Preparing for a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean

WHY LACK OF SUPPORT?

Several years ago, ACOG, American College of Obstetrician and Gynecology stated, that the risk of vaginal birth after cesarean poses a threat of uterine rupture and isn't worth the risk to the fetus or the mother. Since then our hospitals and physicians have changed their views and policies. Larger hospitals with anesthesia coverage around the clock are a little more open to the idea of VBAC. Women aren't given the choice if they are at smaller hospitals. Women who are going forward with their decision for a VBAC may find that the biggest obstacle is lack of support from the medical staff.

PREPARING FOR A VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER CESAREAN

First of all, know why you had a cesarean the first time. Was the cesarean for failure to progress or fetal distress? The reason behind the cesarean makes a difference in trying for a vaginal delivery. Discuss this with your physician. Hiring a labor assistant or Doula will be the most valuable thing you can do. She can help guide you through the entire labor, therefore reducing your chances of a repeat cesarean. Relaxation exercises, a pre-natal yoga class and visualizing a vaginal delivery will also help reduce your chances of a cesarean.

HOW TO COPE DURING LABOR

Being a professional labor assistant, I have been given the opportunity to help many VBACs. The most important thing you can do is keep a positive attitude throughout the entire labor and delivery. Don't give up unless the baby indicates otherwise. Many health care providers do not have faith in a woman's ability to deliver vaginally. It is important to stick to your agenda if the baby and your health are tolerating the labor. Also keep in mind that it will be scary when you reach the point when you had your last cesarean. Change your labor position at least every 30 minutes. Remember your relaxation and visualization exercises to reduce your stress and fear of the unknown. You will get through it one contraction at a time.

Julie L. Johnson is a wife and mother of three who has experienced every pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding situation there is and has lived to tell about. She is a Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in Southern California. Her website http://www.birth-angel.com provides services and products to help ease the transition into motherhood.

---

Pregnant Women Dont Just Stay at Home; Go Shopping!

Most women like to go shopping. However, sometimes pregnant women... Read More

How To Eat A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

Perhaps the number one complaint of women trying to watch... Read More

The Sleepless Challenge

For me, it was "welcome to motherhood". Ready or not,... Read More

Problems Associated With Teen Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the pivotal moments of a woman's... Read More

Five Ways to Read Your Bodys Changes before Pregnancy Test

What are the most unforgettable changes happen to your body... Read More

Smoking During Pregnancy

If you have been drinking up until the point when... Read More

How To Prepare For Natural Childbirth

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT BIRTH IS NATURAL,... Read More

Get Back Your Pre-Pregnancy Abs With Side Planks

The foundation of fitness for a mom is her abdominal... Read More

Expressing Breast Milk: Pumping for Your Preemie

The shock and stress of having a baby born prematurely... Read More

Kegal Exercises During Pregnancy

You probably became familiar with Kegel exercises during your pregnancy.... Read More

Why Shouldnt I Smoke During Pregnancy?

There are a lot of good reasons to quit smoking,... Read More

How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches are one of the more unpleasant "side effects" that... Read More

Calcium and Pregnancy

Studies show that most women do not get enough daily... Read More

Pregnancy and Tanning Beds

With summer approaching, you would love to wear those cute... Read More

Pregnancy Fashion - Look And Feel Great During Your Pregnancy!

Have you ever wondered what makes women tick? Well among... Read More

What Would I Do Without My Doula?

By the time my husband and I finally got pregnant... Read More

Exercise During Pregnancy

One of the best things you can do for yourself... Read More

Infertility and Pregnancy

When a couple is unable to conceive a child, it... Read More

Are Epidurals Bad?

EPIDURALS CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE "HORRORS" OF CHILDBIRTHIt is... Read More

Fighting the Pregnancy Blahs

Every pregnant woman has experienced the pregnancy blahs. I can... Read More

Folic Acid - An Overview of Its Importanace Before and During Pregnancy

FOLIC ACID ? AN OVERVIEWFolic Acid, also know as Vitamin... Read More

Pregnancy, Diabetes, and Your Feet

There are so many changes the body undergoes during pregnancy... Read More

Pregnancy Symptoms

There are many early signs that you may be pregnant.... Read More

Start Growing Healthy Children Before Getting Pregnant

When I was in my early 20's, I read Adele... Read More

Pregnancy Exercise

One of the best things you can do to prepare... Read More