to those who had a successful VBAC!!

I did lots and lots of research on statistics about VBACs. I was also very open with my OB. I let her know upfront that was my goal. Any time I had concerns or questions I would voice them with her and we had a very good dialogue in our visits. She was more than happy to talk with me about any concerns I had. My goal was to go all natural and I made sure to keep that known at every visit. Although I didn’t want to, I wound up being induced at 40 +1. Induction automatically increases risk of repeat CSEC so I really wanted to avoid it, but research also showed that the longer you wait passed 40 wks the lower your chances of success. I had a successful VBAC feb. 3 and it was the best decision I ever made. I would not trade the experience for anything! I wish you well. I encourage you to just be open with your OB and dontbe afraid to ask questions. They will be more than happy to answer them and reassure you. I hope you are successful. But remember, even if you aren’t, you’re still a rockstar!

I just had a successful VBAC on 28th March. Couple of things that helped me1. Focus on your nutrition. We all have cravings but I still did my best to balance it out by eating wholesome foods. I ate a lot of healthy fats. Ghee, nuts, avocados , yogurt, milk, eggs, cheese, legumes, salads, protein shakes etc.. 2. Get the best medical care and a VBAC supportive doc. 3. Stay active. Walks. Exercise. Prenatal yoga. Meditation. All were key to helping my body open up and prepare itself for labour. Even though I was cleared for exercise at 8 months.. the last couple of weeks did make a huge difference. 4. Labour support from husband/ mother/ doula etc. Only have those who you are most comfortable with. The others can come after the baby’s birth. 5. Stay hydrated during labour. Request that you be able to snack during labour too. Carry your own. I sipped on electrolyte iced water, coconut water, had a light lunch, a cookie before active labour and raisins while in active labour. Gave me the sustained energy I needed to push the baby out. I pushed for 10-12 minutes. 6. Mentally prepare yourself for both situations. At the same time stay positive and visualise your perfect birth.

I recently joined a FB group that has lots of pinned information that's helpful! it's called VBAC and Birth After Cesarean Facts--Evidence Based Support super long name lol but there's lots of birth stories also.

We refused to let the hospital nurses lay me on my back and hook me up to IV and fetal monitor. I drank LOTS of water throughout the pregnancy and especially while in labor. I had a doula as well, but not sure if she helped more than the doctor though. We found a doctor that was supportive of VBACs and actually had a successful VBAC herself personally. She even fought the nurses from trying to force me to lay down and be hooked up to an IV and told them that would slow my lovely labor progression. I gave birth squatting!

Following as I have to make that decision soon

Educate yourself. Because induction is safer than RCS and ACOG supports that. It also supports waiting until 42+6 weeks for spontaneous labor and then induction over RCS. A lot of times OBs don't listen to ACOG even though they are supposed to. Your best bet is a midwife who delivers in birthing centers or a hospital. I would not see an OB. They are always at the hospital if you need them, but you don't need them for pregnancy care.Cervical checks are a no go. Dilation is not any indication of when you'll go into labor and it leads to more interventions.Find a 100% supportive doctor, but no matter what, arm yourself with facts and be ready to stand up for yourself.I had midwives and had a successful VBAC with spontaneous labor at 40+5 weeks, no pitocin used, no interventions. I did it all on my own after "failure to progress" with my first. There's a group I'm in on Facebook with members from all over and they have so many good facts. I can share the name with you if you would like. It's the best VBAC group and they helped me get my VBAC

Following! Wondering the exact same thing. Hoping to have mine in September 😊

Following!