being real
A few weeks ago I began questioning myself as to why I was preparing so much ahead of time for my vbac and taking the time to blog about it. I’m not pregnant, and I’m not 100% sure when I will be pregnant again. Why do all this without a due date in sight? After breaking down and talking to my husband about it, I was able to reconfirm my true intentions.
1st- When I do see those two pink lines confirming that I am pregnant, I don’t want to immediately feel dread thinking that I am going to relive my last birth experience. I don’t want there to be any feelings of negativity or fear in sight. I want to feel happy, happy to be pregnant and happy because I know this time will be better no matter what. Even if I end up truly needing a cesarean section it will be better. Even if I have to be in the hospital again it will be better. It will be better because I took the time to prepare myself. This doesn’t mean that my need to prepare will end once I am pregnant.
2nd- I want to get the word out on the high statistics of cesarean sections in the US, along with resources and support for those wishing to VBAC. I’ve been through one cesarean section and honestly I would love to help prevent an unnecessary one from happening to any woman out there. I know so many who have had unnecessary cesarean sections and I can’t help but want to warn others of this is a major issue. I have also found that a lot of pregnant women out there were a lot like me and didn’t know all their birthing options and rights. I didn’t know anything about the effects of certain medical interventions and unfortunately these tend to lead to cesarean sections. Knowlegde=power and can ultimately lead to a better birth experience.
3rd- Preparing yourself for a birth experience takes a good amount of time. Just as finding a new home, purchasing a car or any other big life change, there is a lot of planning involved. The birth of your child can be the most life changing event, thus it should require even more careful thought and research. This includes researching ones birth options, interviewing care providers and deciding on ultimately where one wants to birth. Eating well and exercising to promote good health should be practiced before becoming pregnant so your body is more physically prepared. Another essential part is working past the previous experiences and conquering those fears that could inhibit a woman from being successful in her future birth. Some might be able to do all this in 9 months time and that is wonderful. I’m the type that likes to have things planned out far in advance because it gives me more peace of mind.
For those of you who are pregnant or not yet pregnant and wanting a VBAC here is a great resource from VBAC Facts that can help you on your way.
I absolutely love that you’ve started this blog. I’m so happy to know I’m not the only one who thinks about how to make things different. I keep freaking Klint out because I say things like “when I go in for my yearly next month I’m going to ask the dr. how he feels about VBACs” Even though I don’t even want to think about having another baby for at least a year. I’m a preparer myself. I’m so happy I have you as my wealth of information 🙂
Thanks Corinne! You are very sweet:) I’m glad I can be of some help to you. Good for you for thinking ahead, it will definitely pay off.
“Also, I guess I’ve seen you at a few meetings I’ve been to and I should have introduced myself. It’s fun to see the person behind the blog. I’m sure I will see you around”
Really? Awesome! We’ll have to hook up sometime at a birth circle or ICAN. I love connecting with Arizona moms.
Re: the above, I think you are quite right to start preparing early. I started my hyperemesis blog to do research on HG about a year before we became pregnant, and it was none too soon. There’s so much to learn! And in terms of just birth research, I feel so rushed with this pregnancy! I wish I’d done more research beforehand – and I started 3 years ago doing birth research! And I’m having a non-complicated non-VBAC homebirth! But when you’re pregnant, there are so many practical things that have to be done (gathering supplies, finishing projects at home, choosing doulas, making appointments, dealing with any complications, etc.) that the time for actual research is somewhat limited. Pre-conception planning is definitely the way to go. Good for you!!
This is good work to start on now, absolutely! And because your 1st c/s was due to a breech twin, you’re still considered a good candidate.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I’ll have to search around your archives. I’m interested to find out how women handle twin babies while recovering from a c/s!!
~ Kimberly
http://labortrials.wordpress.com
http://ohmytwins.wordpress.com
Kimberly,
Thanks for your comment. I would like to think that I am a good candidate for a vbac for that reason. Hopefully I won’t hear otherwise:)
As for taking care of twins while recovering from a c/s, unfortunately I didn’t start my blog until way later.I’ll just say that I couldn’t have done it without my Mom and MIL who stayed the night at my house for a whole week when we came home from the hospital and then some. DH was still in school full time so we were very blessed to have help from family! I really hope you get your vbac!
Good for you for planning ahead. A friend who is planning an HBAC recently acknowledged she was able to make the leap to home birth because she began planning way before pregnancy. I think once you are ready to start processing your birth, you are ready to start thinking about VBACing.
Kat,
Thanks for your comment. I totally agree. I am hoping that because I am preparing now, it will open up opportunities that wouldn’t have been attainable otherwise. One of which could be a hbac:) Best wishes to your friend in her birth.