VBAC - your pearls of wisdom please.

[redllamayellowllama]

I had DS 14 months ago. He was back-to-back and presenting at a very funny angle. As such, there wasn't enough pressure on my cervix to get to the pushing stage (or this is how I understand it). After much umm-ing and aah-ing and observing, I had an EMCS on Wednesday after having gone into labour on Sunday. It was a horrible ordeal and I was certainly traumatised by it.

I am, however, very happily pregnant again and my mind has straight away gone to the matter of giving birth.

I was told in the day after DS's birth that I would have no problem having a VBAC, but I'm very nervous at the prospect. I feel like I want to give it a go, but am more scared this time round then I was prior to having DS. Having not actually got to the pushing bit, or been in transition, I've got no idea of the pain levels involved in that part and having experienced 1st stage, I don't know how my body would cope with any worse than that.

Can anyone offer me any words of wisdom/experience? It would be much appreciated.

Has anyone git

Hi, yes I used one by 'Natal Hypnotherapy'. It was the 'Effective home birth preparation' title, even though i wasn't having a homebirth it was fine, as it didn't focus on being at home.

I used this as it was lent to me, but I think they do a specific VBAC one too.

They also have a website

Good luck!

"I anticipate agony!"

I know this is said in jest but anticipating great pain is going to make you very tense and generate fear. Fear doesn't generate confidence - it creates panic.

Not everyone has hideous labours. I don't think giving birth is ever fun but it doesn't have to be a monstrous experience. It is awful for many and not awful at all for many too.

I had one awful experience and then for my last two, I can't actually say it was painful per se. Really uncomfortable but not painful in the sense that I would yell. Crowning made me panic a bit and running out of gas and air also panicked me.

Don't go into wanting a vbac expecting the worst because you'll be all geared up and tense.

Point taken. You are absolutely right.

Thank you again WinkyWinkola, your contributions have been fab and have pointed me to the path I need to be on.