How to Prepare for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
Hey C-section mama - I see you. I am you. Before you dive into this post, here’s what I want you know: the VBAC journey is really about you taking back your power, at every step that you can, no matter how this goes.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A VBAC
1. Find a supportive provider
I can’t stress the importance of having a provider that supports your ideal birth enough. Your provider should encourage you, believe in you and support you. This might mean that it’s time to look for a new provider. If you have been going to the same OB for years, this can understandably be uncomfortable. Here’s the thing… would you continue going back to the same hairdresser that never does what you want with your hair? Probably not.
Here are a few questions to consider:
Are they comfortable working with a doula?
Do they appear to be patient and a good listener?
Does the provider appear to trust the woman’s body?
What is their success rate with VBACs?
If their answers raise any red flags, it is possible to switch providers late in your pregnancy. It’s your birth and you need someone that is 100% on your team. There is a difference between VBAC tolerant and VBAC friendly providers. We want FRIENDLY.
2. Positive vibes only
Download a copy of my VBAC Meditation and listen - on repeat.
Surround yourself with positive birth stories, specifically positive VBAC birth stories (mine are HERE and HERE).
Unpopular opinion… consider distancing yourself from people that instill doubt or fear in you during this precious time. You can always welcome them back with open arms when you’re ready.
3. Consider hiring a doula
You can think of a doula as a birth coach, or someone that mothers the mother. Not hiring a doula? Be sure to check out DIY Doula: How to Provide Labor Support. It’s one of the video class modules included in the VBAC Prep Birth Course.
4. Watch the VBAC Prep Birth Course, in your PJs
As a Doula and twice VBAC mom, I wrote the curriculum for this course for C-section moms that are preparing to VBAC. Here’s the thing… what the VBAC journey is about is YOU taking back your power.
5. Find a Webster Certified Chiropractor
Why?
Reduced back pain, hip pain & sciatica
Gets your body in alignment for birth - line that pelvis & uterus up, girl!
Helps your baby get in (& stay in) optimal position for birth
6. Prepare your body for labor
Have you heard the saying that labor is a lot like running a marathon? You wouldn’t go run a marathon without preparation, right? Stretching, specific exercise and nutrition all get your body ready for labor. Check out Labor Prep: Mind & Body. It’s another one of the video class modules included in the VBAC Prep Birth Course.
7. Make a plan for labor
Create a birth plan (grab the template in my Freebie Library). Don't like the word plan? Call it birth preferences.
8. Get your mind right
Have you heard the saying that your thoughts become your reality? Let’s apply that to preparing for your VBAC.
Visualization and meditation may not be evidence based practices in birth; however, these are powerful tools. Spend some time each day of your pregnancy visualizing your ideal birth. Try closing your eyes and replaying the movie of your birth in your head as often as possible.
Your words are powerful. Think about how you describe birth, and try to replace your words (and thoughts) with positive words and phrases. For example, try “planning my VBAC” instead of “hoping for a VBAC.”
It’s important that you keep a realistic perspective on the uncertainty in birth. Complications can arise during pregnancy or labor that may require a C-section. You can prepare your mind for that outcome, too. Allow yourself to process those thoughts and feelings, and then allow them to pass.
And for further support, be sure to checkout my VBAC Prep Birth Course for expectant couples considering Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). We will cover everything from VBAC risks and perspectives to expectations during labor, what to expect during pushing and more to prepare you for delivery.