VBAC Tips:
Successful VBAC Tips By Delia Muhammad.
VBAC = Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
The maxim, “once a cesarean, always a cesarean” from Dr. Edwin Cragin in 1916, no longer holds true.
This maxim which held mothers, hostage, for over 100 years is misleading at best. Mothers who have had two or more caesareans can and have birthed vaginally.
The RCOG (Royal College of Gynaecologists) states:
“Women who have had two or more caesareans may be offered Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC). After counseling them by a senior obstetrician”.
What happens to a woman’s body in childbirth can have a profound impact on her mental and physical well-being. Counseling, therefore, empowers the mother. So she doesn’t rule out the possibility of vaginal birth for her next delivery.
Read: Breastfeeding Your Newborn, What to Expect
Counseling makes the mother more mentally and physically prepared. Also, puts her in a position where she is able to manage expectations for her next delivery.
If her first birth experience brought about anguish, fear, and pain. This bad experience may influence subsequent pregnancies. For this reason, some mothers will decide not to conceive again. And others, if they do conceive, may decide to go straight to the theatre. Without considering the possibility of a vaginal delivery.
You need to know that as a VBAC mother your previous cesarean birth experience may replay itself. Know that you can do this and that your body did not fail you.
To achieve a successful VBAC, the mother must know that her body was and is not dysfunctional. She must minimize the guilt/regret carried prior to this pregnancy.
Your obstetric history is paramount to a consultant obstetrician.
Discussing your obstetric history with an obstetrician will help you understand how your body functions. Also, what you can do better this time to achieve vaginal delivery. This clarification lightens the mental load and keeps your dream alive.
The obstetrician will speak to you about the possibility of the uterine scar rupturing (I in 200 -0.5%). Also, she will give you as much information as possible. Through research and investigation to minimize any fears that you may have.
Still Have Fear of VBAC?
So whether or not you still have fear of VBAC. It is now a case of fear WITH knowledge, as you have now built up confidence.
The hospital also supports VBAC mothers. So be sure to speak with your obstetrician about your rights, options, and choices. Supporting each other is so foundational to this journey. It would be great for both of you to write out your expectations.
You may also consider getting a doula, her role can not be overemphasized. You will get to know all the how’s, why’s, where’s. Also, what’s of your pregnancy, so you can start planning for delivery. Be sure to sit, discuss, and map out your day with your doula.
It is key to be patient, with the months ahead. ENJOY your pregnancy as much as you can. Connect with baby, as often as possible.
VBAC TIPS: YOU ARE THE BABY’S ENVIRONMENT!
The baby feels whatever you feel. TRY to be the BEST environment, so the baby is developed in the best way. We cannot avoid negativity, but we can minimize it where possible. Don’t allow your scar to hold you hostage.
Plan a weekly pamper day. It can be a facial, pedicure, manicure, hairdresser, massage or reflexology. Also, any other activity where you can spend the day being pampered. The more you feel good, the more you create a positive environment. Feel angry, upset, worried, anxious? You become that.
Accept that trials may come in all forms, it could be in the first trimester, second or third. Moreover, when it does come, you better prepared and are ready with solutions and/or answers.
In part 2, I answer how to produce the best environment to mentally and physically prepare you for your pregnancy.
Read:
• When To Call The Doctor For Your Newborn.
• Birth Control After Baby: Popular Methods And Options
Image: @penciledcelebrities
About the Author of VBAC Tips:
Delia Muhammad is a Birth Educator, Counsellor, and VBAC specialist from the UK. Delia has been supporting expectant women/ mothers since 1993. She is an international supporter of VBAC mothers due to the high cesarean rate around the world.
Delia can be contacted for advice, counseling, and birth preparation at:
delia@deliamuhammad.com
deliamuhammad@hotmail.com
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