Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Stories
Compiled by LLM
A
Picture of Faith, Love, Trust, Blood, and VICTORY
by Katie Blue
On this page are stories of women who have given
birth vaginally after cesarean sections (VBAC),
including at home- either with midwives, or unassisted.
Many of the following are happy stories, a few
are sad ones- as the mothers find just as much
intervention with their hospital VBACs as they
had with their cesareans. Please email
me if you want to add something to this page.
*Note that VBAC stories are often the birth stories
of women who are genuinely giving birth for the
first time; as such they are very valuable resources
for first-time mothers.
Also see: VBAC
Twin Birth.
Click to go to the desired collection of birth
stories:
First, by Gloria Lemay:
For more by Gloria, go here.
Moms who were sectioned
for large babies or "CPD" (cephalopelvic
disproportion- head too small for pelvis) then
had bigger babies by VBAC
from Simona's
Birth Story
Lorrie's First "Catch"
"Hi, Just had to share my absolute joy.
I got a call this morning from a midwife who
had a vaginal birth after cesarean client near
my home. The midwife and her assistant were
both hours away and the labor kicked in and
went very active quickly (within one hour- so
much for the myth of the long vbac labor). The
kids just happened to be on their first sleepover
and so I dashed over in 20 minutes. Arrived
just as the head was at the perineum and received
my first baby, and in the tub no less! Nearly
10 lbs and a full two lbs bigger than the one
she was sectioned for being 'too big' the first
time around. The shoulders and chest took quite
a bit of oomph on the mama's part-mostly because
this was the smallest tub I ever saw and she
couldn't get her legs apart very much!
"Baby was in great shape when it came
out and breathed almost immediately. So gently
born we only got a couple of cute squeaks and
some coughs. She never really cried at all.
No suctioning needed (thankfully as I hate suctioning).
Got the placenta out in its own time, a post
partum bleed handled and mama and baby nursing
before the midwife made it. It was a blessing
and a thrill as I had assumed that my first
'catch' would be our own baby in a few months
and that I wouldn't get to another birth until
our baby weans in a couple years.
"Interestingly, (though I didn't remember
this at the time) I had spoken at length to
this mother 2 or 3 times on the phone as she
was deciding on homebirth and type of midwife.
She had found me on the internet as a contact
for home birth resources. She reminded me after
the birth about that and said she felt so comfortable
when I was the one who walked in because she
felt like she already knew me and could trust
me. She also said she had no idea it was my
first time as midwife, so I guess I was able
to remain calm and focused and not let any nervous
vibes get to her. Actually I never felt nervous
at all until I saw how much she was bleeding
after the placenta and knowing the midwife was
still 45 minutes away. Thank goodness for extended
nursers because her 3 year old son latched on
for us (baby was not much interested yet) and
got her uterus clamping -and I used some herbs
and gentle fundal massage. Boy does this mama
feel today was her Independence Day!!! (It is
4th of July here)"
-Lorrie Leigh. Read Lorrie's twin homebirth
story here.
Says Lorrie later about the mom- "She
now feels like a superwoman and is damn angry
at the mental anguish her OB's offhanded comments
about her too small body caused her over the last
three years."
"Laura, small in stature as well, had
been sectioned for CPD the last time. That baby
was nine pounds, 14 ounces; so, of course, with
such a big baby- sarcasm dripping here- that
section must certainly have been "necessary."
This time, she had a four-hour labor, an 11-pound
baby with a huge head circumference, and no
stitches. (See Laura's home VBAC birth story
here.)"
CPD myth articles on BirthLove: click
here.
Kate's
Victorious Birth Lisa was told by her family
doctor and OB that because she was a small statured
woman (4'8), her chances for VBAC with her second
child were only 30%. So she dumped the doctors
and gave birth with midwives- with only half an
hour of pushing!
Beautiful
Wings A mama with two previous cesareans discovers
that she can indeed fly in birth: fly joyously,
and beautifully. This poem was originally intended
as a letter to her OB.
Simona's
Birth Story Chaya describes in intimate detail
her range of emotions through her intense labor
and birth. Giving birth was a lot more challenging
and painful that she anticipated- but it was so
very worth it. Note that her husband and midwife
were wonderful for her. Read Chaya's pregnancy
journal here.
Photos added 10/26/02
My
Birth Story In Susan's pregnancy and birth
of her second child, off went her "rose colored
glasses", and on went her warrior woman power
for her birth. Her home-borne baby was a full
pound bigger than the one she was sectioned for
due to "CPD"; this birth revolutionized
her- now she is a childbirth educator and doula.
Talking with
Lynn, Tasting Birth's Future Included in this
BirthLove column: how VBAC heroine Lynn Richards'
home-borne baby was found to have a much larger
head circumference than her cesarean-born first
child.
Isabelle Sharon's Birth Story Tonya gives
radiant homebirth after her section for CPD in
1999. Her doctor was convinced that her pelvis
was "too short" due to the fact that
the vacuum extractor couldn't pull her baby out!
(Yes, Tonya got an episiotomy wound as well as
a cesarean one to deal with!) But as Isabelle's
birth showed, all Tonya needed was freedom: to
make all the noise she wanted, and to take whatever
position she wanted. Note that this baby's head
was the exact same size as her first baby's (there
was even a little fist beside it during the birth!).
Includes photos.
They Said
It Couldn't Be Done: The Birth of Helena Joy
After a traumatic cesarean for CPD, Jennifer gives
birth at home. This birth taught her so much about
her own power and capabilities as a woman and
mother. This includes photos.
Max
Benedict Candy - Homebirth Annabel's first
baby was taken by c-section, weighing in at 10.12
lbs- he was "too big" to have delivered
vaginally. Well her second baby was 11.10 lbs-
and was born peacefully at home!
The Birth
of Olivia Ann Meyer Melinda's first two babies
were taken by c-section because her pelvis was
said to be "too small" for her to give
birth vaginally. Well- she went on to have three
VBACs, with her fifth baby being born at home
with midwives- and bigger than all the rest.
The Birth
of Georgia Willow Crum by Julie Crum, who
had a c-section in '95 for FTP (failure to progress)
and CPD (cephalopelvic disproportion)- then went
on to have two VBACs- including a home waterbirth.
Photos added 3/3/01
The
Joyful Birth of Hannah Rose Paula was
labeled with CPD (cephalopelvic disproportion-
baby's head to big to fit mother's pelvic opening)
and had her first baby born by cesarean. This
baby weighed 6 lbs 12 1/2 oz, and was 20 3/4 inches
long at birth. Well- Paula, who is 4'11, just
gave birth at home to Hannah Rose- who weighed
8 lbs 8 oz and was 21 inches long! This story
includes Paula's challenged at her homebirth,
as well as her joy at starting the birth process
on her own- no Pitocin.
Midwife-attended home VBACs
from Hannah's
Birth Story
Maille's
Birth Gretchen's fourth baby is born at home,
with her little son Daniel in joyful attendance.
This story is told with humor and love, and includes
photos as well.
Nuala's
Homebirth Story Celine had a wounding cesarean-
then went on to have a luscious, healing homebirth
with her gentle midwife attending. Says Celine
about her unique path through cesarean pain to
homebirth: "While I was- and am- enraged
at my cesarean birth, had I not been cut, I may
have returned to a hospital to birth again, oblivious
to the joy of homebirth. And so begins the story
of Nuala's peaceful, healing birth."
My Homebirth
Journey Laureen has two uteruses- "bicornate
uterii". After a nightmarish experience with
her second cesarean, she decided to never again
return to a hospital to give birth- and went on
to have three home VBACs! Note that Laureen's
babies turn breech, and this story includes how
she herself turns her babies before birth; as
well as her great passion in and belief of homebirth!
Gabriel's
Birth Desa, in stunning truth and visual beauty,
shares her voyage to her third son's birth. Included:
the struggle to find the right midwife (the one
she had chosen had ABANDONED her at 38 weeks pregnant),
her building up of internal courage to give birth
naturally; and a bit about the cesarean that wounded
her mind, body and spirit.
Griffin
Michael's Incredible Birth Story Kary gives
birth after a long and challenging labor to a
ten pound baby boy. This birth has filled with
with a sense of power and accomplishment, and
has given her confidences as a mother. She says-
"My confidence is getting stronger by the
day. Not only did I prove to myself that I could
give birth vaginally, but I can also care for
my newborn instinctively and with confidence."
Tara's
HBAC Story Hope, an Australian Mum, gives
birth in victory and joy after a long and at times
exasperating early labor. She had to transfer
after the birth due to excessive bleeding; her
hospital experience was quite positive- aside
from the rude OB who felt it his place to browbeat
her about her homebirth choice. Includes wonderful
photos.
Amy Witmer's home VBAC stories:
- Luke's
Birth Story Amy gives amazing, simple, perfect
birth with respectful, gentle midwives attending-
they patiently waited for an hour for her placenta
to be born. This story is told with humor and
much love. Photos added 12/13/02
- The Homebirth
of Tess Emilia Witmer Tess was born in love
at home with Nancy Wainer in attendance.
The
Birth of Fela Byrne Verushka has an empowering
home VBAC, surrounded by the love of her husband
and birth attendants. Says Verushka- "This
experience has been one of the most awesome ones
of my life, I would not trade even a minute of
it for the world!"
Dominic's
Story Joann has her eighth child- her seventh
VBAC- at home, and she was profoundly pleased
and relieved at the difference homebirth brings:
to her births, to her babies.
The
Story of Kaleb Trent Smith First the birth
is lighthearted and fun; then Jen feels like her
contractions are taking her "to hell and
back" as she gives birth with her husband
and midwives attending. A joyful, tearjerking
must-read. Includes photos.
The
Birth of Sasha Elizabeth This joyful story
is told by both the mother and father- a must-read.
Jillian's
Birth Jen gives birth to her ninth child at
home. Note that in this story Jen and her midwife
decide to stop bothering with the natural induction
methods, and let Nature take its course- to wonderful
effect.
Lydia's
Birth Story Melissa tells the story of her
4th child's birth; her 3rd HBAC (homebirth after
cesarean). This story includes mention of how
Melissa's births are not "by the book"
regarding length of time between being fully dilated
and being ready to push; her midwife is so wonderful
for respecting Melissa's unique way of giving
birth.
Excerpt
from "Having Twins…and more"
This includes the home VBAC story of triplets!
The
Journey, Part 2: Michael's Birth A must-read!
After a c-section because of a failed induction
at 34 weeks pregnant, Stephanie goes on to have
an indescribably empowering home VBAC. Note that
up until 33 weeks of pregnancy, Stephanie was
planning on an elective repeat cesarean; after
which she was planning on a CNM-attended hospital
VBAC. She only decided on a home VBAC three weeks
before her baby was born. This links to her first
story.
Gabi's Story
...a long journey with a soft light at the end
of the tunnel A midwife in Costa Rica writes
about her friend's luscious home VBAC. Incredibly
and wonderfully, Gabi slept through almost her
entire second stage (pushing phase) of labor.
This includes information about typical birth
in Costa Rica (highly interventionist).
"that’s
exactly right" A poem captures the cadence
of natural birth. From Allyson: "This is
a poem that I was inspired to write after the
beautiful homebirth of my second child, Zane Adam.
After the horrendous cesarean section birth of
my first, Zoe Ryan, in the hospital 26 months
prior to this, all my dreams came true and I healed
as I pushed out my son. I also feel I gave Zoe
a healing gift as she witnessed a gentle loving
birth, the way it should be. Besides my daughter,
the love circle around me was made by my husband,
my parents, my 3 siblings, and my sister in law.
I was attended with love by Nancy Wainer, my VBAC
guru and honored midwife."
Hannah’s
Birth Amy gives birth joyfully at home with
midwives after two previous cesareans.
Serralyn's
Birth Story Inspiring and moving, Michele
talks about the first time she gave birth without
trauma and interventions. Note that her midwife
was kind, compassionate- and didn't stitch up
Michele's tear; instead instructing her how to
heal naturally. Includes links to her other stories.
Home VBAC
by Cher Mikkola Cher talks about how she gave
birth vaginally at home despite the challenge
of genital herpes.
Hannah's
Birth Story
Catherine shares
her beautiful home VBAC birth story in both pictures
and words. She talks about how she found the wisdom
to trust in God about how and when her birth was
supposed to happen, and how beautifully supportive
her birth helpers were- including her little son,
Jonathan (he and Hannah even tandem nursed after
the birth. Sweet!). Catherine also talks about
how she wishes birth could be trusted more by
doctors and nurses. Included: Hannah's
Birth, by Midwife Allison
Clarabou's Caribou Antlers-
Nudging Laura to the Most Important Birth of All
(view
page here) Laura had a birth center birth
planned with "midwives"- but ended up
getting sectioned out of their fears about a big
baby causing problems. Well!- Laura went on to
have a home VBAC with an 11 pound baby! This is
very poetic and strong- a must-read.
Photo added 1/31/02
Unassisted VBACs
See also: Unassisted VBACs after
Three Cesareans
from Nathan's
Emergence
Birth Story
of Tygo Ezechiël This birth story is
phenomenal- Eugenie's birth took several days
to unfold, and in those days she learned so much-
she worked her way through past cesarean trauma;
she liberated her sexuality; she felt fully womanly
for the first time; she learned just how powerful
and patient her husband really is- and she learned
that she, no matter what the hospital "assholes"
as she called them, really can give birth- and
give birth beautifully. A must-read that includes
beautiful photos. Note that her placenta took
over a day to detach. Eugenie's partner Jan earned
"Daddy of the Decade" for his powerful,
supportive role in this birth. Click
here for more.
By Karen Garrett:
- Jade's
Birth Story Karen's fourth child is born
easily and beautifully after two days of getting
ready to be born. Karen's sister Sara received
the baby into her hands, and writes her version
of the story as well. This includes lovely photos,
and links to Sara's own unassisted birth story
on BirthLove.
- Joseph
Robert's Powerful Birth Karen's third child
was born unassisted at home, with her loving
husband and sister in attendance. Her first
two births were needlessly dangerous and traumatic
due to medical negligence and interventions.
Includes photos.
Chandler's
Birth Story Kymberli's fifth baby is born
blissfully and unassisted at home in the water.
Kymberli was 26 days "overdue"! (Way
to go ten month mama Kymberli!)
By Micklyn
- Gracie's
Blessed Birth Micklyn, after a traumatic
cesarean, an unassisted VBAC then several miscarriages,
has a beautiful, healing homebirth. Included:
how her baby had some troubles with breathing
after the birth, but through prayer and the
coughing up of mucous she was fine.
- Tane's Birth Story: The Healing Beauty
of Unassisted Homebirth (view
page here) WOW is what I said when I first
read this luscious, victorious UC VBAC birth
story. Included: how Micklyn's initial cesarean
left her with post-traumatic stress disorder;
the circumstances leading up to her unassisted
birth choice (including incredible medical hostility
and stupidity); what giving birth for the first
time really felt like for Micklyn; and how her
perineal tear healed perfectly on its own.
A
New Day After a violent cesarean, Megan
finds peace at home in her first unassisted birth.
Says Megan about her birth: "On September
9th, I went into labor. I can't describe, in words,
what it felt like. If you can imagine pure bliss,
this is what my labor felt like. It was like I
was Momma Earth with my body writhing and wriggling,
sometimes erupting, to create new life."
external link
Ethan
Alexander's Birth Story Carrie gives birth
to her fifth child, her first VBAC and first unassisted
birth, at home in the water. This story is wonderful-
so descriptive of the birth process (including
the third stage and subsequent cutting of the
cord), and so full of love as well. This includes
many photos, and links to her emergency cesarean
story.
Elisabeth's
Birth Story Amberlyn had a cesarean with her
first child (for a failed- and agonizing- induction);
and an unassisted birth for her fifth. This includes
some coping techniques she used in labor, and
how protective and sweet her husband is.
The Birth
of Tiffiny Austyn Reed Shannon gives victorious
birth at home after a long, tiring and sometimes
exasperating labor. She shares her story in wonderful
honesty and clarity. Noteworthy: clitoral support
helped her cope during her baby's descent down
the birth canal. This incudes beautiful photos.
Joshua
Oliver Manon's Birth Story Jennifer, a diabetic
woman, had an unassisted homebirth after two previous
cesareans. She candidly shares her story in all
its intensity, emotion and wonder. This includes
how wonderful her husband Jay was.
The hospital said NO VBAC (but she had one anyway)
1/30/03 12:56pm
"The hospital in Moscow, Idaho has
a new NO VBAC rule and the doctors practicing
there will not do them, as well at any other
hospital. My younger sister was told she had
to schedule a c-section for her 5th baby, her
4th VBAC. She is currently in labor having a
UC (unassisted birth):)"
1/31/03 7:37am
"Baby was born this morning 3:33am
Pacific time. It was a water birth at home in
the bathtub, she didn't tear at all, the placenta
is whole, the baby and mommy are sleeping right
now and she's barely even bleeding. They've
named her Elisabeth Louisa and is the 3rd girl
(they have girl, boy, girl, boy, girl). As my
brother in law put it The BAD DOCTORS wanted
to cut her!!!!!! As he told me that she didn't
even have a tear and was sleeping in her own
bed. This is her second UC, her first was in
August 2000 with a nearly 10lb baby boy."
-Jennifer
Manon. Read Jennifer's own unassisted VBAC
after two cesareans story here.
Josiah's
Birth Story Emily's midwife didn't get there
in time to catch Josiah! In this story Emily talks
about her dissatisfaction with the OBs she had
been seeing, and her brave departure from medicalized
birth. This includes a response from Emily's husband
as well.
The GIFT
Powerful and inspiring, this homebirth after two
cesareans story is told by the doula.
My Secret
Or the birth of Jeremy Rowan Clark Jamie
has a secret, and it is the private, luscious,
wild and beautiful birth of her third child. VBAC
women take note: keep your birth plans, labor
and immediate postpartum period PRIVATE. This
will greatly increase your chances of having a
successful VBAC.
Ian's
Birth Story Joy gives birth to her third child
at home with her family around her; her first
child was born by cesarean for breech presentation.
This links to her other stories.
Nathan's
Emergence A victorious, brilliant birth where
the mother caught her own baby on the kitchen
floor. Includes photos of the birth (the baby
was born in the caul), and a link to Merry's c-section
story.
Charlie's
Birth Amazing, inspiring, empowering,
incredible, beautiful- Kiley Myers defied the
odds, and gave birth at home unassisted, after
two previous cesarean sections. A must-read that
includes photos.
From Kiley about what her birth has taught
her:
"I now see birth as this normal thing
that women do. Babies know which door to come
out, and with rare exception can manage it just
fine if we leave them to it. I don't see it
as a thing one needs to obsess about for 9 mos
(as I have with my past three births). I see
it as something that is hard physical work,
but not hard to figure out and actually do.
It's no harder than figuring out how to poop.
"Even most complications don't require
a lot of training to figure out (though the
solution may require training etc). I mean,
late in pregnancy you start to bleed? Do you
need to be a midwife to know that's not a good
thing and to seek help? GDM, well that's just
nonsense. Cord is wrapped around babies neck:
Do you need several of years of training and
an apprenticeship to know that baby needs it
off to breath, and to figure out how that needs
to be done? Anyway, I see birth as a normal
thing that just happens, stuff can go wrong
but it's unusual. Most of the time when we try
to prevent problems we end up causing more,
like vag checks and infection etc. I just don't
see birth as something to get all worked up
about. The real exciting part that is worth
all the hoopla is the baby! Babies are wonderful!"
Judah's
Birth Erica Johns writes the birth story
of her 5th baby, born unassisted in a water tub
at 45 weeks gestation. (Her 4th birth was a c-section.)
Adele's
Journey to Homebirth Adele shares the journey
of her six births with candor and generosity.
She had an unassisted birth with her sixth child-
her fifth was a c-section "nightmare".
Letter
from T*annu Her first baby was taken by c-section;
her second was born at home with fearful midwives
attending. Her third baby was born blissfully
unassisted at home.
Jamie's
Story: from oral oxytocin-induced
emergency c-section to blissful unassisted childbirth,
she's been there. Long, but well worth the read.
For a shorter version, click
here.
Kim's Brave
Voyage to Unassisted Homebirth In her seven
birth stories, Kim talks about her two c-sections-
including how the surgeon nicked her bladder in
one of the surgeries.
Anita Woods'
Birth Stories Anita Woods, Vice President
of ICAN International, has been through so much-
from a needless cesarean and brutal hospital VBAC,
to an ecstatic unassisted home waterbirth. Her
fourth child was born by cesarean; note that this
birth was gentle, dignified and respectful.
My Passion
for (Unassisted) VBAC by LLM.
This includes the birth story (in part) of my
seventh child, as well as a Q&A about homebirth
fears. Includes links to unassisted VBAC birth
stories.
VBAC waterbirths
Naomi's
Blessing After a searing rape of a cesarean,
Bonnie gives powerfufl, painful, womanluy, radiant
Awesome birth at home in the water. The birth
hurt far mroe than Bonnie oculd have anticipated-
but she does't regret her VBAC for a second. Says
Bonnie about the gift of birth for her baby:
"My greatest triumph in this is not even
me; it's my baby. I knew her, smelled her, saw
her, and coherently held her right away. She
was alert, no drugs. She was not terrorized
by needles and heel pricks... she was not deprived
of 1/3 of her blood by having her cord cut too
soon... she was not washed and scrubbed within
seconds of being born and robbed of her soft
vernix. She was not placed in a warmer all by
herself under bright lights for over an hour
because I was in recovery. The list goes on,
as she was aspirated so many times they bruised
her nostril passages and when she couldn't breathe,
of course they had to take her for tests- and
bottles of sugar water and formula..."
Waterbirth is Essential for a VBAC Birth
"If anything, waterbirth is essential
for a VBAC birth. The relief from backache
and the pull of gravity gives the mother an
even more acute understanding of what is happening
in her lower uterine segment. I find that
many VBAC women are reluctant to ask for waterbirth
because they feel that just asking for a VBAC
is almost too much. VBAC women should
be asked the question: 'If you were having a
second baby and had had your first vaginally,
how good would you be willing to have it?
what would you be demanding? requesting?
asking for? expecting? If you were
the wealthiest woman in the country, what would
you want for your birth?'
"These questions will illicit the woman's
deepest desires which will lead her to the deepest
satisfaction with the birth. Every VBAC
mother that I have asked these questions of
puts waterbirth into her wish list."
-Gloria Lemay, Vancouver, BC Canada
from Pablo
Felix's Birth Story
Maia's
Birth: My Beautiful, Healing HBAC Waterbirth
To the song of birds, Mary pushes out her baby
in joy and triumph. This story is a luscious,
beautiful must-read, and links to Mary's cesarean
story.
Elysia's
Journey Kitty had a cesarean due to her
son being in a breech presentation. With her second
child, she dearly needed a natural birth; and
after a long search through options (including
seeing a doctor who is too arrogant to believe)
she found British Independent Midwives. She had
a victorious home waterbirth, while held gently
in the loving arms of her husband Matt. This includes
beautiful photos, and links to Matt's version
of the birth story (so sweet!!!).
The
Birth of Gabrielle Grace Wieberdink Christine
gives birth to her sixth child at home in the
water, despite a long and painful posterior labor.
Says Christine- "I did it. I'm not broken."
Carina
Rose's Birth Story Misha gives birth to her
fourth child, at home in the tub, with her doula
"catching"- her midwife didn't get there
in time! This includes photos of this radiantly
beautiful "plus size" mama giving birth.
My
Home Waterbirth after Two Cesareans
Stephanie's first baby was born at home,
then she had two cesareans; her fourth baby was
born at home in the water. She went from 1 cm
dilated to 10 in almost no time at all, after
a long prodromal labor- her midwife came just
in time to see the baby's head emerging.
Samuel's
Empowering Birth Gail (in England) found a
great deal of both pain and empowerment in her
home VBAC. Note that she did a very good job in
advocating for herself in her birth (her midwives
wanted to break her waters, but she refused),
and that her baby's heart rate only stabilized
once she went off the gas and air.
Pablo
Felix's Birth Story Joanna was told that her
first baby was too big to be born vaginally, so
she had a cesarean. Pregnant with her second baby,
she chose to look beyond the doom-saying of her
OB and had a homebirth- with an even bigger baby.
Pablo was twelve pounds! This includes the story
of why Joanna had to transfer to the hospital
after the birth. Photos added 10/1/01
Our
Home Waterbirth After Two Cesareans Wendy
gives birth in the water only 45 minutes after
her midwife arrives. Her baby was posterior- but
she knew that she would give birth anyway, regardless
of the position the baby was in. This includes
the great help her husband gave her.
Emily
Lin Powell's Birth Emily died shortly before
her birth. Her mother, Tami, had long been planning
a VBAC waterbirth- and this is how she did give
birth to Emily, with an OB's gentle encouragement.
This birth story includes photos, and a link to
Emily's homepage.
Gretchen's
Beautiful Home VBAC Waterbirth Gretchen talks
about her waterbirth with much humor, love and
touching honesty. This story is very descriptive
of what birth feels like, and is highly recommended
for first-time moms and VBAC moms. Includes amazing
photos.
Morgan's
birth story Beautiful, powerful, sweet, inspiring,
amazing, full of love- all these words describe
Andrea, and her home waterbirth VBAC. (outside
link)
God Bless
The Midwife Lindsay Pepin describes her healing,
gracious home waterbirth VBAC in touching verse.
Her midwife talks about the birth with equal joy
and love.
Home
VBAC Waterbirth The midwives didn't make it
in time to attend this victorious, beautiful birth.
Includes powerful photos. (outside link)
Hospital or birth center
VBACs
VBAC, by Jo Wheeler
Fantastic hospital waterbirth
VBAC
"I had a wonderful VBAC with my second
child with a doctor (an OB no less) as my primary
attendant.
"My OB was very encouraging of VBAC during
my entire second pregnancy. At forty weeks he
never once mentioned induction. I went into
labour spontaneously 6 days 'over' and laboured
at home mostly. I had a midwife attending me
as a support person only but as it turned out,
when I arrived at the hospital the labour ward
was full and they had no extra midwifery staff
to attend me so she ended up being my midwife.
"As the ward was full I laboured in the
staff shower until my waters broke and I started
pushing (not much room in the staff shower for
squatting and pushing) so I moved to the cleaners
room and pushed leaning on the floor polisher
(seems hysterical now). The entire time doctor
(and midwife) watched and never touched. I had
one VE at my request as I felt I wasn't getting
anywhere with the pushing. Doctor suggested
I stop pushing as I wasn't quite fully dilated.
The midwife/support person suggested I kneel
on all fours and blow raspberries while she
run a bath. I got in the bath and dr and midwife
left my husband and I alone to labour in peace.
"When the midwife came back I was pushing.
Dr came in and asked how I was going. I could
feel the head and it was starting to sting.
He told me how great I was doing. He stood back
the entire time. The midwife put a mirror in
the bath so I could see my baby. I pushed my
baby out in the bath and scooped him up into
my arms with no midwife or doctor standing over
me to 'catch the baby'. The doctor took some
photos of us (me, hubby and baby), the midwife
added some warm water to the bath and we stayed
there about an hour breastfeeding and getting
to know our baby. Cord was left attached until
it stopped pulsing.
"When the water cooled I got out of the
bath with baby and walked to a delivery room-
placenta still inside me and baby still attached
to the cord. I climbed on a bed and delivered
the placenta and only then did husband cut the
cord. The entire time I held and fed my baby
from the moment he was born until his cord was
cut ( then dad had a cuddle). The doctor or
midwife never once poked or prodded either of
us. The doctor did check for tears when I delivered
the placenta but said I was fine (I felt great).
"My son's birth is apparently the first
ever waterbirth at my local hospital and the
OB was almost as ecstatic about my successful
and peaceful VBAC as I was. (My OB was so relaxed
and confident in my ability to give birth that
at my 2nd VBAC he snoozed in the corner while
I loudly hollered through transition - lol.)
Hope this brief story helps." -Tam
Jones, Victoria, Australia
Sweet
VBAC Success Stephanie used to trust openly
in everything from medical care providers to cosmetics
companies. Then she had her first cesarean; a
birth that would bring about in her phenomenal
personal growth and change. Her metamorphosis
ultimately led to her victorious VBAC. Note that
Stephanie's doula was beautifully supportive in
her birth, and that Stephanie lost yet more faith
in the medical system as she was poked and prodded
needlessly in her hospital VBAC. Says Stephanie
about the power of her VBAC- " I was witness
to this boy's birth. I was alive and awake and
I birthed my own baby. I had earned the right
of passage that all women are entitled to. I made
it!"
My Birth
Stories Kymberli had her cesarean at nineteen
(for reasons she now considers inadequate). The
cesarean undermined her sense of womanness. She
went on to have three VBACs (two in the hospital,
one unassisted)- she shares her stories here.
She is expecting again, and is planning an unassisted
("UC") VBAC.
By Kasia:
- Ola's
Birth Kasia has a powerful VBAC- despite
the unbelievable odds of constant monitoring
and medical starvation and neglect. Note that
her baby was to be taken to NICU due to a fever-
but Kasia refused to let her go, and after ten
minutes of breastfeeding the baby's temperature
stabilized.
- Gosia's
Birth Kasia ended up with forceps due to
being perptually flat on her back, and unable
to control the lower half of her body (due to
the epidural). She is planning a homebirth with
her fourth child. This includes a response from
LLM.
- Zosia's
Birth Kasia was planning a homebirth, but
was encouraged to transfer in transition by
her midwife (who had a hair appointment!). Note
that Kasia felt a great deal of her labor pains
right in her cesarean scar area- but had no
troubles whatsoever because of it.
Jo Wheeler's VBAC Stories
- Celebrating
Sienna The
story of Jo Wheeler's vaginal birth after cesarean
(3/17/01) to a precious stillborn baby. It is
simply the most beautiful birth story...
- Seminole's
Birth Story Jo had her 2nd VBAC after two
cesareans. The power she had grown was palpable
as she refused interventions, time and again;
this resolute will to have a vaginal birth was
the deciding factor in making it actually happen.
Included: how Jo's blood pressure was drastically
affected by a too-small blood pressure cuff.
This links to Jo's cesarean stories.
Crystal B. Jacob's stories
- Daphney's
Birth Crystal's first hospital VBAC was
a drug roller coaster, culminating in an episiotomy
that tore to the fourth degree, and a nasty
staph infection that wouldn't go away. Says
Crystal about her birth: "Of all my births
though sadly this was the one in which the attendants
were the most caring and calm during the birth.
I suppose it was easier for them to be supportive
of me since I was drugged, relatively quiet
and immobile. I followed the rules."
- Adrian's
Birth Crystal discovered that her body can
indeed go into the birth process without a shot
of pitocin; but such a violent, brutal birth
she gave, with a doctor who seemed to enjoy
his barbarism. This birth led Crystal to a voyage
of education about all of her birth options.
- Gabriel's
Birth Crystal was planning a homebirth,
but was bleeding heavily so she transferred
to the hospital by way of ambulance. This includes
many photos, and a detailed account of the labor
and birth, as well as postpartum stupidity on
some nurses' parts.
Elisabeth's
Birth Story April's second baby was born with
more interventions than she would have, in retrospect,
liked; but nonetheless her birth was a happy victory:
she gave birth in the position of her choosing,
she held her baby for over two hours after the
birth, and hers was the first VBAC the hospital
had seen in a long while. (Way to go April!)
The Arrival
of Kell- Kris and Gordon's Baby Boy Kris,
who lives in Tasmania, Australia, labored wonderfully
at home, then transferred at her midwife's insistence
to the hospital give birth to a 10lb 5oz posterior
baby boy with the assistance of forceps. This
story is written with great joy and love.
Photos added 2/24/03.
Patrick
Sculland's Birth Story Leanne gives birth
to a great big 10lb 12oz baby boy, in victory
and with no complications due to being a VBAC
mom. In this she talks about the great difference
between a cesarean postpartum period and a VBAC
one.
Jenna's
Birth Story- VBAC After Two Cesareans Rachel,
a UK mum, gives birth to her daughter and discovers
what labor and birth feel like for the first time.
Her midwife and husband were outstandingly supportive
and wonderful, and helped her resist a great deal
of intervention.
Isabella's
Joyful Birth Dina finds such happiness in
her midwife-attended hospital birth. She had some
drama afterwards though due to a cervical tear
(sidenote: Pitocin is known to cause such tears).
My
VBAC Birth Story Lisa talks first about her
baby who passed away shortly after her cesarean
birth, then about her gentle VBAC in the hospital
with a midwife.
Andrew's
Birth Story After a sad c-section, Jennifer
(a registered nurse) finally gets her VBAC...
but she finds the experience bittersweet.
Hunter's
Birth Story Despite a brutal and thoughtless
male midwife (and the pain and trauma he was responsible
for), Michele gave birth victoriously after her
cesarean section. Includes links to her other
stories.
Margaret's
Happy Birth Mama Helen stuck up for her rights
and autonomy- and had a peaceful, powerful hospital
VBAC birth.
The Birth
of Brenna Elizabeth Donovan How Amy's VBAC
made her feel like a Mother Goddess- the strongest
woman in the world!
Jason's
Birth Cindy Millar
had a glorious hospital VBAC with the gentle assistance
of a British Columbia College midwife. Included:
how "moxabustion"
turned her breech baby.
VBAC
breech birth story
-includes mention of how well colloidal silver
controls strep B infection.
Gina's Stories
Gina talks about the two births that have hurt
her so deeply- her first was a c-section done
far too soon, her second baby was born in a much
interfered-with hospital VBAC.
A Picture
of Faith, Love, Trust, Blood, and VICTORY by
Katie Blue. A single fantastic picture captures
the precious spirit and love of beautiful VBAC-
vaginal birth after cesarean. Includes Katie's
description of her feelings just seconds after
her daughter's birth. Photo link added 5/21/02.
Letter from Katie
Blue to Leilah...
"The reason that I am writing to you is
because your book
was AMAZING and I am not moved so easily. You
have your finger on the pulse of the facade
of medical bullshit! I will briefly tell you
my birth stories.
"My first birth, with my son, was quite
traumatic for me. I was 40 weeks + 5 days and
my doctor induced me. I take 50% blame because
I stupidly, naively thought that she was doing
that which was best for ME and MY BABY, not
bloody her. Tuesday night I have a Foley catheter
inserted to "trick" my cervix into
opening. The instruction is to return Wednesday
am to remove the Foley and attempt an induction.
9am arom [artificial rupture of membranes] with
meconium. 11am pitocin. 7pm epidural. (Bastard
doctor. My hubby left the room crying and punched
a wall!) 11:35pm slaughter-section! Now the
reason that I was induced was because of late
dates. 5 DAYS!! Now the c-section is said to
have happened due to FAILURE TO PROGRESS and
the ever fable of CPD [cephalopelvic disproportion]
and OP [occipital posterior] positioning. Are
you ready for the truth? My doctor, whom I trusted,
left on a month-long vacation on the Friday.
HMMM?
"So let me tell you that when I was pregnant
with my baby girl THINGS WERE GONNA BE DIFFERENT!!
I did not realize this at the time but I was
carrying around 1 birth, 2 pregnancies and 1
impending birth. All at the same time! Anyway,
I tried everything to induce myself naturally.
Oral sex (much to my husband's delight), acupunture,
squatting, evening primrose oil, visualization,
you name it. They were not going to hurt me
again. Now I haven't told you what happened
with the restricted... I'm sorry... registered
midwife I chose! She was a conditional registrant
and her practice fired her 9 WEEKS before my
due date!
"I had no choice but to go to a doctor.
She was kind and told me that I was capable
to give birth and when she looked at my records,
she could not believe what she saw. 'UTTER CRAP'
quote, unquote. She did help renew my faith
in my body, and I had a relatively nice birth
with my baby girl. It was vaginal, and this
doctor did respect me- but I have the scar of
a 4th degree tear.
"And to think this happened to you 5 times!!!
I am sorry. And I thank you for the fight you
are fighting. I'm right behind you!"
-Katie
Birth Stories of women who
have had 3 or more c-sections each, then gone
on to have vaginal births afterwards (VBA3+Cs)
from My
Journey to VBAC
Lauren
Elisabeth's Miracle Birth Carmen, a registered
nurse, gives birth at home in the water after
four previous cesareans! Note how perfect her
birth team was, and how instrumental it was that
they were picked perfectly for her smooth birth.
Also noteworthy: Carmen had had a tubal ligation,
and a successful reversal; and that Carmen was
42 when she gave birth.
Is
a VBA3Cs birth more gentle and lengthy by nature?
A midwife tells the story of a mother who
had a home waterbirth after three cesareans. Says
Mary about the effect of home VBAC on a woman:
"I did a 15 day post-natal visit today and
she still looks like a smug pussy cat that has
just had a big bowl of cream."
Homebirth VBA3Cs Mama Proves the Doctors Wrong
"I am Christy, married to Mark and a stay-at-home-mom
to Samuel (7), Joshua (5), Joseph (3) and Sarah
Joy (8 months). I had c-sections with my boys
and with my daughter I got my homebirth after
three cesareans. It was one of the hardest things
I have ever done in my life but with my faith
in the Lord Jesus Christ and the strong support
I received from my awesome midwife, husband,
and a fellow homebirthin' friend- I did it!!
I had three days of hard labor and three hours
of mega powerful pushin' contractions but she
was born at 3:15am on 6-15-02. I was utterly
exhausted but thrilled that I did it. It was
a very healing experience. Would do it all over
again, and will whenever the Lord chooses to
give us another baby. Well, ok hopefully the
labor will be much shorter and not as much pushing
time (3hrs?????). lol :-)
"And one more thing- the drs said I couldn't
have a baby over 5lbs. Sarah weighed 7lbs 8oz
and was 21in long, it was a real joy proving
them wrong. ;-)"
Blessings,
Christy Farber
married to Mark
SAHM to Samuel 7, Joshua 5, Joseph 3, and Sarah
Joy 8mo...my hba3c baby woooooohoooooo!!!
Her Doctor Recommended VBAC
"I did a VBAC on a patient with only four
prior cesarean sections. After getting the records
to show that they were low transverse cesarean
sections, I let her labor (she was in favor
of VBAC- I would not have pressed her to have
a VBAC if she did not want to try labor). The
first cesarean was done for failure to progress,
the second for a breech, the third and fourth
done because her last doctor insisted. She delivered
without difficulty. This is anecdotal, of course,
but in a closely monitored situation with the
patient's informed consent and desire to attempt
vaginal birth, I do not feel it is unreasonable
medically or legally to attempt VBAC after multiple
low transverse cesareans."
Paul D. Burstein, MD FACOG
Clinical Assoc. Professor Univ. of Wisconsin
Milwaukee Clinical Campus
An
OB/GYN Thread that Ended in VBAC An OB asks
her online colleagues how she should proceed with
her patient who wants a VBAC after five cesareans;
most "poo poo" the idea, but her patient
(to the doctor's great joy) had her VBAC anyway.
Unassisted VBA3Cs stories:
- Christina
Marie's Unassisted Homebirth After much
planning and anticipating, Annette gives birth
in her bathroom, and catches her own baby! This
links to all her other stories and articles
on BirthLove, and includes photos.
- Our
Journey to Birth Freedom This birth story
is so richly, spiritually told... Marcia Carlson
had three needless cesareans, then four VBACs-
one in the hospital (at 44 weeks pregnant and
in a self-determined squat!), then three at
home: her first was a homebirth with a midwife
attending, then her last two babies were born
unassisted. Note that her home-borne babies
were "late" as well. A must-read.
- My
Unassisted Homebirth after Three Cesarans
Delone learns that the most important thing
to learn about the birthing process is that
one must trust herself- and not let anyone get
her down.
My
Journey to VBAC After three wounding cesareans,
Susanne pushes out her baby in her hot tub. This
includes entries from her pregnancy journal, and
a photo of her victorious, luscious birth. Included:
links to her cesarean stories.
Amy's
Story Amy's first baby died at term; her next
child was born by cesarean after a disastrous
induction attempt. After, she had another cesarean,
then after that gave birth to still twins at eigheen
weeks gestation. Then she had another cesarean.
After that she had an amazingly victorious homebirth.
Says Amy- "My body birthed a baby!!! No pitocin,
drugs or surgery was needed for me to have a baby!!
I DID IT!!!"
My Birth
Story Leslie had a VBA3C with a 13 lb. 5oz
baby!
Question:
Can one have a VBAC after four cesareans?
Midwives answer with a resounding YES. Includes
a story about a mom who had a home VBAC after
SEVEN cesareans!
Jenn
Rynder's Pregnancy Journal Jenn gave birth
vaginally after three cesareans.
So how
do you get the VBA3C birth of your dreams?
A private birth attendants talks about what sort
of care and self-care a woman wanting a VBAC after
3 sections should look into. This includes many
great tips on getting the birth you want, and
a bit about how handy the diagnoisis of "posterior"
is when doctors or midwives try to defend a c-section
that may have resulted.
Our
Birth Story Michelle had three sections, then
a VBAC in the hospital. While she's glad she finally
had her vaginal birth, Michelle is upset about
the treatment she got from her doula and midwife...
their impatience and agressiveness with induction
caused her cervix to tear, and for Michelle to
lose a large amount of blood.
Annette's
Story Annette had three c-sections, which
hurt her- and caused her babies harm, too. In
the pregnany of her fourth child, Annette researched
extensively- and created for herself a gentle,
safe vaginal birth- in the hospital, with a kind
OB.
Dori's Incredible
Vaginal Birth After 3 Cesareans Dori's fourth
baby came with wonderful ease after 3 needless
cesareans.
Kent Andrew's
Birth Story: Homebirth After Four Cesareans
Vyckie Bennett shares her first five births
in candor and love. It is noteworthy that she
suffered from postpartum depression after her
c-sections, but did not after her homebirth. Includes
a link to the VBAC story of her 6th.
Remarkable
Birth by Monica Reid. The story of a mom
in a birth center having her 7th baby as if it
were her first, after 3 c-sections and 3 medicalized
vaginal births.
Vickie
Cleveland's Birth Stories Vickie tells about
her remarkable journey to homebirth: she had three
c-sections, one forceps delivery, one hospital
natural birth, and then a homebirth. She is now
studying to be a midwife.
3 C-Sections, then 8 VBACs
"I've had 1 hospital vaginal birth, 3
c-sections then 8 home births.
"My first 2 sections were for breech.
When I tried to have a VBA2C, I called almost
every doctor listed in my phone book before
I found one who verbally agreed to help me VBAC.
He seemed agreeable all through my pregnancy.
When I showed up at the hospital in labor, he
was like a different person. He was so nervous
about my chance of rupturing, he would not let
me even sit up. He ordered me to lie down, coming
in to check every few minutes to make sure I
was, because I kept getting up every time he
left the room. With all of this stress, my labor
stopped. He gave me 1 hour for it to get going
again. Needless to say, I have a third scar
under my belt.
"Anyway, with my next pregnancy, I knew
I had to avoid the obstetrical model of care
and go to midwifery model of care in order to
be able to birth vaginally. Hence, my 8 home
births. It was the only way I could have the
birth I wanted.
"But it ended up being the best decision
I could have ever made in regards to the births
of my precious babes. I wish I had made that
choice with the birth of my very first child."
-Kathy
A.L.
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