What did/are you doing to prepare for your VBAC?

gaughan258

I'm just wondering what you ladies have done or will do to help increase your chances of VBAC success.

I have signed up for a natural birthing class and we are in the process of finding a doula. I have also started reading some natural birthing books. I'm considering starting with a chiropractor for optimal positioning. This is getting expensive;)

 So what did you do and what was most worthwhile, IYO?

chicsub

My doula was hands down the best tool in achieving my VBAC.  Well, that and switching practices at 25w.  I ended up with GD this time around, so I'm so glad that I had a supportive provider and doula to work with me.

Harper'smom

Other than switching to a free standing birth center an opting for a out of hospital VBAC I have sort of been procrastinating. I'm signed up for Bradely classes which start in December. The birth center provides a doula in training so that should help. I've bought a stack of nautral birth books that are collecting dust and I keep promising to start up pre-natal yoga. I'm hoping that once I go to the first Bradley classes will re-jump start my motivation.

YaraC

Trying to stay as fit as possible. Yoga for core strengthening and increased flexibility. Trying to keep the weight gain down (though my body has it's own plan there). Kegels. Staying positive and making sure my support team is fully on my side and knows what I want.

FusionLMT

Keeping weight down, staying active, getting regular massage and adjustments, and staying positive!

maplehearts

The best thing I did was find an OB that supported me and gave me plenty of options. I didn't want a doula or to go natural so I didn't really look into those options. I went to a chiropractor but that is because my hip hurt so bad I couldn't get out of bed. I only went a few times and never did anything for positioning the baby.  I did eat whatever I wanted but I made sure I used portion control this time since I didn't lose all of my baby weight from DD#1.

BlinkingLight1

I did all of the things you're doing. Top things I had that helped me achieve my VBAC .....

a supportive husband, provider and friends.

an amazing doula

patience during labor and accepting things not going exactly as planned

 

Brownie_222

Supportive care provider, supportive husband, awesome doula and choice to use a freestanding birth center that didn't perceive me as a risk were the biggies.

Other things I did that made me feel better about my odds: chiropractic, acupuncture, positive affirmations about my ability to have a VBAC.  I could probably have had my VBAC without the "extras" but I wanted to be able to look back later and know I did everything I could and not say "what if" if I ended up having a RCS.  Yes, it was more expensive to pay for the extras, but I saved $2k over my copay from the first time, so I guess in the end I came out ahead from all angles! 

okate0213

Also doing what PP mentioned. I've done more reading this time, "The VBAC Companion", Ina May Guide to Childbirth, The Birth Partner, and I'm waiting for the Bradley Method to become available at my library also. Preparing myself for a natural birth frame of mind.

sbowersox

switched from an OB to a midwife. seeing a chiropractor to help with positioning. keeping active and trying to keep the weight gain down (this is gonna be tough with christmas coming up). staying positive.