Successful VBA2C

Successful VBA2C, just shy of 18 months after my 2nd caesarean birth

Trigger warning: past emergency caesarean birth, failure to progress, fetal distress and shoulder dystocia.

I honestly can’t believe I’m posting this.

Two days ago, I got my VBA2C, birthing my largest baby (4.47kg, 36.5cm HC). After an incredibly fast and intense two-hour labour, using only the gas and one day before my scheduled caesarean birth  I had a wonderfully supportive obstetrician. I experienced no pressure or fear-inducing stats discussions.

I decided to book a caesarean birth at 40 weeks and one day to attempt VBA2C if I went into labour prior. Also, I have with both previous babies, so I assumed I would.

Backstory

If interested, you can search my name for details of my previous two births. The brief version- June 2019- emergency caesarean birth for failure to progress (8cm) after 13 hours of active, posterior labour (3.8kg baby boy, born at 39 weeks).

On April 2021- an unsuccessful VBAC and second emergency caesarean birth for failure to progress at 6cm after 12 hours of active, posterior labour (a 4.33kg baby boy at 38 weeks). Neither birth was traumatic or even a ‘bad’ experience. I just struggled with recovery and desperately wanted to experience a vaginal birth.

Successful VBAC2C current birth

With my current birth, my waters broke at 12.15 am, 40 weeks on the dot. I came to the hospital within the hour to be monitored (my choice, no pressure) and was 4cm and in active labour by 1.15ish. Contractions started thick and fast pretty soon after.

Labour was super intense, so I was desperate for an epidural. Because I progressed so quickly I went very ‘internal’ and think I forgot about wanting an epidural and focused on breathing and moving through each back-to-back contraction. I had terrific midwives who got me through with gas and positioning.

My supportive husband

My husband was also incredibly supportive, doing counterpressure on my back and encouraging me when I thought I couldn’t do it. Baby Riley was born at 3.16 am, after about 30 minutes (I’m told it felt longer ) of pushing

He had a few big decelerations, which had the team on standby, but thank goodness for my very calm and competent obstetrician, who is very experienced with and supportive of VBACs.

It turns out that can happen when babies are ready to be born, especially after fast labour and without the history of caesarean birth, there wouldn’t have been as much concern.

Lucky, I was 10cm and ready when they checked me after that. Otherwise, it would have been up to theatre (and I reckon with other less VBAC-supportive doctors, it would have been anyway). Then there was some concern about his shoulders being stuck after his head was out, but they got me to flip to my back quickly, and the movement alone helped him re-adjust and come out without any ‘manual handling’ or assistance.

Following the Successful VBA2C birth

I have a 2-degree tear which required a few stitches, and I am pretty swollen, bruised and tender, but I can honestly say- no pain, just discomfort.

It was the most challenging but most rewarding and empowering experience. Even when I was pushing, I found it hard to believe it was happening, and for several hours after birth, I’d randomly break down in (happy) tears, saying ‘I did it, I did it’’!

I prepared in all the same ways (see the previous story). The only thing I did differently was consumed dates daily from 36 weeks of pregnancy. I also had a couple of acupuncture sessions from around 38 to39 weeks.

I had a couple of stretches and sweeps from 39 weeks as a last resort. During that week, I also let go and shifted my mindset to having beautiful, calm, maternal-assisted caesarean births and trusting that what was meant to be would be.

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and information. I found it very inspirational. Best of luck to those of you still awaiting the arrival of your babes

A few photos of the completely raw emotion just after the Successful VBA2C birth.

Published 12th October 2022