When you have had the cascade of interventions, the experience of being bullied in labor, or ended up with a planned or unplanned cesarean you know that you have questions that need answered. Most of you will go see the same doctor, unless you have moved or had other reasons to switch your providers. Many of you will find out that your care provider is less than enthusiastic about you wanting to “try” for a VBAC.
You have questions and want answers, which you should, but will you actually ask your questions? Are you too nervous to have the conversation because your doctor makes you feel inferior any time you ask a question? Here are some ways that you can prepare for your VBAC, that you have control over and will have a huge impact on whether you are successful or not.
The first thing you want to do is actually decide that you truly want to have a vaginal birth after cesarean. If you are undecided in your mind then your body knows it and when the time comes to have your baby your doubts will have a negative effect on your birth experience. Your body can tell when you are unsure and when you are holding fear, this will hinder/stall/interrupt your body's natural progression, which will likely cause intervention, especially in a hospital setting.
Once you have made the decision to go after your VBAC you need to envision your birth and plan it exactly how you want it to happen. Yes, I know this is technically out of your control, but when you have a focus you have more determination on your side. Having your birth plan allows you to better understand the support you will need and expect from your birth team, including your care provider.
Next you have to be determined to find the right care provider for you, the one that meets your needs. This can take time and a lot of effort on your part. You may have to switch medical groups, see multiple doctors, or even consider alternative options such as birthing at home with a midwife, birthkeeper, or traditional birth attendant. Be open to these options as they may be exactly what you need to have the birth you envision.
Stay active in your pregnancy, take care of yourself, be proactive in your care and don’t allow anyone to tell you what you have to do. As soon as you hand over your care to someone else’s decisions for you, you are handing out your power, your focus, and giving up your autonomy as a decision maker. This will ultimately give them more leverage over you as you move through your pregnancy, which is not what you want if you want to have a VBAC.
Protect your mindset, this one may be the most important tip I can give you. So many will come against you and tell you how crazy or dangerous it is for you to have a VBAC. You can listen, you can learn to cut them off, or you can rebuke everything they speak over you by increasing your steadfast belief in your ability to birth your child without medical help. Not allowing people to push their fears on you is setting proper boundaries for your mental state and honey this is your experience, nobody else gets a say in what you want for you, your body, and your baby.
If you have found this information helpful and you would like more encouraging, uplifting, and supportive information like this, I have a community I think you might like! You will find more great tips, empowering birth stories, and the support of a community that will come alongside you through your journey! Click here to join now.
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