I knew with this pregnancy; I wanted a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). I wasn’t interested in anything else. I also knew I wanted a water birth at home especially due to my first hospital birth experience. With my first pregnancy, I still remember my last prenatal appointment with my OB. She told me that my pelvis was too narrow and that I may need a c-section; consequently thats exactly what happened. I still believe that my c-section was preplanned. I wasn’t going to set myself up to receive another c-section just because I had one the first time. I also didn’t want to deal with all the hospital bureaucracy this time around. I wanted 100% autonomy, without all the unnecessary interventions that are usually not warranted.
My husband and I planned this pregnancy just like we did with our daughter. I researched midwives before getting pregnant so I would already have my midwife of choice lined up. This pregnancy was very different than the first. I was more conscious of what I wanted, I did yoga, I educated myself on childbirth and optimal labor positions, I used herbs instead of prenatal vitamins, learned about hypnobirthing and hired a doula! We didn’t know the baby’s gender so the big surprise would be revealed during the birth!
I attempted to ignore all potential negative thoughts about homebirth from family and friends so I only told people I knew would be receptive to the idea of out of hospital births. During the last few weeks of my pregnancy, I ignored all calls or texts that read “you haven’t had the baby yet?” I didn’t want the stress of other people’s ideas about birth or negative energy to impact me. I didn’t want to explain that pregnancy is a natural process that shouldn’t be interfered with by inducing before its time or that due dates are only estimated and not definitive.
I experienced prodromal labor for a week but the time for real labor eventually came. I envisioned how this would happen the entire 40 plus weeks. I tried to implement everything that I learned during my pregnancy and my doula was a big help and supporter during my waves. My husband and daughter assisted me as well. My daughter was thrilled to be able to witness this incredible experience! After 16 hours of labor, baby came out sunny side up in the birthing pool. My husband was able to catch the baby and SURPISE it was a boy! This was definitely an out of body experience and I was in total shock that I did it! I was able to have a successful VBAC despite the odds against me!
I now know I can do anything I put my mind to! For any moms looking to have their ideal birth; don’t let traditional ideologies deter you from your dream experience. Continue to always remain persistent and autonomous!