VBAC Question

[KAEKAE]

Hi all, I am pregnant with my second baby, two years ago I had an emergency section failed ventouse and forceps, had every pain relief going plus TENS and I was linked up to a monitor. This time round I have opted for a VBAC in the midwife led unit and I am desperate to give birth naturally I had such a rough time last time and due to also having a toddler to look after.....

Anyway, has anyone had a VBAC? What did you do to prepare? Have you any advice on how to achieve a successful VBAC?

Sorry for spelling BTW typing without contacts in!

Oooh, there are loads of people on here who have had VBACs (and some who've had VBA2 or 3Cs even).

As far as preparation goes, I knew that I had to have an em c-s teh first time as DD1 was facing the wrong way, so I tried to make sure DD2 was round the right way. Did lots of going on all fours etc to get her in the right place. I read a lot about VBAC too. Why did you have the em c-s the first time?

There are quite a few threads on here about VBACs - might be worth running a search. Thre was a good one called "Support for imminent VBACers" or something which had loads of stories on it.

Hope it all goes well

I had a VBAC 6 weeks ago and had a fantastic experience. I did lots of research into the risks of repeat placental abruption (which obviously won't be the case for you) and uterine scar rupture. I did pregnancy yoga to learn breathing techniques and positions to help in early labour. I read a LOT of birth stories to give me lots of courage.

When it came to it I found that the whole labour felt very different- my 1st labour was 18 hours stop/start labour with emcs for foetal distress and placental abruption, while the 2nd was induced by breaking my waters and 4 hours 20 mins later I was holding my daughter. My body just seemed to know what to do and I didn't have to do anything different to the first time except go with it when I reached the 2nd stage (only got to 8cm first time).

I had 2 MWs due to shift changes and neither of them even mentioned the word caesarean; the whole atmosphere in the room was positive and, with the exception of the CFM, I was treated as a normal, natural birth from beginning to end. I do think that if it's going to work it'll work.

Good luck- I hope you get the birth you want. My recovery was much, much quicker than with my CS- I was running around the garden playing football with my toddler just a few days after giving birth.