Preparing for your VBAC

With a cesarean birth rate of over 30% in the United States, VBAC has become a huge issue for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time mamas. A cesarean may be done for a number of reasons - fetal distress, "failure to progress", STD's in the mother, "CPD" (cephalopelvic disproportion), and even convenience on the part of the doctor or patient.  This post is not to argue the validity of those reasons, but to help the moms who want to have a vaginal birth the next time around. It is entirely possible, safe, and is good for both mama and baby. I know there are a million and one posts about the various aspects of a VBAC, including benefits, risks, statistics, etc. Instead of rehashing those, I thought I would address how you, as the mama, can prepare yourself for a successful and rewarding birth.

Step 1: Find a Supportive Health Care Provider
This is a biggie. Not all OBGYN's or midwives will take on a VBAC client. It is important to shop around for one who not only will take you as a client, but who will really strive to honor your wishes for your birth (this goes for any birther, not just VBAC'ers). Ideally, this doctor or midwife will have seen and assisted with many VBAC's, because the more comfortable they are with it, the more likely they will be to let your body do it's work without any interventions.

Ask lots of questions when you interview them. How many VBAC's have they attended? How many were successful? Do they believe in inducing, and how long will they "let" you stay pregnant? Are they open to letting you be in different positions to push? How do they support you so that you may have the best outcome?

If they don't meet your standards or you don't feel completely comfortable with them - keep looking! Don't be afraid to find a doctor out of your area. It will be worth an hour's drive when you are having your baby!

Step 2: Stay Healthy
Women who remain healthy, active and fit during pregnancy tend to have easier births. Remember, labor is like a marathon. Your body should be ready to handle the work it will have to do. While you're pregnant, take walks, eat healthy, get chiropractic care, exercise moderately (after discussing with your care provider). Pregnancy yoga classes are a great way to stay flexible and fit, as well as the added bonus of helping you breathe and stay calm. I would recommend this book, "Real Food for Mother and Baby", for a healthy pregnancy diet.

Step 3: Release Fears and/or Past Birth Trauma
Many (but not all) women who have had a past cesarean birth have strong feelings about it. They may feel angry, disappointed, like they failed, or even traumatized. These feelings are completely normal, but they need to be worked through. Find a doula, friend, counselor, someone who you can trust and work through these fears/feelings with. You don't want to be carrying them with you to your next birth, because they will impede the natural work of your body. A scared mind makes a scared body, and a scared body can't give birth the way it needs to. 

Having a doula at your birth can make a huge difference. Doulas can use their knowledge, experience, and relaxation techniques to help you stay calm and at peace. They are a constant source of information, encouragement, and support.

Here is a great article about healing after a past traumatic birth. It mentions hypnosis - I can attest that this works! I have had a few birth clients who have used the Hypnobabies program with great success. This CD from Hypnobabies is just for VBAC mamas.

Step 4: Find Success Stories & Surround Yourself with Positive People
This goes for all pregnant mamas. Be surrounded by positive, not negative!! Don't hang out with the friend who always feels the need to tell you how awful and painful her birth was (or at least ask her to stop talking about it!). Don't watch sensationalized shows like A Baby Story. Politely ask people not to say anything negative about labor, or your pain tolerance, or their own traumatic stories.

Instead, find online forums for other VBAC moms. Connect with moms who have had successful VBACS. Watch youtube videos of VBAC births, or just beautiful births in general. Do pregnancy and birth affirmations. Don't let your own mind talk negatively to you either!!! Tell yourself positive, uplifting, encouraging things.

Step 5: Know Your Resources
Read, read, read. Read some more.
Watch this video, and others like it.

Check out these websites:
www.vbacfacts.com
http://ican-online.org/
http://www.childbirth.org/section/VBACindex.html
http://www.vbac.com/

Read these books:
The VBAC Companion
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Natural Childbirth After Cesarean
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
...and others like them

Check out this article..
VBA3C Study: Vaginal Birth After 3 Cesareans is Safer than Repeat Cesarean

Step 6: Strive for a Natural Birth
The less you mess with it, the better off you'll be. What does this mean? Strive to let labor begin on it's own. Avoid pitocin or other labor inducing drugs. (Pitocin and Misoprostil cause greater risks of uterine rupture in VBACS... and P.S., avoid Misoprostil during ANY birth). While epidurals do not add risk to VBAC itself, they do make it more likely that you will end up with another cesarean for other reasons. Advocate for the ability to move around as needed and wanted during labor, and push in a position that you are comfortable with. Again, this is an area where doulas can be a fabulous help and resource.

Bottom line, VBAC mamas, go for it!! You CAN do this!!!!