How many VBAC'ers here on BB?

[Niliac]

I was thinking of creating a list of all the VBAC'ers here on BB Not only is it fantastic to see that there are so many of us (and there are!) but its also inspirational for those who are considering a VBAC. Feel free to post as many forms as relate to as many children you have had. Please note this is not a chatter thread, you can chat more about VBAC here.

So If you've had a VBAC reply to this thread with:

Member Name:
Date of VBAC:
I had a:VBA1C, VBA2C etc etc
Baby's Weight:
Baby's Height:
Baby's Head Circ:
Type of birth: Homebirth, Waterbirth, Hospital Birth, Calm/Hypnobirth, Active Birth etc
Did you have extra support: ie Private Midwife or Doula
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Books you read, courses took etc
What form of pain relief did you choose:
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers:

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ______________________________________

Member Name: Nicambhar
Date of VBAC: 26/04/95
I had a: VBAC1
Baby's Weight: 8lb 4oz
Baby's Height: 54cm
Baby's Head Circ: not sure,have to check baby book
Type of birth: Hospital birth, total labour time was 3 hrs
Did you have extra support: No
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: None, I desperately wanted a c/s because I was so scared.
What form of pain relief did you choose: None
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Just do it. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for weeks after the birth.

Member Name: Trish
Date of VBAC: 8.3.2005
I had a: VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 3.7kgs or 8lbs 2oz
Baby's Height: 53cm
Baby's Head Circ: 34.5cm
Type of birth: Homebirth, Waterbirth
Did you have extra support: Independant Midwife, Mother, DP, and GF
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Lots of reading on Homebirths and waterbirths. Also on VBAC Statistics. I wanted to have information as power for the people who tried to sway me out of a homebirth, and a VBAC. I did not want either a hospital or repeat c section.
What form of pain relief did you choose: Water and massage
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Do you research. Keep firm in your beliefs and don't be swayed by scare tactics. Stay informed at all times and always ask for time to make your decisions. Information is power !!

Member Name: Niliac
Date of VBAC: 4/3/06
I had a: VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 9lb 12oz
Baby's Height:52cms
Baby's Head Circ:36.5 cm (I think will have to double check)
Type of birth: Calmbirthing, Active Hospital Birth
Did you have extra support: Yes I had a Doula and she was fantastic!
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: I did a Hypnobirthing Course, listened to speakers regarding VBAC, read information on sites, listened to Affirmations regarding my bodies capabilities.
What form of pain relief did you choose: None
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Read as much as you can, watch as many birth's as you can (positive non interventional births), find an Ob who will support your choices, find a hospital with an increased rate of VBAC's, do some calmbirthing and read about OFP (Optimum Fetal Positioning) and definitely get yourself a Doula.

Member Name: Christy
Date of VBAC: 9th Noveber 2006
I had a: VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 4kg
Baby's Height: 55 cm
Baby's Head Circ: 36.1cm
Type of birth: calm birth
Did you have extra support: Private midwife
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Books, Heaps of reading including "Silent Knife" and " A Thinking Women's Guide to Better Birth"
What form of pain relief did you choose: None, but I had pethadine early in labour to help me relax.
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Support support support, read heaps of information and get support!

Member Name: Ozziehoffy
Date of VBAC: 26th March, 2007
I had a: VBAC1
Baby's Weight: 2620gms... 5 pound 12 1/2 ounces
Baby's Height: 46.5cm
Baby's Head Circ: ummm will come back to update this - can't believe I can't remember...lol
Type of birth: Hypnobirth @ hospital
Did you have extra support: nope
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Hypnobirthing course (highly recommend) and hypnobirthing book.
What form of pain relief did you choose: none
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Trust your body and talk to others who've had great, positive birthing experiences - try to cleanse your mind of negative thoughts. I also was so proud and couldn't wipe the smile off my face for ages... in fact it still now makes me feel so proud and teary!

Member Name: Trish
Date of VBAC: 26.11.2007
I had a: 2ndVBA1C
Baby's Weight: 3.2kgs or 7 pounds
Baby's Height: 50cms
Baby's Head Circ: 33.5cm
Type of birth: Homebirth, Waterbirth
Did you have extra support: Independant Midwife, mother, DP, GF
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Lots of research on both homebirths and waterbirths. Also on labours with 5th babies. I wamted to know of any risks involved with birthing a 5th baby.
What form of pain relief did you choose: Water and massage
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: As above

Member Name: Kitty33
Date of VBAC: 8th February 2008
I had a:VBA1C,
Baby's Weight: 7lb 15oz
Baby's Height: 47cm.... little shorty .. he he
Baby's Head Circ: 35cm
Type of birth: , Hospital Birth,
Did you have extra support: Just my sweet DH... and an AWESOME staunch mid wife who i had never met until that night OH and my BB support
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: I read a book called Better Birth by Lareen Newman and Heather Hancock... and lots of BBs support
What form of pain relief did you choose: Just the gas!! I was a bit of a hog with it.... but pushed her out on my own!
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: When I was at pushing stage the mid wife told me i wasnt giving it my all... and she told me baby was crowning... she asked if I wanted to see it.... I said YES>... she got me a MIRROR... I did a big push and saw her little head crown... then suck back up when I stopped pushing..... Then i turned ANIMAL like! hehehe... I had her out in 3 contractions!

Member Name: Eternalbearco
Date of VBAC: 14/02/2008
I had a: VBAC2
Baby's Weight: 3980gms 8lb 12oz
Baby's Height: 52cm
Baby's Head Circ: 37cm
Type of birth: Hospital birth at John Hunter Hospital Newcastle NSW
Did you have extra support: Just my DP
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: BellyBelly of course, lots of online research.
What form of pain relief did you choose: TENS machine (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) and morphine
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Trust your body!



The current number of BellyBelly VBAC's is: 7 - I know there is more... so come and post

[Niliac]

Thanks everyone for your posts, but I know there's more I'm going to start hunting you down soon LOL!

[Trish]

Member Name: Trish
Date of VBAC: 8.3.2005
I had a: VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 3.7kgs or 8lbs 2oz
Baby's Height: 53cm
Baby's Head Circ: 34.5cm
Type of birth: Homebirth, Waterbirth
Did you have extra support: Independant Midwife, Mother, DP, and GF
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Lots of reading on Homebirths and waterbirths. Also on VBAC Statistics. I wanted to have information as power for the people who tried to sway me out of a homebirth, and a VBAC. I did not want either a hospital or repeat c section.
What form of pain relief did you choose: Water and massage
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Do you research. Keep firm in your beliefs and don't be swayed by scare tactics. Stay informed at all times and always ask for time to make your decisions. Information is power !!


Member Name: Trish
Date of VBAC: 26.11.2007
I had a: 2ndVBA1C
Baby's Weight: 3.2kgs or 7 pounds
Baby's Height: 50cms
Baby's Head Circ: 33.5cm
Type of birth: Homebirth, Waterbirth
Did you have extra support: Independant Midwife, mother, DP, GF
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Lots of research on both homebirths and waterbirths. Also on labours with 5th babies. I wamted to know of any risks involved with birthing a 5th baby.
What form of pain relief did you choose: Water and massage
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: As above

[Carrie]

Member Name: Carrie
Date of VBAC: 12.12.07
I had a:VBA1C (emergency c-section at 29 weeks)
Baby's Weight: 7lb 12oz
Baby's Height:
Baby's Head Circ:
Type of birth: Hospital Birth, active birth
Did you have extra support: Doula - Julie Bell
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: I did lots of reading on BB and of information and books given to me by my doula as well as experiences of others
What form of pain relief did you choose: No pain relief as I was at home the majority of the time - only at hospital an hour before the birth
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Definately arm yourself with information, a Doula is invaluable and I also had a VBAC friendly Ob (Dr David Freidin), although bub was born naturally without him present! Probably the number one thing that saved me from intervention was being at home most of the time.

[mummyd]

Member Name: mummyd
Date of VBAC: 7.10.05
I had a: VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 6lbs 6oz
Baby's Height: 48cms
Baby's Head Circ: 35cm
Type of birth: VAGINAL!!
Did you have extra support: KYM Program (Know Your Midwife Program) and a loving, encouraging husband. I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT DOULAS!!!
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Unconditional support and encouragement was extremelly vital right from the beginning, right through to the end.
What form of pain relief did you choose: Armed with my limited knowledge at the time, I had an Epidural, but I still had a very empowering birth experience.
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Believe in your body's ability. Believe in your mind power and the belief in choices in childbirth. WANT BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE! Oh, and definately look at hiring a doula!

[happy@home]

Member Name: Happy@home
Date of VBAC: 10/07/06
I had a: 1st VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 7lb 2oz
Baby's Height: 49cm
Baby's Head Circ: 33cm
Type of birth: 5 1/2 hours active hospital birth
Did you have extra support: Hubby and a close friend
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: I VBAC course at the hospital and LOTS of time on the internet reading anything I could find on the topic. I especially found positive birth stories useful.
What form of pain relief did you choose: None
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Arm yourself with knowledge, have some good support before and during labour and stay home as long as possible.



Member Name: Happy@home
Date of VBAC: 17/02/08
I had a: 2nd VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 8lb 2oz
Baby's Height: 51.5cm
Baby's Head Circ: 35cm
Type of birth: Hospital Birth
Did you have extra support: Just my wonderful husband
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: The internet is full of wonderful information.
What form of pain relief did you choose: None
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: As above

Member Name: Karen
Date of VBAC:02/10/2007 (two weeks and five days post dates)
I had a:VBA1C,
Baby's Weight: 4.07kg or 9lb
Baby's Height:54cm
Baby's Head Circ:38cm
Type of birth: I was planning a homebirth but transferred into hospital for the actual birth.
Did you have extra support: private midwife and my wonderful husband
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: the Pink Kit, "Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering" by Dr Sarah Buckley, "Better Birth" by Heather Hancock and Lareen Newman, "Having a Great Birth in Australia" by David Vernon, subscribing to "Birthings" (the magazine of Homebirth Access Sydney) and to Birthing Beautifully (the magazine of Birthrites) I watched loads of videos of beautiful, intervention free births supplied by my midwife and read stories on the internet.
What form of pain relief did you choose: water (what bliss) heat and massage. Also had methoxyflurane in the ambulance
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Go for it! Don't let them scare you because they will try to. There is no moment in my life better than the one when my son was born. I remember lying in delivery and repeating over and over "I'm holding my baby, I'm holding my baby!!" (because I didn't get to with my daughter's c-section birth) and the joy and triumph will stay with me for ever.

[Katstribe]

Member Name:
Member Name: Katstribe

Date of VBAC:18/03/94
I had a:VBA1C x 4
Baby's Weight: 6lb7oz, 7lb8oz, 8lb6oz & 7lb15oz
Baby's Height: 49cm, 51cm, 50cm, 52.5cm
Baby's Head Circ: 34cm, 36cm,35cm & 36cm
Type of birth: Active hospital births
Did you have extra support: Just DH and GF on second DH and Mum on third and DH on others
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Nothing on the first, and other than that just talked to my midwives and learnt to listen to them during labour so i didn't tear ( as I tore badly with my first vbac)
What form of pain relief did you choose: pethadine and gas for first as it was 11 1/2 hrs and didn't have anything until 8 1/2 hrs into it and complete drug free for other 3
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Listen to your caregivers know what you want and listen to your body!

Just as an extra I am currently expecting a surprise #7 after having to have my 2nd c-sec only 14mths ago ( as he was breech) and I am planning a vba2c's. Midwives are very positive as my previous VB's have all gone very well, mind you my surgeon is not but thats his prob! I shall be giving it everything i have as long as it is safe for both of us.

[CombatQueen]

Member Name: RachelM
Date of VBAC: 06/01/07
I had a:VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 8lb 13oz
Baby's Height: 51 cm
Baby's Head Circ: 35 cm
Type of birth: Hospital Birth
Did you have extra support: Just DH and a Midwife
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: BellyBelly and Info from the internet and Dr's
What form of pain relief did you choose: Epidural
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Educate yourself and get as informed as you can. Try your hardest but don't be too upset if things don't go to plan.

[Chalia]

Member Name: Chalia
Date of VBAC: 09/04/05
I had a:VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 7 pnds
Baby's Height: 51 cm
Baby's Head Circ: 33
Type of birth: Hospital Birth
Did you have extra support: DH and a Midwife
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Lots of research positive attitude and believed in my body
What form of pain relief did you choose: Epidural
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers:Trust in your body it was designed to give birth! have a good support network, dont be affraid to ask questions and believe in your own judgment..

[darcysmum]

Member Name:darcysmum
Date of VBAC:9/11/07 (21 months after c-sec)
I had a:VBA1C
Baby's Weight:4.01kg (8p13oz)
Baby's Height:57cm
Baby's Head Circ:35cm
Type of birth: Hospital Birth
Did you have extra support: Husband
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: VBAC class at the hospital (not as positive as I'd hoped) and lots and lots and lots of reading on the internet. Like alot of people I found positive birth stories particularly inspiring.
What form of pain relief did you choose: None.
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Read as much as you can. It won't make you sure, but you'll know that others have been there before you, then relax and go with the flow. After I went into labour, it never crossed my mind that I would end up with another c-sec.
Also, stay at home for as long as you can and trust your body.

During labour, the hospital had requirements such as constant fetal monitoring and having a canula in. I discussed these with the midwife and she was fantastic. She pinned the monitor to my underpants so that I could get up and move around. It was a great compromise as I didn't want to be on the bed at all. Laying down was so uncomfortable.

[Katstribe]

Ok i need to update my details now! I am officially a VBA2C's

Member Name: Katstribe

Date of VBAC: 12th May 2008

I had a VBA1C x 4 and NOW a VBA2C

Baby's Weight: 3670gms or 8lb 1 & 1/2 oz

Baby's Height : 51.5cm

Baby's Head Circ: 36cm

Type of Birth: Hospital Birth

Did you have extra support: I only had Dh in with me which was all i needed once started, but prior to going into labour whilst at the hospital i had the most wonderfully supportive MW by the name of Nicole! She was an angel in disguise for us! Everytime the docs badgered us and tried to change our minds Nicole was there to put things into perspective and support us!

What information did you arm yourself with: I surfed the internet for stories which were a huge incentive as i truly wanted this to work for me. Iasked every doctor and midwife i came into contact for their opinions and here on belly belly i got heaps of info from the people who responded to my call for help (thanks guys you were truly what i needed to keep me going).

What pain relief did you choose: I used no pain relief, just breathing and believing!

What advice would you have for other VBACers: I would jsut say to go within yourself and first search your own true inner feelings and know what you are capable of! Don't discard anything you are told good or bad but learn to put each piece of information in its place. Everything is said for a reason the bad is genereally there to cover Doctors rear ends, the good is there to boost us up. If you know your body and i mean really know your body than you will know what is right for you! So listen to your heart and body and surround yourself with people that can support your decision, this is very important especially if you are wanting a VBA2C! because youwon't get much if any support from Docs if you are trying for a VBA2C so you need a huge support network arround you to help you through and someone who can give a non byist opinion throughout!

For me I had my DH who was a huge support for me and the only times he wavered were the times i wavered myself! There was only on time he needed a little more convincing than waht i could give him and thankfully i had a great MW at the hospital who was able to put things back into perspective for us and that convinced him to get back on board with me! ALthough he never would have stopped me doing it my way he was highly concerned at that point! Our MW at the RWH in Brisbane was a tremendous support and always put us first and for that i am forever greatful.

Also during labour we were required to be monitored at all times but like darcysmum, our MW taped it all to me so that i could be on my feet! We also had to have the canula in as not just for the vcba2c but as this was bub number 7 i am classed as a grand multi adn have higher risks of hemorage(bad sp). But everything was worth it. I had no tears and infact not even a scratch which was fantastic. To be able to get up and walk to that shower after birth was absolute bliss! I shall write all the details in my birth story.

[clothmumma]

Member Name: clothmumma
Date of VBAC: 29.08.07
I had a: VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 3.56kg
Baby's Height: 52cm
Baby's Head Circ: 35cm
Type of birth: Hospital Birth (active)
Did you have extra support: Husband and Doula
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: I did lots of research, and talked to other VBACers for support
What form of pain relief did you choose: None
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Know your statistics, you will need to be able to recite them for any naysayers

[BellyBelly]

Come on, I know there are more of you!!! Add yourself to the VBAC hall of fame LOL!

[Adnil]

Member Name: *Linda*
Date of VBAC: 13th August 2007
I had a:VBA1C
Baby's Weight: 3.4kg
Baby's Height:
Baby's Head Circ:
Type of birth: Hopsital Birth
Did you have extra support: My wonderful friend and doula, Amelia
What information did you arm yourself with during pregnancy: Lots of reading on the internet, on BB and another VBAC site.
What form of pain relief did you choose: None, was very determined not to have any pain relief.
What advice would you have for other VBAC'ers: Arm yourself with knowledge, positive thinking, and female support.