Tag Archives: #birthstory

I really wanted to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after Caesarian). I wanted to give my body another opportunity to do what I knew it could. Things weren’t looking too good though so I was supposed to book a Caesarian the next day (Monday).

Then to my surprise my waters broke on Sunday night and contractions began. As I was attempting a VBAC, our gynae told us to get booked in as soon as labour began because I needed to be monitored closely. We dropped my daughter at her grandparents and got checked in. At 10pm I was 4cm dilated with strong, regular contractions.

4am Monday morning I was ready for the delivery room. At first the pushing didn’t go too well. His head seemed to be stuck in a similar position to his sister, but the gynae said let’s give it one last go, and if he wasn’t out in the next push we would do a Caesarian (the theatre team were already on standby).

I’ll never forget that feeling of pushing and feeling his little body “pop” out! It was pure relief! Every time I think about it all I can think is “Wow” our bodies are truly amazing!

Deciding to try for a VBAC is not for everyone. You really have to go in well informed and remain strong but flexible. I was only allowed gas for pain relief and I can remember sucking on that stuff like there was no tomorrow. I was also unable to move around a lot because of the constant monitoring so I pretty much laboured on my back, in the bed.

And you really need to trust your gynae. Trust their professional opinion, and trust that they have both your wishes and needs at the forefront of their minds at all times.

I am sure you have heard this at least once before, “There is no easy way to have a baby.” It’s so true. But what we can do and can control is our birth preparation. But that is for another post.

I love being able to share my successful VBAC story as it gives hope to ladies who are still yearning for a natural birth and then for others it helps them see that that may not be the right choice for them. I would love to hear your VBAC story if you have one.

My waters broke and I went into labour at 10pm on Monday night. About 2 hours later my contractions were 5 minutes apart and we excitedly went to hospital.

I was about 4cm dilated when we arrived. I had decided on a no drugs approach so continued to labour through the night. By 5am on Tuesday morning I was fully dilated and ready to start pushing.

We moved into the delivery room and things took an unexpected turn. My baby had not dropped all the way down into my cervix and her head was tilted in just the wrong angle. We gave it some more time for her to drop but she wouldn’t move. We tried pushing her out but she wouldn’t move.

After being fully dilated for 3 hours; with very little rest between contractions I was exhausted. My wonderful gynae who had journeyed so wonderfully with me made the call to do an emergency caesarian! My relief was tangible as I was exhausted and couldn’t anymore.

It took a while to get the epidural in as my contractions would not stop but when it hit I felt as if I could breathe for the first time in hours. My beautiful little girl was born just after 9 am. Exhilaration!

Looking back I have no regrets. I wish I could have pushed her out as I wanted, but I am so thankful that having a c/section was an option available to me. I am grateful to the surgical team who took care of us. I am grateful that as soon as she was checked out she was placed straight into my arms and onto my boob.

When I look at, and touch my scar it is a reminder of my precious, full of life little girl. How she got here is not nearly as important as the fact that she got here, and she is healthy!