What helped you to achieve your VBAC?

[KayKe]

Hi ladies,

I am still in the 1st trimester, but am thinking about the labour already.
I am lucky to have found a very pro VBAC doctor, who actually suggested VBA2C for me.

History: 1st baby - elective c-section due to pelvic disfunction (now, looking back at it, completely unnecessary). 8 years ago

2nd baby - opted for VBAC, but, after more than 36 hours of labour, emergency c-section. In the end, baby had a cord around his neck 3 times, and every time there was a contraction, cord would squeeze and his heartbeat would drop Cervix opened to 7cm before I was rushed to the theater. Pain relief was epidural (after first 24 hours of contractions). 6 years ago. During operation I lost a lot of blood, almost died and it is not the experience I EVER want to repeat.

Now I want to finally have my natural birth. I am good with the fact it will be in the hospital. But, have you got any advice what you did BEFORE labour (during your pregnancy) and during your labour what has lead to a successful VBAC?

Thank you for your replies.

 

[Miss Redknob]

Hope you don't mind that I follow your post.

I had an EMCS after a very long labour and only getting to 4cms. I am booked in for a maternal assisted CS but would love to have a VBAC if I could

 

[Aliop]

I had a VBAC in October I think the biggest thing that helped me achieve it was just being patient. Babies know how and when to be born and all going well, just wait it out until he/she decides the time is right

I think avoiding interventions (inductions etc) is very important. Educate and empower yourself in the lead up. Trust the process. Remind yourself that the 'due date' is not a definitive end, babies are born more than likely at 40+ weeks (a lady in my VBAC group birthed at 43+5 a 10lb 4oz baby girl!) and it is just a guess date.

Good luck

 

[SmartieMeUp]

I had a EmCS in October 2011 at 40+4, failure of progression from 8cm after 43 hours of labour (epidural, diamorphine, gas and air) and baby was stuck in my pelvis and told my pelvis was too small for a natural birth. She was only 7lb 1oz.

Very successful VBAC in June 2015 at 39+6. 20 hours of labour. Stayed at home until I was 4cm (9 hours). Contractions were 2 mins apart so went to hospital, they broke my waters at 6cm. I had same pain relief apart from 3 epidurals which all failed. Was forced to push at 10cm when I didn't feel ready (my body wasn't pushing) for 2 hours. I then felt VERY sore and sharp stabbing pains in my scar, and asked for an assisted birth (vacuum) so I was wheeled into theatre. As they were propping my legs on the stirrups I needed to push. 4 contractions and an episiotomy later she was out, weighing a big 7lb 12oz!

During my midwife and consultant appointments I was very lenient about going over 40 weeks (induction 40+3) and going through a long labour again resulting in another CS. ECS was on the top of my cards but I so wanted a natural birth.
I knew what was ahead of me and I mentally prepared myself for it. Also, from 36 weeks I was inserting EPO (6-7 a night from 39 weeks). MW insisted I went to the hospital as my contractions were so close, but I wanted to stay at home as long as possible to see how much I can cope with on my own. I was bouncing on my ball from 2am until 11am with my earphones in and the TV switched on to distract me. DD1 was rubbing my back from 8am when I had contractions, I felt... calm.

Go in open minded.

 

[Wombat]

Ladies, thank you so much for your replies.

I really do not want another c-section.

Hope I'll manage it.


Btw, it is me, Kayke. Just found this account I made 6 years ago and am using this now.