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Q. Hello! I just have a couple of questions. I have just recently had my second cesarean birth (my son Brendan is 4 mos. old) and I am wondering if it is possible for me to try to have a vaginal birth with our next baby. My husband and I are anxious to have another child, as we would like to keep them close together in age. My first cesarean was for a breech baby and my second was an attempt at VBAC, but I didn't progress past 6 cm so a c-section was scheduled. Please let me know if a VBAC is possible this soon after my initial cesarean (we plan to try to get pregnant next month). My doctor has already stated that I should just plan for another c-section because as he said, why go through labor if your just going to end up with a c-section.

Thank you for your time and help.

Kerri M.

A. Kerri,

It doesn't sound to me as if you must have another cesarean. I would encourage you to look into a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) class in your city. This can help you look at the different ways to have a vaginal birth.

As for your doctors comments about why labor and then have a cesarean...as a nursery nurse this is a pet peeve of mine. Labor is generally good for babies. Babies who have had some labor tend to breathe better than those who have had no labor. It also reduces the risk of a premature baby.

I would encourage you, barring any medical reasons, to attempt another vaginal birth. It is much safer for you and the baby.

As for the second cesarean, it is still recommend by the American College of OB/GYNs that a vaginal birth be attempted. I personally have seen VBACs after 4 cesareans.

For help you can contact International Cesarean Awareness Network or consider hiring a doula.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.