What you REALLY need to know when contemplating a VBAC

Preparing for a VBAC is a huge undertaking. There is so much to learn. So much to explore. So much advice from others about what you MUST do in order to "get your VBAC".

What I see is so many women focussed on things that are kind of pointless.

When do I need to start dates, raspberry leaf tea, gutter walking and bouncing on the ball? What do I need to take to the hospital to help me get my VBAC?
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
Did anyone else in my situation get their VBAC?

NOPE.

Your time and energy is limited - so let's look at what you REALLY need to know as you start this journey. 

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Your rights

When I asked this question in the VBAC Australia Support Group recently the most common answer was variations of:

YOU CAN SAY NO

It's YOUR birth. You are responsible for every single decision that gets made - whether you actively make those decisions or not. 

You have a right to:

• Say no.
• Ask questions.
• Take as much time as you need.
• Consult other sources of information.
• Get a second opinion.
• Make a complaint. 

You have a right to have your needs met.



Your care provider

Your care provider is one of the biggest influences on your VBAC journey. They will influence how you feel about the birth, about your decisions, what you choose to allow and not allow, and ultimately whether you get the birth you want.

You need to know what your care provider has in store for you. You don't really need to know if they are nice or kind (both lovely to have, but not super necessary) - but you do need to know their policies and you need to know HOW they plan to support your journey. 

Questions to help you get a deeper knowledge of your care provider:

• How would you describe a positive birth?
• Why is VBAC important?
• What is your favourite thing about supporting VBACs?
• How do you support birth physiology?
• Can I please have a copy of your guidelines / policies that will inform your care of me?
• How will you support me if / when I choose to decline any of these recommendations?

Your care provider is their policies


Birth

You DON'T need to know the stages of labour, the difference between prodromal and early labour, or how to "make labour happen".

You DO need to know:

• What makes labour safe (spoiler alert: it's usually NOT your care provider or hospital).
• How your homones work.
• How to optimise hormonal physiology.
• What interrupts hormonal physiology (spoiler alert: it usually IS your care provider and hospital). 
• Environmental influences (check out this blog post about how the hospital environment can hinder physiology).
• What happened in your last birth (all the ways your body was interrupted).

Birth is generally a very safe and powerful process. But you need to know how to keep it that way. 



Yourself

This is the foundation from which ALL decisions are made. You need to have a really good understanding of what this journey and birth means to you.

Here's some journaling prompts to help you gain some clarity:

• Why do you want a VBAC?
• How would you describe your previous birth?
• How would you describe birth in general?
• How are you feeling about your upcoming VBAC?
• What does support mean to you?
• What fears are popping up for you?
• Where can you find the support that you need?

Also - do some ideal birth journaling - what would your PERFECT birth look like. No restrictions or limits. 


YOU are the captain of your birth journey


BONUS TIP:

What makes you happy? Make a list of 50 things that you LOVE to do - some with family, kids, alone, outdoors, indoors, active, restful. Get a really good mix and then stick it on the fridge. Coz you need to know what you're going to be doing in those final days / weeks and honestly - It's much better if it's stuff that you LOVE to do!!


As a VBAC mum you generally have an older child or two that you are chasing after. You are busy AF. The emotional and physical energy is limited. 

So make sure it's directed at things that will actually help you to have an amazing and powerful VBAC journey.

Much love, Lizzie. 

PS: Want my high touch support with your VBAC journey so that you can have your energy laser focussed?!  Contact me or email lizzie@lizziecarroll.com.au to see if my mentoring program is right for you and see how we can keep your VBAC journey on track.


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