What was your experience?
My first birth was a caesar for pre-eclampsia at 35 weeks gestation. My second birth was a failed VBAC, after 16 hours of labour, gas, epidural led to foetal distress so in for a CS. I was 4 cm dilated.
My third child was born after a successful VBA2C - drug and intervention free at the local public hospital.
How did you feel about the process and outcome of having a VBAC?
It was difficult for me to get over the whole 'uterine rupture' issue at first. But once I saw, that although a risk, when put into perspective the risks of something equally catastrophic happening such as cord prolapse were HIGHER than rupture, I felt confident in the safety of VBA2C.
The other big hurdle I had to overcome was the stigma that I needed the care provider with the biggest degree to take care of me. Once I saw that in order to have a natural birth I needed a care provider who specialised in natural birth I was able to enjoy my third pregnancy and look forward to the birth.
I did encounter opposition at the hospital. As a public patient though, I called the shots. I researched everything and was confident in my decisions and abilities to give birth. In saying that, I couldn't have done it without my Doula. She was a wealth of strength and support. She is the reason I am now a trainee Doula.
How difficult was it to find medical support?
For my VBAC I perceived the private system to be supportive, but in reality they were not. For my VBA2C the private system would not support me at all. The public hospital were not happy with me attempting a VBA2C but they had no choice in the matter. I did encounter one OB who was supportive. He had worked in the UK and New Zealand where the model of care for pregnancy and birth is more midwifery led.
What would be your advice or suggestions to women considering a VBAC?
Ooooh boy. Hmmm, how to condense this?!
I say this often, but I'm going to say it again. The single biggest impact on your birth is your Care Provider. Not your Doula, how much yoga you do, how long you labour at home for. Your care provider.
What is their definition of being supportive of VBAC? If it is time limits, lots of vaginal exams, continuous monitoring is that really supportive? Is that evidence based care or fear based care. You wouldn't hire a wedding planner who had a success rate of 20% would you?
What were your partner's reactions/feelings to you having a VBAC?
He thought it was great. He caught our son as he was born. He showed such an enthusiasm for VBAC and never faltered once. He was amazing and a great support during labour and birth.
Were you absolutely thrilled? Did you regret it? Etc.
It was mind blowing. I know all the births of our babies are, but this was euphoric, a sort of 'at one with everything' feeling. I put it down to a totally drug free birth. The thing is, a VBAC is completely achievable. As is a drug free birth.
If you want it, truly want it and will do EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING to have it, it can be yours.
Discuss VBAC stories with other EB members in our forum.
