I was induced with my first due to a leak in my waters, and after almost 48 hours of labor that ended in a C-section.

While in theater during the section, the attending midwife said that I would probably never be able to birth a baby larger than 6lb vaginally, and my surgical notes specifically said "candidate for TOLAC but unlikely to succeed due to prominent ischial spines" (form of CPD). My first was 8lb10.5oz.

This time around I was dead set on a VBAC, we hired an amazing doula, did a bunch of research and found VBAC friendly providers.

Got a membrane sweep at 39w4d at 1cm and soft, contractions started that night and true labor kicked off the next day. I ended up getting an epidural (not my plan) when we got to the hospital since baby was malpositioned and the contractions were excruciating. I didn't want to wear my body out like I did during labor before my first c section so I opted for the epi so I could rest and save my energy. I slept as much as possible, kept hydrated and snuck a few bites of food here and there to stay strong. Alternated side lying with a peanut ball and pillows propped under my feet. Stalled out at 7cm and decided to go ahead and break my water as baby was low and in a good position. Got a low dose of pitocin and quickly got to 10cm. My epidural was great and I could move around really well and feel pressure in my bum as baby started to move down. It was crazy being able to feel him with every contraction. Pushed side lying, and with squat bar on bed for a bit over an hour. Baby came out perfectly positioned (first was OP). Doctor delivering him and my doula used warm compresses and lube on my perineum to ease delivery and I only got a 1st degree tear that required a couple stitches!

7lb9.6oz 19in with 35cm head

I hope this gives hope to any woman hoping for a VBAC after being told that the baby just "won't fit". You were made to do this!! Don't give up hope.