My VBAC Birth Story – A Triumph of Dedication and Teamwork
I recently gave birth to my second son. It was a whirlwind of an experience but one that changed my life yet again. And I’m so grateful to be writing my Successful VBAC Birth Story because, to be honest, I wasn’t sure it would happen for me.
My first son was born via a surprise C-Section. (If you want to learn more about my first birth, read When You Experience a Traumatic Birth). That left a mark, and I’m not just talking physically. It took me almost all the way to my second pregnancy to recover from the trauma of my first birthing experience.
When I found out that I was pregnant with my second, I knew I wanted to try for a VBAC. My OB told me after my son’s birth that I am a good candidate for it. So I knew this was my goal.
Once my pregnancy was confirmed, my OB jotted down my labor wishes in her notes. Other than that, she treated me like any other low risk second time mom.
My wish for a VBAC started slipping when we discovered my son was breech. He stayed breech till my 36th week appointment and then flipped into a head down position. (Want to know how I helped him? Read Flipping a Breech: My Experience). Things proceeded as normal after that.
After week 38, I kept getting antsy about him not making his appearance. I know it’s silly. Babies usually come on or after their due date. But my first son came early, so I figured my second one will too. Instead, he decided to wait till his due date. What a punctual gentleman.
My OB helped expedite his appearance by doing a cervical stretch. I was terrified of going over and having to have a C-section again. And I’ll be honest, I wish I didn’t. When your OB says that the stretch is uncomfortable, they’re LYING to you!!! It’s not uncomfortable, it’s EXCRUCIATING!!!!! You also bleed and cramp after, which makes it that much more worrisome with a VBAC. On the plus side, it did send me into active labor 36 hours after. But I do wonder if the induction massage helped as well?
My VBAC Labor Process
My labor started similarly to my first one, with my water breaking late in the evening before any serious contractions began. They were manageable for about an hour, and then they decided to take it up ten notches. I went from being able to relieve my pain with a hot shower and counter pressure, to seeing stars every time my contractions peaked. And they peaked and they peaked without much of a break in between. By the time we got to the hospital 2 hours later, I couldn’t move and needed to be wheeled up into the maternity ward.
Epidural was not part of the birth plan. I wanted to FINALLY experience a natural birth. I just didn’t count on the fact that I was going to experience pure hell, also known as back labor, this time around. But I did. And thus my dream of an all natural un-medicated birth went out the window.
I’ll be honest, I’m not very pro-epidural. I think they come with more risks than doctors like to let on, the biggest being stalled labor. However, there are situations where epidurals help the labor process rather than hurt it. It was definitely the case with my labor. My labor was so fast and furious that it needed to be slowed down. Even though I was almost fully dilated by the time I received my epidural, my son was nowhere near ready to be pushed out. He was still hanging out above my pelvis. And I’m not sure I would have been able to push given the level of pain that I was experiencing.
After the epidural came the very needed relief. My contractions didn’t hurt anymore and I was able to relax and allow my son to come down. My doula was helpful in using a peanut ball to help my hips open up while I was resting. After about 6 hours of relaxing, my midwife wanted me to start pushing. My son didn’t descend all the way yet, but I think because this was a VBAC, my midwife wanted to shorten the labor process as much as possible. And so I started pushing.
It started out being an uncomfortable experience. My epidural was not set very high and I wasn’t completely numb. I could feel my legs and could stand on my knees, if I used the bed as support. So I could feel myself pushing and the baby descending down the birth canal.
And so I pushed and pushed for two and a half hours!!! It was pure hell!!!! During this stage, I remember thinking “A C-Section is so much easier!”
When he was finally crowning, I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe that I was almost done. Despite the epidural, I felt his head come out and the pain that went along with it. I felt like I was being torn apart (which I was). And once the head came out, my midwife swiftly pulled the rest of him out. I was in such disbelief. The whole time I kept thinking, “He won’t come out. He’ll get stuck and I’ll be having another C-Section”. But he proved me wrong.
When they put him on my chest, tears started rolling down my eyes. He was so warm and he was mine. He didn’t cry very much and just settled in on my chest. I loved having him there. It helped distract from the extensive repairs that my midwife and OB were conducting. And for that I was very thankful that I had the epidural in place. It numbed the pain and I could concentrate on cuddling my little munchkin.
I felt so proud. I DID IT! My body was not defective and was able to birth a child. And a large one to boot. He was born 8lbs 13oz. And apparently had the head circumference of a 10lb baby. And yet he made his way out, safely, and all on his own.
Despite having to give birth in a hospital, having an epidural and having extensive tears, this birth was so emotionally healing for me. I felt so happy and so at peace with everything. I felt immensely proud of what my body managed to accomplish. And now looking back on it, I’m glad I got to experience both a C-Section and a VBAC. I can now honestly say that I know what each one feels like. And I know that both have pluses and minuses to them.
I hope that reading my birth story will help my readers with their impending labor anxieties. I want you all to know that no matter how the labor progresses, “You Are AMAZING and STRONG!!!!”
Please, share your birth stories in the comments. I’d love to find out how the experience(s) went for you.
If you’d like to find out how to prepare for a successful VBAC, check out my guest post on Just Simply Mom titled “How to Prepare for a VBAC Delivery”.
Congrats! What a beautiful little baby!
Thank you, Nicole.
Thanks for sharing your story. This will be helpful for other mothers who are fearful about the experience. The main thing is that you made it through and have a healthy baby!! I have 3 grown children (in their 20’s now). Each birth will be different and special 🙂
Thank you for your comment, Julie. Yes, every birth is different and my hope was to share an experience so that it may help someone else. All births are scary but we are capable of so much.
I had a VBAC too and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I was so proud! I’m so happy you were able to have one too.
Thank you for sharing, Monica. Yes, the feeling of accomplishment was unparalleled.
It is such a difficult thing to process for a woman when her birth doesn’t go at all like she had hoped. I’m so glad you were able to get the birth you desired second time around! And you have such a good perspective on your c-section now. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your comment, Shayla.
Oh my goodness mama!! You’re a birth warrior! My first was also a surprise c-section and I was totally hoping to do it natural. Things rarely go according to plan but I’m also hoping for a VBAC the next time around. Hopefully it won’t be too terrible LOL
Thank you for your comment, Cendu. Yes, birth never goes according to plan. Good luck with your next birth. At the end of the day, you are amazing now matter how you deliver.
What a beautiful story! I love that you have a wonderful VBAC.
Thank you, Cyndi.
Aww what a lovely birth story! You go girl! Having a successful VBAC is a huge accomplishment! Congratulations!
Thank you so much, Heather.
What an incredible story. Births are such a traumatic time to deal with … so important more of us talk about these things
Thank you for your comment, Aditi.
I am so glad your VBAC dream came true! Yup, you definitely got a taste of both worlds!
Thank you, Flossie.
I’m happy it worked out for you and you were able to experience the birth you wanted!
Thank you, Emily.
You rock mam. Glad it was a success. Wow.
Thank you, Valerie.
How wonderful that your hopes for a VBAC were fulfilled! Having a healthy baby is always a miracle and a blessing for sure!
Thank you, Jen.
Wow! Congrats on having a VBAC – I know that’s not easy. Hope your body is recovering from everything, and congrats on your adorable little baby!
Thank you, Catherine. It was definitely not an easy birth. But I’m so glad it happened the way it happened.
I am sure that sharing this experience will help a lot of mamas out who are hoping for a similar experience for their second delivery. Mothers are amazing no matter how their baby is born!
Thank you, Sonja. I was in a few FB VBAC groups and I know that sometimes mamas really want to hear success stories because our doctors sometimes scare us unnecessarily, not to mention people close to us because there is just so much misinformation.
I live how open you were with your stories! Happy you were able to have. A successful VBAC!
Thank you, Simmy.
Thank you for sharing your birth story mama! Mamas are strong! <3
Thank you, Monica.
I love reading other women’s birth stories. You are one strong Mama!
Thank you, Julia.
I’m so happy for you that you were able to accomplish your VBAC goals. Congratulations! Your baby is beautiful.
Thank you.