Sometimes I am a bit surprised at some of the negative reactions and criticism I have received from others regarding my natural VBAC birth. I guess I just don't understand what bothers people so much about it. I mean seriously...if it were THAT risky, why would any obstetrician agree to perform a VBAC? Keep in mind too, that an obstetrician will only consider a VBAC on a case by case basis. It's not like every woman that has had a c-section in the past is a good candidate. Anyway, if you know me you know that I tend to take a holistic, natural approach with things before resorting to the conventional method. This is just what I feel is right for me and my family.
I'll step off my soap box now...
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Birth Story - Short Version
I was asked to write a short birth story (125-225 words) for the Holy Family Birth Center. They are very low on funding right now and they are working on a newsletter to send out to potential donors. My birth story below as well as a few (clean and tasteful) photos of the birth are going to be featured in the newsletter and also on their website.
My natural VBAC
Since the birth of my son three years ago who was delivered by cesarean section, I had hoped to someday have a VBAC (Vaginal birth after cesarean) with my next child. It was this strong desire that led me to hire a doula and seek care at Holy Family Services. After doing significant research, I strongly felt that my best chances for having a successful VBAC would not be with an obstetrician at a hospital, but instead with a midwife at a birth center. I began seeing one of the volunteer midwives at Holy Family and I immediately felt at ease with her. I loved that she spent a considerable amount of time with me at each visit. I never felt rushed with her like I did with my obstetrician.
I am so thankful for the birth experience I had at Holy Family. I felt comfortable in the birthing room and I was allowed to labor in positions that helped me to relax better during contractions. My total labor was around seven and a half hours, but I went from 7 centimeters to birth in just 30 minutes. It was quite intense towards the end, but I can’t imagine the birth going any better than it did. Abigail Mercedes was born at 3:36 AM on November 12, 2009. She was 5 lbs, 15 oz. and 19 inches long.
My natural VBAC
Since the birth of my son three years ago who was delivered by cesarean section, I had hoped to someday have a VBAC (Vaginal birth after cesarean) with my next child. It was this strong desire that led me to hire a doula and seek care at Holy Family Services. After doing significant research, I strongly felt that my best chances for having a successful VBAC would not be with an obstetrician at a hospital, but instead with a midwife at a birth center. I began seeing one of the volunteer midwives at Holy Family and I immediately felt at ease with her. I loved that she spent a considerable amount of time with me at each visit. I never felt rushed with her like I did with my obstetrician.
I am so thankful for the birth experience I had at Holy Family. I felt comfortable in the birthing room and I was allowed to labor in positions that helped me to relax better during contractions. My total labor was around seven and a half hours, but I went from 7 centimeters to birth in just 30 minutes. It was quite intense towards the end, but I can’t imagine the birth going any better than it did. Abigail Mercedes was born at 3:36 AM on November 12, 2009. She was 5 lbs, 15 oz. and 19 inches long.
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