Preparing Your Body and Mind for a VBAC + Positive VBAC Birth Story

[@sparklesavior]

I just had my VBAC in December! It was such a great experience. My first was a C-section due to fetal distress so I was worried that I’d be paranoid about baby’s heart rate through my entire labor but my nurses were amazing and even when certain positions caused baby to fall off the monitor, they never made me feel frantic or that it was anything urgent. They just adjusted the monitor and I kept laboring and there was no stress. I think what was most vital for me achieving this VBAC was having an incredibly supportive team around me. I switched providers to a midwife practice that delivers at a different hospital and that made all the difference. I also hired a doula this time and she was incredible. I was disappointed to need to be induced after waiting so long for spontaneous labor (41+5 and he was born the next day at 41+6), but I ended up being so grateful because I had the best nurse. I was worried pitocin contractions would be too painful to handle but I was still able to cope well through labor without any pain medicine. To anyone considering a VBAC, know that you are not broken, and your body was made to do this. You can do hard things.

[@Nurse_zabe]

What a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing it. I’m glad you had such a great team supporting you in your VBAC journey. 💕

[@CarolineNotCarolynBoyd]

Honestly if your doc isn't supportive of vbac or movement during labor they aren't up to date on the research and probably not the safest person to deliver your child. It's scary to me what passes for acceptable maternity care in our country 😢

[@SamanthaCharbonneau-c5r]

Your hair looks great!! I just had a successful VBAC 16 weeks ago 🎉 It honestly was such an amazing experience, and my provider(s) were so incredibly supportive throughout the entire journey. From my very first pregnancy appointment thru the birth. I spontaneously went into labor with my first at 35+5 and ended up having an unplanned c section because he was frank breech. The recovery from the VBAC was a night and day difference for me. I felt great within just a few short days. I love your videos and tried to educate my self as much as possible about each step of TTC, pregnancy, and L&D and I feel that also really helped.

[@erinw6726]

I absolutely love how you intentionally use language that is more neutral or positive when discussing what occurred during birth/in the records.

[@Nurse_zabe]

I think language matters so much, and it seems like whenever we talk about birth the terms can be SO negative 😞

[@kcc808]

I’m expecting my second in late May and next month I plan on discussing with my new OB to see if I can be a good candidate for a VBAC although now I’m accepting I’ll most likely have another c-section. My first was a traumatizing experience for both my husband and myself so I’m praying if a second C-section is my outcome, it’ll be much more positive than the first time. I’m so happy to be able to listen to your videos again as they helped me so much in 2021/2022. 💜

[@AsiaAndrea]

hey, I'd love an update if you don't mind. I'm due early Sept and my goal is to have a successful vbac.

[@kcc808]

@@AsiaAndrea Hi there! I had to have a scheduled c-section. The main reason for this was my existing OB who performed my c-section did a 1 layer closure for my incision and my new OB wanted to have a 2 layer closure before they could consider a VBAC. I had no clue this was something I needed to know. It sucks because my first OB took the VBAC option away from me without me knowing. So ask your current OB to go over your charts to see if you’re a good candidate for one! I will say having a scheduled c-section vs an emergency c-section was so much better not only for my recovery but for my mental health and postpartum. It was a huge difference in a positive way. Best of luck to you mama!!

[@kcc808]

@@AsiaAndrea I also wanted to add I needed to deliver at 37 weeks instead of 39 weeks due to other health issues I experienced so I hope your outcome will be a successful VBAC. 💜

[@alena4212]

Thank you for the video!! I had 2 cesareans and really hope for a VBAC on my 3rd. My 1st in Dec 2021 I was very ill, had pneumonia, respiratory failure and ended up in a coma so my daughter was delivered via cesarean at 33 weeks. My 2nd in July of 2023 we switched facilities and doctors because I HATED my facility and the OB’s I seen. My primary OB saw me for years and could never remember my name or why my baby was born early. At every appointment she needed a whole run down. I seen another OB (same facility) who told me everything that happened in my first delivery had happened to me in my 2nd one. So we switched lol My new OB was amazing and supportive of my having a VBAC. I went 40 weeks with zero dilation, my doctor could not even do a membrane sweep and I wasn’t eligible for induction. She was going to let me go to 41 weeks and the only reason we decided not too was due to my mom being able to watch our toddler so we had to schedule a c-section. My hospital was in the town over from our house so we needed someone to stay home with our toddler because driving back-and-forth was not an option. Sometimes I wish I would have waited another week but my husband said we made the best decision. After my delivery my doctor said, my baby was still very high up, and did not even begin descending. I did everything I could possibly do, tried spinning babies, exercise ball, dates, raspberry leaf tea, walking every day etc. I just want to have a normal delivery and birth my own baby. I really appreciate you taking the time to make this content. Your hair looks great btw 😍

[@Nurse_zabe]

It really sounds like you had a great team and did all of the things. Sometimes all we can do is our all when it comes to labor and birth. Prep is so important even if it’s just to help you feel secure in whatever decision you make!

[@Nurse_zabe]

And thanks about the hair! When I wear it curly I never know what it’s going to do 😅

[@lilliexo_9368]

omg finally!! i had 2 c-sections! my second wasn’t necessary , my OBGYN always recommended VBAC, when i was in the hospital with my second baby the Labor and delivery doctor on call talked me into having another C-section, for my 3rd baby i was NOT saying NO to a vbac! the doctor on call that night spent 25 mins explaining to me why i shouldn’t do a VBAC, mind you my first c-section was because of the babies heart rate dropping, i’ve had 2 successful VBACs since having my 3rd baby, 2 c-sections & 2 VBACS and having my 3rd VBAC in december 🤞 stand up for yourself!! and stick to your gut!

[@acceleration1146]

All the best I had 2x c-sections too now I am not sure please let us know how you go. My best wishes to you ❤

[@kristinvonthelen8850]

Excellent, well rounded, balanced informative. Great job Elizabeth handling a huge topic.

[@franziskamaaen9775]

So glad you're back!

[@Nurse_zabe]

So happy to be back! Trying to have weekly uploads. We’ll see how that goes! 💕

[@savannahcarlon7033]

So happy to see you back!!❤

[@addiisaurusrex6410]

I had a VBA2C. It was an OK labor but the postpartum care was severely lacking, and then I hemorrhaged in my hotel room (because I delivered 2 hours from home and my son was in the NICU). I do kind of wish I would've had a C-Section because then I would've had better pain control and better care altogether.

[@kelly1827]

I'm so sorry that happened, and that you had to be recovering in a strange environment. I hope you're able to work thru it and come to a place of peace.

[@samanthah2226]

Yay! Back for more videos. I just found out I am pregnant with baby number 3, and hoping for a vbac. Had a vaginal for my first, and c section for my second (cord prolapse after 4 days of induction).

[@fraupoppy]

My daughter is one year and seven months now. I am currently 32 weeks pregnant and my due date is at the end of March. When I gave birth I experienced surges for several days but was sent away everytime. Given it was peak covid time, so when I finally got to stay at the hospital, I was left alone a lot, as there were 5 laboring women at the same time but only one labor and delivery nurse in charge. My super helpful husband decided that he had not had enough sleep for the last nights, went home and left me there. I was alone, scared, overwhelmed and in so much pain. Also, I knew my daughter (though I was 38 weeks pregnant at the time) was supposedly only 2500 g. Well, the nurse put me on a monitor that tied me to a hospital bed. No real movement possible. She popped in to look at the monitor or do a vaginal exam now and then, not really answering questions. The examinations went from uncomfortable to unbarably painful. I started not being able to cope with the surges but after laboring for over 30 hours my cervix never got to more than 4 cm dilation. Suddenly an ob/gyn popped in, looked at the monitor, did another cervical exam that felt like he was ripping me in half, muttered something that sounded like heartrate ist dropping, I'm not gonna watch this any longer and next thing I knew I was being prepared for the cesarian. Girl was born at 2370 g. I later was informed that the umbellical cord was tangled around her neck twice. I had to stay in hospital for 4 days, where no one was willing to listen to me when I was trying to tell them, that I was experiencing the headache from hell. After 3 days they finally took me seriously and I was diagnosed with a spinal headache as a result of the anestesia. I still feel like I failed my daughter. I wanted a natural birth so bad, but I just wasn't strong enough. I don't want that to repeat with the birth of my son. Needless to say, I won't set another foot in that hospital. I still start shaking whenever I have to drive by that building. I've been listening to hypnobirthing meditations on a daily basis, try to stay more active which was impossible last time due to severe nausea throughout the pregnancy, wrote a wish list of all the things I expect my husband to do this time and there will be a doctor's appointment at my chosen hospital so I can inform them on things I want and things I don't want. For example no one ever offered me an epidural, that I would have loved to at least try. Furthermore I plan on laboring at home for as long as possible and I asked my Mom to be my birth partner as well. I pray, I don't have to go through that ordeal a second time. I know it's stupid, but I feel like I need this to redeem myself because I feel like such a failure. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. Hearing you talk about the vbac of your sister in law gave me so much hope. Thank you!

[@Mayjse]

I feel you. Pregnant with my second and the first was a cesearian due to retarded growth of baby (1950g. at birth). I was cared so well for before the birth in hospital but after it I was just abandoned by the hospital staff and my husband due to work obligations. So it was really rough. I feel you so hard. I hope your second delivery was much smoother and an VBAC. I will pray that everything will work out dor you

[@SavPMA]

I had a c-section because her heart rate kept dropping, turned out the cord was around her neck! I ended up getting cellulitis though in my incision :( it was a rough recovery but I loved my nurses and my OB has always been amazing. She didnt do the c-section as she wasn't at the hospital yet since her shift hadn't begun

[@sherrilynnxo]

My baby was delivered via c-section after 5 day induction that did not get my past 4-5cm. I was induced because my BMI was over 40. I really really struggles with that. I was perfectly healthy no diabetes no hypertension baby was measuring 7ish to 8ish pounds passing all the maternal fetal assessments without any issue. I kept asking everybody why i HAD to be induced based on BMI when i and my baby were feeling good and doing well. The response was "the research shows higher incidence of still birth". I didnt know what to say to combat that honestly. Im a Registered Nurse working in critical care so i understand research but i also had pretty high anxiety as i felt (before i even got pregnant) i was going to be judged for me weight, and in the end i guess i was. I did two rounds of cervadil, a foley attempt which i bled from "the same as if i had given birth" no sleep after that. Then they broke my water and put me on the drip. I was doing everything to avoid an epidural so i was completely exhausted. Finally 8am after laboring all night and zero progression (heart breaking) i finally got an epidural and went to sleep for 4 hours to which they said my 24 hours were up since breaking mt water and i hadnt progressed so csection it was. I would LOVE a VBAC the next time i get pregnant, but i just dont see them offering or working with me on that, as my BMI is still over 40. I am in a small province in canada, so options are limites honestly. So so sad. I feel like i was forced to try to get her out when we were doing just fine.

[@DajanaKennedy]

I’m going for a vb2ac, I’m currently 38 weeks pregnant and pregnancy has been going very well, however baby just turned posterior hopefully this doesn’t mess up all my plans

[@sweetpea7292]

I was induced with my first on my due date (my choice, I was miserable and afraid I wouldn’t go into labor on my own before induction was longer as safe) but he was sunny side up and kept getting stuck so we had to do a c-section. I would love to attempt tolac. Right now the plan is to wait and see if I go into labor and my own and go for it if I do since induction after C-section increases risks. My fear is that my body just doesn’t know what to and I won’t go into labor on my own and won’t even get to try. My doctor is so supportive and wonderful I know I can trust her. I don’t trust my body. Baby 2 is Due May 10th.

[@dbarbeau15]

I am really hoping for a vbac, due April 2025. I still carry a lot of baggage and shame from the first. I had gbs and baby was stuck so wasn't progressing even though my body was and time was limited. I was told I did everything I could but I still feel like I failed or could've done more somehow. I know my mental/emotional state is going to be so important to make a vbac succesful, I'm just really scared. Plus, I was unable to have a midwife this time round, I've been put on waitlists in every midwifery in the city. I was lucky enough to meet with the OB at the same hospital I went to the first time, because I the nurses and staff there were really nice and supportive. And the OB that performed my cesarian encouraged me to try for a vbac, but he's retired now. This new OB however seems open to trying and has had many succesful vbacs, so I am hopeful and I am determined to be more informed and prepared for whatever outcome. Thanks for sharing your tips, I will be referring back to this video again.

[@elfwife]

Thanks for this!

[@lisagiannoumis3816]

I mean all women should be preparing like this especially first time moms. Preventing an initial CS should be the goal unless youre literally opting to schedule a CS. I also dont like TOLAC, its a trial of labor for everyone, anyone can end up needing a CS no matter hoe many successful vaginal births you have. VBAC mom here, had i known i could prepare with my first childd birth and get him into a better position and potentially avoid my CS i would've tried. Theres simple prep every woman can and should do before any attemped vaginal delivery prior CS or not and i think its a shame its not made common knowledge.

[@kayceagnoli357]

I wish I had known to look at C-section rates before my first baby. The hospital I'm having my second baby at is almost half of that of the first one. I felt like I was forced into a C-section... Pretty sure looking back when the Dr checked my cervix he broke my water on purpose and caused inflammation, since that's when I stopped progressing.

[@Nurse_zabe]

I’m so sorry that your water may have been broken without your consent. That is never ok!

[@nicolewhitaker7371]

THE CLAW FOOT BATH MY DREAM ! 🥹🥹

[@CarolineCarnivorous]

Norway is very hesitant on C-sections (pretty much no such thing as elective, most are emergency). My baby was estimated to be 4,1 kg at birth, and I'm 147 cm tall, and that was not a reason for a C-section 😅 Ended up with one anyway because baby's heartrate dropped to 60. VBAC is the most likely scenario when I get pregnant again, as that seems to be the standard, but I think they would allow a planned C-section if I wanted it. It's VBA2C they most likely won't allow (though can they really deny you? lol). I really wanna experience a regular labor since I only got to 3 cm without even noticing before shit hit the fan. In my birth plan I wrote that I didn't want to be hooked to all the things, but after my experience I don't mind anymore 🙈

[@JenniferRowse]

Thank you so much for making this video! I found it at 39 weeks 2 days with my third pregnancy after 2 c sections. The first time they scared my husband and told him that he will lose his wife and baby if he doesn't get me in for a c section due to uterine rupture. My uterus did NOT rupture since getting my report. I felt the need to push, they told me not to then they said that I stalled the birth. The second time, I got an ultrasound and the doctor scared ME by saying I wouldn't be able to get this baby out naturally... and to just have a planned c section. Almost 9 and 11 years later, I'm pregnant again. I do NOT have a midwife or doctor that supports me. I did pay for a doula for my own support.

[@sarahfisher8844]

I had the same thing as your sister got stuck at 7 cm my son didn’t handle the Pitocin and I had preeclampsia then the hospital didn’t grant me my psych meds that I needed to stay sane (mind you I have chronic anxiety and depression

[@CiaraMcCormick-f2b]

attempting a vbac in 3 weeks and I was lucky enough to find the “vbac guru” of where I live howeverrrrrrr he’s stating that per the hospitals rules, I have to have an epidural placed immediately after being admitted to a laboring room because in the event that a c section is needed they “won’t have time to place a spinal” i’m afraid this is going to prolong labor since i’ll be confined to a bed 😭😭

[@sparklesavior]

Good luck! I hope you get your VBAC! Also, they cannot force you to get an epidural so even if it’s what is standard for them, if you don’t want one or just aren’t ready for it immediately upon arrival, then don’t get it. If a true emergency were to come up they wouldn’t have time to up your epidural enough for a C-section anyways. Your doctor is using scare tactics and that’s really icky. Stand your ground if that’s not what you want. BUT, if you do get the epidural early on, there are lots of different positions you can do that will help labor to continue progressing even though you will be confined to the bed.

[@Yanellysantos]

Thank you ❤

[@Nurse_zabe]

❤️❤️

[@inderpreetdhandi]

Hi zabe, m currently 38+6 week pregnant and this is my 2nd baby. My doc is supportive but i did get labour till now. M worried 🙁 bcz she said she can't induced me. Can induction is possible in vbac? Please reply

[@Nurse_zabe]

VBACs can be induced with pitocin, but it does slightly increase some risks. Some physicians aren’t comfortable doing so, but ACOG does support it. You still have time for labor to start naturally too 💕

[@BarbaraYoung-n5q]

Rodriguez Helen Hall Richard Johnson Helen