Successful Natural VBAC stories and advice needed

Amores0121 · December 2013

Hello everyone! I had an emergency C-section with my DD. My plan was to go natural but ended up getting an epidural and after 8cm, I was not dialating further and she was not moving down. Her heart rate went up to 200 bpm and they did the emergency c. I never want to go through that again. I was not prepared for the pain, even though I took birthing classes with a doula, I did not have a real technique to follow and was fighting the contractions. This time I am wanting to do a natural VBAC. I told my husband I wanted to hire a doula (he did not know what that was and thought I was completely abnormal for it). At first he said he would not even take classes with me! After I told him if he would not take classes with me, I would most certainly be hiring a doula, he agreed. However, I told him if I don't feel he is supporting me properly, I will still hire one. He says that he is all I need and why do I think it's gonna be so terrible? Well, because it was last time! But I don't want a terrible delivery this time!

Anyhow, I told my OB that I wanted a VBAC, which she was fine with. But when DH mentioned I wanted to go natural, she said "well, I usually encourage my patients to get an epidural (for VBAC), in case something happens". TOO BAD. That is not what I want. I mentioned I was thinking about doing hypnobabies, and she made a weird face, but then said she wasn't really familiar with it. To her credit, she did tell DH that Doulas are fine, and offer a lot of support during this time of intense pain! Anyhow, I am wondering if any of you have successful natural VBAC stories? What method did you use and did you use a doula? Do you think I could do it without a doula? I have no doubt my husband will advocate for me against epidural, etc. He is very outspoken and blunt.

Stefanie&Byron · December 2013

Your story sounds just like my first birth! Ended up with a csection after 8 cm and not progressing and planned a pain med free delivery with a doula and midwife. Now I am pregnant with number 2 and will be having my VBAC at a different hospital with a 92% VBAC rate (with different midwives). They will only accept you if you agree to go pain med free. They say a big part of the VBAC rate is due to not using the epi. I am using a different doula this time, one who specializes in VBAC's. I highly recommend using a doula to have a support person other than your husband, it might be helpful to find one who has experience a VBAC, especially given the reaction your OB had. Is there a chance you could find a midwife practice in your area who would allow you to do a VBAC? I will be more than likely doing the bradley method fast course for this birth. And your OB's comment about in case something happens, I'm sure you know especially after your first birth being an emergency csection that they can do an emergency section very quickly if it was really life and death they would get it done.

iris427 · December 2013

I had a VBAC without an epidural and I know others who have too. I'll be trying to do it again with this baby. I really think that the ability to feel everything and respond with different positions, pushing techniques, etc., was a huge factor in my successful VBAC. And of course many people have VBACs with epidurals too. It should really be your choice of what feels right for you. If you havent already, come check out the bump's VBAC board too.

DCchic610 · December 2013

Hi there! I'm mainly a lurker but slowly coming out of hiding. I recently had a successful natural med free vbac. Like you I had panned this the first time around, had a doula, etc. my first labor was over 36 hrs and I only made it to 4 cm on my own and could no longer deal with the pain. Got put on pit and only dilated to 6 and her heart rate started going all over the place and so I ended up with emergency c. I ofcourse was happy to have a healthy baby but so disappointed with my situation. This time I went with a midwife practice that has a 93% successful vbac rate. They recommend a doula so I got one again and they also were very supportive in recommending positioning techniques to help baby align better. Anyway at 41 weeks my water broke at night, contractions started 30 min later, called the midwife who advised waiting until morning to see if they picked up. I only waited about 45 minutes and something told me to head now to the hospital. Plus there was an ice storm and I didn't want anything delaying us. On the car ride there (30 min ride) I started throwing up and I knew this must be transition but I couldn't really believe I progressed that quickly. Got to the hospital , was checked, and I was 8 cm! An hour later 10 cm! Pushing took alittle under an hour. My labor from start to finish was 5 hours! So different from DD #1 who took days! The pain was also different from my first labor but my nurses and husband were great with pain management techniques. Oh yea and since there was a storm , I was unable to get in touch with my doula (her power went out) so I did it without a doula. All in all, what really helped with my vbac was having a supportive midwife who didnt rush things, kept me on course when I started begging for the epidural ( she kept telling me I could push baby out faster than getting an epidural which really got me going with pushing), and practicing positioning techniques. Maybe you could switch to a midwife practice or practice who has a high vbac rate? This would probably help out a lot. Good luck!

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