Subsequent pregnancies AND 'classes' for a 6 month old.

[Ruth_Baldock]

1) Because, by nature, I'm a bit of a planner I am already thinking about my next pregnancy. Me and DH are looking to start trying for Baby Number 2 in December, putting at least 21 months between both babies. We're insane, clearly. I had an awful failed induction, an emergency c-section all served up with a side of PTSD with the birth of my son and this makes me worried about my next baby's birth. I can ether try for a HBAC or go straight for a scheduled c-section. I can't have an epidural or pethidine (fab) and I am terrified yet ANOTHER failed homebirth will send me into the state I was in last time (half mad for about 4 months). C-section ladies, what would/did you do???

2) Aforementioned son is 6 months, and probably getting bored of me now. We meet up casually with other Mum's and their babies regularly, and a fab bunch they are too, but I am wondering how he'd like Sing and Sign or things like that. Whats out there, and what can you recommend? I am incredibly awkward but willing to give anything a go for darling son.

Oh, following up from my 'allergies' post- we gave him pitta and regular bread. Alls well. Cheese was also a hit. Hurrah, thanks EDF!

[littleEDfamily]

2) I don't think your baby is bored of you (I truly believed this too!). No need from his perspective for Sing and Sign or similar 'stimulation' as I am sure you do a great job yourself, but it can be an enjoyable thing to do together nonetheless - just don't feel you should have to do things like that. I liked Whippersnappers and Tin Pan Annie, though (gets expensive though).

1) If I were you, I would go planned C section for the next one and be done with it. As one of my best friends said when I light heartedly suggested having a C section (after a first natural birth) - "you don't want to be messed up at both ends". That said, I'm not meaning to be flippant about the risks of C-section and I whole heartedly admire and support women who strive for a VBAC, but you asked what we would personally do!

Good luck it all!

[Smiler]

Hi Ruth,

If you are the type of person who likes lots of information, there is some useful NICE summary guidance on C-sections, which includes a table highlighting the pros and cons on C-section vs VBAC.

http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byTopic&o=7252&set=true

http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG13 (I read the summary)

The medics/midwives seem reluctant to agree to planned C-sections after a first C-section - all the talk / encouragement in my case has been about (hospital) VBAC, though they haven't really explained why. Not sure how much choice there actually is. I have personally found the NICE guidance helpful - basically, there seem to be a lot more risks for the mother with a second C-section than with a VBAC. I am going to try for the VBAC, though with trepidation!