Vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC for short, are becoming more and more common. The saying “once a cesarean, always a cesarean” isn’t the case anymore. Mothers who try a VBAC are 80% more likely to have a successful vaginal birth, reducing maternal death rates, avoiding risky abdominal surgery and long hospital stays. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare and plan for a VBAC:
READ, READ and READ some more: Learn and study how to prepare for a vaginal birth.
Some great books to read are:
The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth (Sears Parenting Library) Sears MD, William
The Healthy Pregnancy Book: Month by Month, Everything You Need to Know from America’s Baby Experts (Sears Parenting Library) Sears MD, William
Cut It Out Morris, Theresa
TAKE A BIRTHING CLASS: Taking a birthing class is a great way to prepare for a VBAC. Learn how to cope in labor, make choices before you go into labor and how to make your partner a part of your birth team. There are many options Birth Boot Camp is a great choice! We have out of hospital classes, in hospital classes, comfort measures classes and more! They are comprehensive and you get all the reading materials you’ll need. Partners will be involved and equipped, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and you get to have fun along the way.
GET ADJUSTED: Many cesarean sections are done because of baby’s position or mom’s pelvis being misaligned. Finding a chiropractor certified in the Webster Technique can help you achieve that VBAC. The Webster Technique is a gentle adjustment, making sure that your pelvis is aligned and creating optimal space for your uterus and for your baby. You can read more here.
CHOOSE WISELY: You are in charge! You get to choose your provider and support team. Research, ask around and find a VBAC friendly provider for you. Make sure you ask what their VBAC success rate is. Actions speak louder than words! They can say they’re supportive, but their previous experience will give you the confidence you need. With their support and knowledge, an unnecessary cesarean can be avoided!
HIRE A DOULA: “The doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. Their purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience.” (https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/) Having a doula is a must! They know how to support you, they know how to help your partner feel involved and understand how to comfort you, they know your feelings and what choices you have made and can help you stand by those choices.
POSITIVE VIBES: Surround yourself with positivity! Read VBAC stories, practice positive affirmations, and surround yourself with people who believe in you! Find support groups like ICAN or VBAC Facts. And don’t forget that you are a rockstar goddess who can do ANYTHING!
Kayleigh Searle is an instructor in Shelly, Idaho. She became a BBC Instructor because she believes so strongly that women are rockstars and are capable of so much. “Through learning and discovery about your body and it’s innate abilities, you can have the confidence that you can have an empowering birth. I want to give couples the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and find the care they deserve. I want partners to feel special and included in the birth.” Kayleigh teaches classes at Elevated Life Family Chiropractic in Shelly, Idaho.
