being anxious with anticipation. VBAC is not without risk,” she said.

Most of the doctors in the practice were supportive of VBAC, but she was nervous about how things would go when she was actually in the delivery room.

“The doctor was unbelievably patient and right there by my side throughout,” she said.

Lash was happy with her decision to be able to deliver her daughter without having major abdominal surgery.

Each experience brought different emotions.

“With the emergency c-section, I was very scared. Afterwards, I felt disconnected. I was now a mom but I wasn’t there to see him enter the world,” Lash said. With the natural birth, I was part of the game and was very calm. Afterwards, I felt very satisfied hearing her first cry and holding her for the very first time.”

She also reported that her recovery was smoother following her second birth, an advantage that she also appreciated about the VBAC process.

VBAC is a procedure Schwartz said has to be taken on a case-by-case basis and that it’s often possible for a female who has had a low-transverse incision and one previous c-section to have a successful VBAC.

When women have had more than one c-section or have other underlying issues, an attempt can be made, but the possibility of a repeat c-section is greater.

“Mainly, I try to find out why they had a c-section in the first place. I get copy of the operative report and sit down with them in the office so you’re not doing it when they’re in labor,” he said.

He recommended discussing your wishes with your doctor early in the pregnancy so an informed decision can be made.