How to Have a Successful VBAC

With many unnecessary cesareans happening in today's society, women need to learn how to stand up for themselves, their bodies, and their babies! Vaginal Births After Cesareans (VBAC) are becoming more and more rare in society today. You need to first educate yourself well before going into a VBAC. I also think many women are uneducated when going into their first birth experience as well. Here are some tips to make sure that you can avoid another repeat cesarean and have the birthing experience you want. Not all physicians are out to make sure you have a cesarean, but be aware, some of them do a cesarean out of convenience for themselves! EDUCATE YOURSELF!

-Make sure your doctor or midwife is pro-VBAC! I made this mistake and ended up needing a new physician with four weeks left until my due date. I told him in the beginning that I wanted to do a VBAC, he said he would work with me, then at the end he told me absolutely not, then told me to find another physician if I didn't do a repeat cesarean. It was devastating and scary, but I found someone quickly and am thrilled that I did. Make sure you ask all the questions you need and make sure you find out what their success rate is for VBAC patients....even if your physician says they do VBACs, many times they are not willing to let you work at it for very long, so asking their success is vital to knowing how supportive they really are of the VBAC.

-Hire a doula! This labor assistant is worth every penny! Make sure you do your research and get referrals on a doula before hiring her. The doula will keep you calm and make sure you are reminded of your wishes. They are very active in helping you attain that VBAC and are a wealth of information. I will never have another baby without a doula again!

-If you and the baby are fine, don't give into a cesarean. Remember that you are in control of your labor, and if you and the baby are fine, you can let the doctor know that you do not want a cesarean. They often pressure you because of liability, so keep that in mind. Always remember that you and your baby are at risk by turning them down, so make sure you are aware of your actions.

-Don't allow pitocin or any cervix softening agents to be used if you've had a previous cesarean. They put stress on your old scar and the softening agents will make you scar soften, making it easier to have a uterine rupture.

-Labor as long as possible at home. Your doula will come to your home while you labor and keep you calm during this time. Many times, there is no need to rush off to the hospital yet, so just be "comfortable" at home until you absolutely need to go.

-Positioning of the baby is so important. Have your doula give you exercises to do at home to make sure that baby gets into the right position for delivery!

-On the day you go into labor, if you are not happy with the nurse you have been assigned, it is within your rights to ask for another nurse! Some nurses aren't too pro-VBAC, so make sure that the nurse you have is willing to everything they can to get your vaginal birth experience.

-Visualization helps so much! Just visualizing that birth happening will help it happen! I believe it helps you to push and just be in the right position.

-Get into shape. Nothing helps more than to have a healthy body at the time of a birth that could be difficult.

-Last but not least, believe you can do it. Don't just "try" for a VBAC, plan on it. A lot of your doubts and fears will prevent you from having the birth you want. It is important to be strong in your beliefs, too, with your physician or midwife. Keep yourself positive.

As with any birth experience, you need to remember that there are increased risks involved with having a VBAC. Don't let anyone tell you that it cannot be done, but make sure you do your homework and get yourself prepared for anything that might happen. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask all the right questions. If your physician is pro-VBAC, they will make sure you are going to stay healthy! GOOD LUCK! It's so worth it! I'm speaking from experience!