Successful VBAC!

mben · April 2011

I had an emergency C-section (39 weeks and 6 days) with my first for decelerations (cord around neck and sunny side up) after 23 painful hours of back labor I was only dilated to 5cm.

This time I went into labor at 39 weeks and felt so much more prepared. I labored at home from 430am-430pm and was about 4 cms when I checked in to the hospital. At that time, I was getting really uncomfortable and almost went for the C-section. My doctor convinced me to get the epidural before I made any decisions. It is really difficult to think rationally when in so much pain. The epidural was amazing and I immediately decided I was going for the VBAC! I really had such a nice labor for the rest of the duration. I had the lights turned down and tried my best to get as much rest as possible. At 11pm, the Dr. checked me and I was at 10cms and the dr. could feel the baby's head! The epidural was turned off because I was so numb that I wasnt feeling the need to push. At 1115p I started pushing and my son was born at 1135p (8lbs and 20 ounces)!

It truly was the most amazing moment of my life! My first birth experience was so scary with the emergency c-section that I feel like I missed out on those first moments when you see your baby. This delivery was so different and I was amazed at how peaceful everything seemed in the delivery room. I remember after delivering my son, I kept saying "I can't believe I did it!". In the back of my mind, I had assumed that I would end up having a second c-section. It was so nice to hold and hug him right away!

My recovery was so much nicer with the VBAC. I only had a few stitches for a minor tear and I was able to get down on the floor and play with my 2 year old the day after I got home.

I am so glad that I tried for the VBAC and hope that you all have the type of birth experience that you want!