Well, first of all, huge congrats on your pregnancy! And yes, I always love a VBAC birth! There are so many ways to birth, but one of my favorite births to support is a VBAC (vaginal birth after a prior C-section). Did you know that around 80% of VBAC births are successful in achieving vaginal birth? The chances are even higher depending on where and with whom you choose to give birth.
The big concern people have is uterine rupture, which occurs in less than 1% of healthy pregnancies. Why consider a VBAC? Here’s a short list: avoiding surgery, shorter hospital stay (if birthing there), quicker and easier recovery time, easier transition for the baby, skin-to-skin bonding, you and the baby getting the full flood of all the good birthing hormones, and the baby receiving beneficial microbes by coming through the birth canal.
Here are a few tips to prepare for a VBAC:
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Choose a VBAC-friendly care provider and place of birth: This is probably the most important step. I supported a birth a few weeks ago where my client, who was 39 and a half weeks pregnant, went to her doctor to express how important it was for her to have a chance to birth vaginally. Although the doctor initially seemed supportive, they eventually discouraged her by saying, "Why would you want to ruin your vagina? You seem like a Type A; wouldn't you want to plan this?" The doctor also mentioned that the hospital didn't favor VBACs, which left my client feeling defeated and disempowered. She asked if it was too late to change doctors. I called one of my doctor friends who supports VBACs and works at a hospital that is also supportive. This doctor took over her care the next day, and that night she went into labor and had the most beautiful VBAC ever! The emotional release and joy she and her partner experienced were profound.
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Educate yourself: Learn the facts, read about VBACs, explore if you are a good candidate, know your choices and options, understand the risks and benefits, and read positive VBAC birth stories. Some good books include "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth," "Silent Knife," "Vaginal Birth After Caesarean," and "The VBAC Companion." Remember, knowledge is power.
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Avoid induction if possible: You don’t want to overstimulate the uterus.
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Hire a doula: The American Journal of Managed Care found that continuous support from a doula throughout the birthing process reduces the chance of a C-section by 80%.
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Process any past birth trauma: Find a therapist, somatic bodyworker, doula, or someone you can work with to process your past birth experience. I have seen past traumas resurface during VBACs because it can bring up past wounds.
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If you choose to get an epidural, wait until active labor if possible: Before getting an epidural, you can stand, walk, use a birth ball, and move around using gravity to help your body and baby. Sometimes epidurals can slow down labor if administered too early, necessitating Pitocin to get it going again. By the time you reach active labor, the baby is more engaged in the pelvis, and your body is releasing tons of hormones that will help labor continue. If Pitocin is needed at this point, you won’t be on it for long.
Hope these tips help!
Xoxoxo,
Lori
Here’s a quote from one of my clients about her VBAC experience to help inspire you all:
"I don’t think I have ever been so emotional in my entire life as when I felt my little baby’s head and then pulled her from my body onto my chest. My heart grew tenfold that day. It was a feeling of pure love and joy and overcoming a huge obstacle. I completely lost it when I saw my daughter because she represented everything I wanted. It’s what I dreamt of for years since having a C-section, where despite advocating for myself, I didn’t have the experience I wanted. This time, it was pure magic after tremendous pain and effort. It was extremely difficult, don’t get me wrong. My body was exhausted, but it was worth it all. It was euphoric, and I had this immediate deep connection to my daughter that I don’t know I immediately had with my twins after a C-section. We were on this birth journey together, my daughter and I. I felt so grateful to her for being strong and patient in my body and during her journey to me. I knew my body could do it, and I knew she could do it, so for it all to come together was magical.
I can’t emphasize enough how I was in control this time of both my body and my baby without all these people around deciding when they would hand me my baby after birth. I fought hard to have a successful VBAC, surrounded myself with people who only supported me, and all those emotions just came pouring out when I grabbed my daughter and held her for the first time. I remember thinking, I did it! This time I was in control. No one was taking her from me in that special moment. It may not be for everyone, but I wish this for every woman who wants it, especially to at least be given the choice.
I left my doctor two days before I gave birth because I knew my doctor wasn’t with me 200%. For a VBAC, your doctor and birth team have to be completely on board. They have to be your cheerleader. I’m so lucky my doula never stopped encouraging, empowering, and believing in me. She supported me in my wishes and guided me to the right doctor. My doctor, who I am forever grateful to, took me under his wing at the last possible minute. I was worried it would be taken from me again, but he never lost confidence during labor and kept saying, 'I’ve never been more confident this will happen.' To be so invested as a doctor and to have that continued support and enthusiasm for my birth journey is priceless, especially when I was at my most vulnerable during labor and birth. I wish all women could have the positive supported birth experience that I had.
I even cry writing this because I wanted it so badly, and it took me nine months to believe I could do it. I was scared to think about it because I didn’t want it to be taken away from me. It’s never a guarantee, but if you set yourself up right mentally and with the right team, it can happen. It will be the best moment of your life. I can’t compare it to other births, but as a mom who had a C-section, I am so much more appreciative and grateful, and I don’t take the birthing process for granted." - Kaci Geller
