I'm hoping for a VBAC this time. I had a failed induction and a terrible c-section recovery and I really don't want to experience anything like that again. I'm sure this question has been asked many times before, but I'm wondering if anyone has any advice about books I should read or things I should be doing to prepare.
My OB practice is pro-VBAC and very supportive of my decision and the hospital where I plan to deliver is a teaching university hospital. I don't plan to have a doula, but my mother will be there (along with DH) to support me. She did a great job advocating for me last time.I'm sure she would be willing to help in any way...maybe there are resources she can read as a support person? It seems like this pg is flying by and I'm nervous that I'm being too relaxed about having a VBAC and not doing something I should be. Should I be taking red raspberry tea pills already? Sorry for the rambling...Any advice?
Re: Any advice?
Hopefully some of the more experienced moms will chime in here. My understanding is that the fewer the interventions, the more likely you are to have a successful vbac (although some ladies on here were induced and still had a vbac, so you never know) - so I think some things we all can to do "prepare" include developing coping mechanisms that will get us through a few hours of laboring at home, and then laboring naturally for as long as possible once in the hospital. Whether you want to go fully natural or get an epidural at some point, I think the later the better in terms of increasing your chances.
Some things that helped me through the first 16 hours or so: hot baths, hot rice socks, breathing, visualization (I used to swim, so imagining I was swimming helped me focus on breathing), etc
I've had many friends recommend the Bradley Method classes, which my husband and I just couldn't commit to (time, money, etc) but we've been reading some of the materials and found them to be helpful. Dr. Bradley's book "Husband Coached Childbirth" is geared for the husbands, but he says it applies to support people, as well. Some of it makes us chuckle and is a little old-fashioned, but the 2 chapters specifically on the stages of labor include some good practical advice on how a support person can help with relaxation and labor. If nothing else, it has gotten DH and I talking about some things that we wouldn't have otherwise...so I'd recommend it for that reason. But, both of us found ourselves skimming and skipping other sections that just didn't feel relevant.
The VBAC Companion book also came highly recommended to me...I still need to read it!