Successful VBAC 20 months after planned C-section
Got my VBAC! The positive stories in this group really helped me go into everything with a peace of mind so wanted to share mine as well.
My first baby was a planned c section due to breech, so my body had never labored before so it was unknown how I would do. Deliveries just under 21 months apart. My due date was August 3rd, got a membrane sweep that day since I was just a cm dilated, and got acupuncture shortly after the sweep. I think I lost my mucus plug throughout that day and next. It had been so hot where I live I had to stop taking my daily walks which was not ideal, but the temp went way down that Tuesday the 4th, so I got out and walked, took my toddler to the park, and felt like I was finally able to get out some pent up anxiety. I did my evening stretches, miles circuit, and took a unisom before bed since I’d been sleeping so badly.
Woke up at 6:30 morning of the 5th (40+2) and knew by 8 I was having real contractions. I probably had some throughout the night too but was able to sleep through them. They were close enough together that my doula told me I could head to hospital and I got there at 10:30. I was worried they were going to send me home to labor more since it felt like it was all moving so quickly but they admitted me at 4cm dilated. Contractions were getting really intense and I got an epidural just before 1pm, water broke while getting the epidural, and was about 6cm at this time. I’m so thankful I got the epidural as it calmed me down & made me able to be more present. Around 4 I had told the nurses I was feeling a lot of pressure in my vagina during contractions but they didn’t check dilation and said to let them know when the pressure was constant and not just during a contraction. While they were changing my position the nurse noticed babies head and was like oh wow let me go get your doctor because it’s time to push! So I pushed for about 23 mins, could feel the contractions and pressure to push effectively just fine despite the epidural, and baby girl was here by 5:15! It felt kind of surreal with how quickly it all progressed and I was in awe of my own body for doing exactly what it needed so well for me. I went into this all expecting it would be a long labor since it would be technically like a first child for me. Had a just under 2nd degree tear since her head was kind of big. She weighed 7lb 6oz, is perfectly healthy, and I’m recovering well and soaking it all in.
Things I did to prepare- chiropractor, pelvic floor pt about 5 times prior, some prenatal yoga, acupuncture, some perineal massages, dates, red raspberry tea, some pumping, yoga ball, evening stretches/miles circuit at the end. I do think I was starting to over stress at the end about not going into labor spontaneously, and the day before just making an effort to mentally decompress, take some walks, and stop overthinking it helped me finally do it. I’m sure the membrane sweep and acupuncture helped it along too.
You can have the redemptive and smooth VBAC of your dreams like me! Wishing you all the best of luck!