Safe Luxury

Can you have a safe home birth after having a C-section?

I would like to have a natural home birth with my baby, its my second pregnancy, but I had a previous C-section when I had my triplet girls. Is it still possible to have a natural home birth that will be safe?

Public Comments

1. I wouldn't, just in case something went wrong you would want the hospital staff there to take care of you and the baby.
2. Why are you asking this again?
3. This would be best to talk to your doctor about. There are certain factors that play into this. 1. How long ago you had your c-section 2. How the C-section was done 3. How low risk your pregnancy is
4. Some OBs say its best to have C-sections for all future pregnancy when you have one. I would assume you would have a midwife to help you. I would talk to her/him and establish a birth plan and see what their thoughts are on this.
5. there is a huge risk of you uterus tearing where the incision was made and causing you to bleed to death or even your scar tearing open. most women who have c-sections end up with another c-section but some women are lucky enough to have vaginal birth but you are better off at the hospital. EDIT*** There is an obvious risk and i for one would never put my life or my unborn childs life at risk just to have a home birth. your safest bet is at a hospital with trained professionals
6. I know many women who have had homebirths after prior c-sections without any problems. You'd want to interview several midwives in your area who are experienced with VBACs and find one you're comfortable with.
7. Yes, it is safe for most women. Most uterine ruptures occur because of induction or labor enhancing drugs. If you have a low-horizontal scar, then you certainly can have a VBAC and you can have it at home. Your c-section reason was not one that is repeating unless of course you get pregnant with multiples again. That said, many states do not permit licensed midwives to attend home VBACs, so you may have to do it yourself. Not a problem so long as you are not far from a hospital and have educated yourself. Very commonly done after VBAC was taken away as a choice for women because of politics and not medical reasons. Call around to find a midwife who can attend you. If you are unsuccessful and if not having a midwife is a concern to you, then call your different hospitals and find out who permits VBAC. Then ask the nurses at the delivery ward which doctors regularly do VBACs. They are your BEST choice to give you the least hassle about a VBAC. In the US, with prenatal care, the primary concern is uncontrolled bleeding. A midwife has drugs to help control bleeding, but you won't have that available to you.