Share your VBAC birth stories!

[BananaHammock23]

I'm pregnant with my second and hoping to have a VBAC after a traumatic premature c section with DS. Would love to hear some birth stories if anyone is up for sharing!

[mrssunshinexxx]

F
Aiming for vba2c in October

[CTW23]

Oooo any excuse to tell mine!

Elective c section at 40 weeks 2 years ago for breech (2 x ecvs unsuccessful). It was ok but I struggled with the recovery. I just couldn't imagine being able to lift my toddler after another one.

So I opted for a VBAC. I had a sweep at 39 weeks (they agreed for an early one as I had booked a caesarean at 41 incase I didn't labour). After that I had a few niggles but no proper contractions. The next night I had irregular tightenings which were uncomfortable so I got out of bed an wondered around down stairs and eventually fell asleep on the sofa. They weren't really painful just uncomfortable

The next day we went out as a family and I was having irregular period like cramps every 15-30 minutes or so. We went home and rested. They continued to stop and start. At dinner time they remained mild but more frequent. I had dinner then went for an early night.

At 11pm my waters broke but the tightening stopped. I slowly made my way to hospital for an assessment and when I got there they ramped up quite a lot and were 1-2 in 10 minutes. I needed the tens machine now. I was examined and was 3cm. I agreed to go home.

As the paperwork and monitoring was being finished they got much stronger. 3in 10 and I continued to use the tens and breathing.

Because they had got more intense they agreed to let me move to labour ward as I wanted epidural.

When I got to the room I was mobilising and using the gas and felt lots of pressure. I was examined and was 10cm! They still agreed to do the epidural but it didn't really work.

The pressure got stronger and stronger and I couldn't help but push. I was on my side and the midwife was really supportive. The baby was born vaginally and straight to me. Delayed cord clamping and skin to skin. Intact perineum but some labial tears which were stitched and feel fine.

Because the epidural didn't work I just got up and showered! Then a few hours later we were home. I walked to the car, felt amazing! I took it easy but the recovery was worlds away

I was lucky, I didn't have any complications or tears, but I think the recovery was just amazing in comparison

Good luck!

[mrssunshinexxx]

@CTW23 I want your birth this time !!!

[Musomama1]

Any excuse here too!

Had a planned c section first time as I had a birth condition that required it. The recovery was excruciating and something I did not want to revisit.

Even though I was extremely nervy of a vaginal birth I found myself quietly asking for a VBAC in second pregnancy. I was induced at 40 weeks as I had GD, I had a drip induction and had an epidural.

My epidural was a bit weird and not 100% , I could still feel the contractions but I'm sure it took the edge off & I got in the breathing zone for 8 hours - it was exhausting but an incredibly empowering experience. Proudest moment ever was pushing my beautiful baby out (having had a little incision). An experience I never thought I'd be able to handle.

It was amazing, good luck OP, oh and the staff get very excited if they can chalk up another VBAC on their stats!

[mrssunshinexxx]

Another amazing story @Musomama1 I'll be vba2c so hopefully. I have someone amazing looking after me

[CTW23]

I hope your VBAC goes well! ❤️ no regrets here at all. Hope it goes well for you no matter what the mode of birth!

[BananaHammock23]

Thanks for sharing @Musomama1 and @CTW23! Really struggling with the midwife care at my hospital this week and have been thinking about going for another ELCS at another hospital, but feel inspired to push through for a VBAC x

[Musomama1]

Good luck OP whichever way you go in the end.

[mrssunshinexxx]

Defo worth switching care if you aren't feeling supported @BananaHammock23 don't let them make you waiver on the brith you want though you can do this