My VBAC Quest

Here is a list of things that I did in preparation for a VBAC during the pregnancy of my Rainbow baby. Unfortunately, I ended up having a repeat cesarean section/surgical delivery. Therefore, take this information with a grain of salt. Has this stuff worked for others? Absolutely! Do I think everyone needs to do this to have the birth they want? Absolutely NOT!

1. Joined the VBAC Link Facebook Group.

2. Shopped around for a VBAC supportive provider.

   1. Researched what that meant. Learned what questions to ask and what answers would be appropriate.

3. Bought resources about VBACs

   1. Books

   2. Prenatal Yoga DVD

   3. VBAC specific labor prep courses

      1. VBAC Facts Academy

4. Watched Penny Simkin’s Comfort Measures Video

5. Listened to podcasts and watched YouTube videos about natural labor.

6. Gentle Birth app/contraction timer

7. Spinning Babies

8. Chiropractics

9. Acupuncture

10. Prenatal Massage

11. Mile’s Circuit (third trimester)

12. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (third trimester)

13. Dates (third trimester)

14. Pineapple (third trimester)

15. I did not have any growth ultrasounds to check baby’s weight.

Did I do or follow all of the rules for everything in the list above, perfectly? No.

Do I think that if I would have, it may have changed the outcome of my birth? Maybe.

Did I put unnecessary pressure on myself to achieve a VBAC? Probably.

Unfortunately, busy life as a working mom with one toddler at home limited what I could actually accomplish on the list above.

What I think actually helped or made a difference for my pregnancy, labor and delivery:

• Being more active (I had a more active job than before and was more active at home than years prior)

  • I hiked up mountains and curb-walked the week before I went into labor (It was rough, especially in mid to late August!)

• Listening to the Gentle Birth meditations and breathing exercises (This helped me relax prior to every prenatal doctor’s appointment as well.)

• Being more knowledgeable about my rights and birth in general than I was during my first pregnancy.

• Being able to advocate for myself.

• Having more sex in the third trimester (TMI, sorry)

My biggest regret? Not using the money, I spent on some of the resources above, on a doula instead.

What would I do differently in the future if we ever decided to try for a third baby?

• Labor at home as much as possible. (labor in the shower and/or tub)

• Have music playing as well as listen to guided meditations throughout the duration of my labor.

• Try a TENS unit for pain management.

• Hire a doula!