VBAC

I don't have experience with VBAC (or "natural" childbirth, either...bless my anesthesiologist(s)!) but the one bit of advice I would offer you is to get the right medical team! From what I've read, it seems as if whether-or-not you "can" deliver naturally and safely depends largly on whether-or-not your doctor is a supporter of VBAC.

Write a clear birth plan and share it with everyone involved, too...just so they understand your expectations. A doula to act as your advocate (when you become distracted ) may also be a good way to keep the medical team focused on YOUR wishes.

I guess my advice boils down to "build a team of supporters!"

Again, welcome to TNH!

Blessings,
Lenora
"...if woman's work is never done, why bother about how much of it [isn't] getting done at any given moment?"
~ Claire Fraser in The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

I can't comment on the VBAC part, but I can comment on the no pain killers part. Both of my children were born without pain killers or an epidural. I strongly recommend finding a doula. I don't think I could have done it without her helping me refocus when things got um... intense. Your doula also might have resources on VBAC support groups in your area.

I think the hard part will be finding an OB/hospital that will allow VBACs. Many hospitals and doctors are very wary of them because of the insurance risks. However, there are willing doctors/midwives out there, you just have to look for them.

I have not done a VBAC either, but I have had every kind of delivery possible. My first baby was done induced, epidural, vacuum assist, etc. My second and third were both born at out of hospital birth centers with mid-wives in attendance. Both all natural. My fourth and fifth are twins, so no birth center there. They were born c-section. They will likely be the last, so no VBAC for me. But I have to tell you that natural childbirth is both possible and wonderful. I would do it that way over any other in a heartbeat. I would really recommend looking for a midwife. Many of them will do VBACs. You are a lot more likely to get a natural birth if you have someone who believes that natural is best. Also, you might consider taking a Bradley childbirth class if you haven't. If you can't, get some good books on the Bradley method and read them. Good luck!

Lauralyn

Thank you for your advice! I found a really wonderful Childbirth center in my area associated with a very reputable hospital. So, I'll tell you how my first check up with them goes. I want to have a great situation together before I even get pregnant. I read about Bradley extensively during my pregnancy. Hopefully, my midwife will know where I can take a class because last time I could only find Lamaze! Thanks again for the encouragement.

The best advice above is to find a Dr. who will support you. I interviewed 3-4 doctors in my area before finding one that I felt comfortable with, one who I thought wouldn't rush to the knife as soon as something weird happened. Together, the Dr. and I made a birth plan he was comfortable with and that I guided. He wanted a few outs in case I started showing really scary signs, but I wanted to make sure he got my OK before doing anything. He was really good about it. In fact, during checkups leading up to the delivery, he's say things like, "If you go into labor, but find out that I'm not on call yet (he'd come if I called, but hospital policy is to have you checked by the guy who is on) try to do as much labor at home til I get there because so-in-so doesn't like VBACS and may advise you to give up." I was shocked but pleased to find out how on my side he was.
As for natural, well, I tried, but on the third day of labor (yes, started Sunday night, made it to a 1, Monday I made it to a 2, Tuesday a 5) I finally decided on an epidural so I could rest. It was a local one, that I could control via drip button, and I was fully aware of delivery, as I didn't re-dose myself before pushing, and I found the experience of delivery delightful (of course, that was mainly because that meant labor was over), but really, it was a good experience, and I believe a supportive Dr. was the key, and also having an open mind to some meds, even though I only used them for a little while, they helped me be more alert for delivery.

Anyhow, there's my book. Good luck!!! And go for it, it is SO worth it.

Ok, I can't comment on the VBAC. Had all four the "old fashion" way. LOL!

My first birth was long. 24 hours. Had painkillers, they wore off. I knew for my next one I wanted an epidural.

Second birth. I told the nurse I wanted an epidural. She didn't believe me that I was in labor, and by the time she did believe me, it was too late to get anything. Luckily, the birth was much shorter than the first. I labored a total of 12 hours, and about 3 of it hurt really bad. Contractions are like REALLLLY bad menstrual cramps. Or at least that is how it was for me. Humming helps get thru them, but they still hurt like the dickens. Luckily, I only had to push for about 10 minutes (compared to the 3 hours with the first baby).

My next two I had epidurals. I love the epidural. My last baby, who is 8 months old, I managed not to have a single really painful contraction. The last two babies were also short labors, 6 hours and about 12 again. Also, the three that I had used an epidural or painkiller had no adverse side effects. They all nursed like pros and let you know if they didn't want something (like a wet diaper). All but 1 of my children were assisted with a vacuum, but that's because they have such HUGE heads! LOL! My 3 year old wears the same size hat as me (seriously! I went to buy him new boots and a hat at a western store a few months ago and NONE of the kids hats fit him. I'm not going to pay $50 for a adult straw hat for him, so I gave my old Stetson to him! He was 9lb 9oz when he was born!)

The way I figure, at least in my case, you can have a natural childbirth or a less painful one. I've had both and prefer less painful. Either way, as long as the end result is good, it doesn't matter which you choose.

I know from talking to a friend that my drs office doesn't do VBAC. She decided to go to another dr 90 minutes away (we only have one choice here, and only one hospital. No birth centers here, and the only two certified midwives in 90 miles also work at my drs. office and one delivered one of my children). But even though she decided to go to Roswell (yup, THE Roswell, home to aliens), she still ended up having to have an emergency c-section. Talk to a dr. and if you have choices, find one that agrees to what you want to do. However, do whatever is in the best interest of the baby.