From the article: 10 Reasons to Choose VBAC
When planning a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), you probably came across something that was helpful. Did you find any pregnancy books, birth stories or videos that were helpful? Did you take a great childbirth class or hire a doula? What made the difference in your VBAC? Share Your VBAC Tips
Be Honest
- Sharing about your previous birth experience and how it made you feel both physically and emotionally is a great way to heal. It also helps your partner understand you better. My husband was supportive of my VBAC goal but was not actively part of the process until I shared how my unnecessary c-section made me feel and the fear surrounding being taken advantage of again. He started listening better and learning himself. He went to appointments and acknowledged my fears and tried to protect me. We decided together to have our child at home because what providers were pushing us to do was not supported by research. I would have never made it through this experience and the stress brought on by pursuing a VBAC without his support. Had we not had an honest conversation, which I call my breaking point, I don't feel we would have worked together as well and been blessed to have an amazing, intimate birth at home.
- —Guest Mychel
Education, support, and professionals
- So much goes into having a VBAC, the family should be well educated in all aspects of a VBAC including risks and benefits, they need one on one support that nurses cannot provide (hire a good doula who knows her/his way around VBACs) and your medical professionals need to be on board with the idea, if they are not you can switch to someone who is, even last minute.
- —Guest doula brandi
Meg
- STAY HOME STAY HOME STAY HOME. Do it for your FIRST VBAC, don't end up like me, seeking a midwife to take on a VBA2C. I did find one, she was fantastic, but why put yourself in that position?
- —Guest Meg
Hire a midwife
- A midwife will spend the time with you necessary to develop that trusting relationship, can't do a c/section so is motivated for a VBAC, and is more naturally-minded to give you the best opportunity to allow your body to do what you know it is capable of.
- —Guest Anita, CPM
Get a doula
- We hired a doula for our first VBAC, we're waiting on our second VBAC, 3rd baby now. The doula was so helpful and really helped keep everyone calm, even my doctor. She gave us suggestions both before the birth and after. I can't help but think if I'd had her the first time around maybe I wouldn't have had a c-section.
- —Guest GRETA
Pick the Right OB
- Be sure that the OB you are choosing is actually really for VBAC and not just saying yes. My OB said yes and then at the end tried to back and out and scare me into having a repeat c-section. It was working until my husband calmly asked, "What's changed in her health, the baby's health or medical research since you said that VBAC was the best option?" My OB finally had to admit that nothing had changed.
- —Guest LeahT
