Response from Tonya Jamois
Read Tonya's VBAC story here.
To make a VBAC happen, you have to strongly want
a VBAC. You have to go into your pregnancy and
labor telling yourself and the world that you
are "going to have a VBAC with this baby."
In so doing, you must do as much reading as you
can on VBACs and natural birth. Talk to VBAC moms
who have done it, get their support. Look into
ICAN
for support. Spend quality time with yourself
each day visualizing how well your body works
and how strong you are. Don't say to yourself
and the world that you are, "hoping for"
or "trying for" a VBAC, although that's
probably the terminology an OB will use with you.
Another way to make a VBAC happen is to avoid
using an OB for your care. Midwifery prenatal
care is superior to obstetrical care in so many
ways. They focus not only on your uterus, but
your nutrition, your exercise, your physical health,
your mental health, and your overall frame of
mind. This is so important in a VBAC. You don't
need to have your care provider planting the seeds
of doubt in your mind, and that is where the OBs
mindset is. If you are afraid of homebirth, then
go to a midwife for prenatal shadow care. Believe
me, you will see the difference and it is well
worth it. You will be healthier and stronger than
OB care alone, and in a much better place to have
your VBAC.
Tonya Jamois
San Marcos, California
C-section in 5/99, HBAC in 9/01
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