How to have a VBAC (Yes, Even in Miami)
As a cesarean mom myself, I understand the importance of the feat that is VBAC. It is a goal many of us aspire to, but have very little support actually attaining, especially here in South Florida. I wanted to share some tips and resource to help other parents on their journey. Though no doula or provider can promise a specific outcome, there are certain things we can do to improve our chances. Read to find out.
Choosing a provider and birth location
Choosing a VBAC friendly provider can be a tricky and time-consuming task, especially in South Florida where cesarean rates tend to be high. It is not impossible though, with the right tools. First, you must consider where you want to give birth. There are several options and things to consider when determining which is best for you.
Hospital birth: this is the conventional route in the U.S. today where you deliver in a hospital surrounded by medical staff including OBs, nurses, and sometimes midwives. The advantage of being here is that full medical equipment is available in the event of an emergency. However, some people, especially those with previous birth trauma, may be afraid of being in a hospital setting again which may slow or complicate labor. Intervention rates are also very high in hospitals and VBAC rates tend to me low, if you can find an OB willing to try for one at all.
Birth Center: Birth Centers are somewhat of an intermediate between home and hospitals. They include midwives who are often also trained as nurses and more medical equipment than the average home birth midwife would carry. They may or may not be associated with a hospital. In Florida, VBACs are not allowed in birth centers.
Home Birth: This is an option for people with low-risk pregnancies and who are more comfortable not being in a medical environment. Home births are usually attended by a midwife (but may also be unassisted) who will carry some medical supplies to help with certain conditions. The advantage of this choice is it is comfortable and familiar to the birthing person and will likely result in less interventions. The downside to this choice is that in the event of a medical emergency, transportation to the hospital must be swift and comes with some risk.
Need help finding a VBAC friendly provider in Miami? Contact me.
Questions for your provider
When choosing your provider, there are certain questions you can ask that can increase your likelihood of having a VBAC. These include:
Do you allow VBAC and what is your success rate?
What is your cesarean rate?
What are your protocols for VBAC?
How long am I allowed trial of labor before you recommend cesarean?
Do you do inductions for VBAC and if so how?
Will you allow me to go past 40 weeks?
Under what conditions would repeat cesarean be necessary?
How to Prepare
Besides choosing a VBAC friendly provider, there are many ways you should considering preparing. These include:
Educating yourself
Learn everything you can about the benefits and risks of VBAC and how to be successful. Consider taking a childbirth education class.
Reading birth stories
Mindset is everything in birth. Get yourself into the state of mind of a positive experience. If you go in thinking “I don’t want a cesarean!” you are putting negative thoughts into your mind. Instead focus on success stories and think “I am having my VBAC!”. If you need a recommendation, read the book “Baby Got VBAC”. It is incredibly inspirational and written by a group of women in your exact situation.
Processing your previous birth experience
This can take some time and repetition. Some things may come up during your current pregnancy that trigger reminders of your previous. It is important to be able to process this. Even better if it is with the help of a therapist, doula, or other trained professional. It’s also important to remember that a lot of trauma is stored in the body, so sometimes processing it in the body along with talk therapy can be really helpful. This includes practices like massage, yoga, and others.
Having a supportive birth team
If they are not supportive, kick them out. I do not care if it’s your OB, partner, mom, or anyone. Only have people who are going to be supportive and positive during your birth. Your birth, your choice. Make sure you have a doula who understands what you’re going through.
Taking care of yourself during your pregnancy
Eat a healthy diet, move your body, and take care of your mental and physical wellbeing. If you know what caused your cesarean in the past, try to avoid that this time around. For example, there are exercises you can practice to help turn a breach baby and keep them in the right direction.
Joining a VBAC support group
You will be able to work through your feelings with other people who know exactly what you’re going through, which can be a healing experience. Just remember that if it doesn’t serve you and help your mental health, don’t be a part of it. Sometimes support groups can be really helpful and sometimes they can be stagnant with negative energy.
Considering self-care practices
Such as prenatal massage, acupuncture, and chiropractor visits with a trained specialist, especially if you can find one with VBAC expertise.
Remember that is some circumstances, no matter how much preparation you do, a cesarean really is necessary and you should not feel any guilt or shame for doing what you have to do for the health and safety of you and your baby.
Resources
Check out these amazing resources while planning your VBAC
