As many of you long time readers know, when Jack was born, everything that I had in my birth plan was completely ignored and went total opposite. I didn't want to be induced, I was. I ended up with a c-section and cried for an hour... you can read more about his birth Here.
Well, I have learned a lot and before I even found out I was pregnant knew I wanted things to be different the next time. I wanted to be in control of the situation and I wanted things to go how I wanted as much as possible.
So after I found out I was pregnant, my first challenge was to find a doctor who would work with my on a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean.) I looked into midwives, but none in my area will work in a hospital setting, only a home, and I wasn't quite comfortable with the home birth for my situation (nothing against it though!) I was lucky that a pregnancy center in Reno will allow me to try for a vbac, and even has midwives on staff!
So that is what I am planning! I will try and labor at home as much as possible (hopefully until my water breaks on it's own!) but I have to make sure I have enough time to get to the hospital which is about 30-45 minutes away. I want to try without pain meds, but I am not against it if I feel the need. I would rather enjoy the whole experience than be in too much pain to remember anything. =) And I definitely want to do skin-to-skin immediately after the birth! I think a huge part of the struggles I had with Jack and breastfeeding was related to the fact that I wasn't able to see him for over an hour after he was born. It was rough.
Prayerfully everything will work out how I want it to this time, and this baby will be born healthy! It is getting closer and closer and I can't wait to meet this baby!
4 comments:
Wow, it's like I'm reading my own story. It sounds like we went through the exact same experience. I just hate the whole medical system and inpatient doctors sometimes. So, will you get to have a midwife facilitate the birth? I had to call around alot before I found anyone willing to allow me to vbac. And I felt so blessed that I was even able to find a midwife! I, too, am going to birth at a hospital, and it's a hospital that is known for being supportive of vbac, so yay! It pays to live in a big city :)
I'll pray that we both get to have the birth experience as God has intended it!
Sounds like a good plan! I am wanting to do without pain meds this time around. Like you, my birth experience was not what I expected and I think that some things that happened made a rough start on breastfeeding. We can do it :-)
I think a lot of doctors take advantage of the "ignorance" (let's be honest, that's what is) of first time mommies! You know my story... CSEC with Gabbi! I had a VBAC no problem with Catie... although I did have an epidural. I was so focused on wanting to deliver her, that I didn't prepare for an all-out natural childbirth. Well, the epi only took on 1/2 my body, so I felt everything anyway. Yes, excruciating pain. I seriously felt like I was going to die... but it's worth it. I'm going natural this time. 3rd time's a charm!! I plan on reading and doing the Bradley Method- look into if you can :)
I'm sure having a Csec is what led to the problems with Jack. I struggled with Gabbi a lot. The nurse who was helping me in the room with Catie's birth told me that's what happens when your body doesn't go into labor on its own, and esp with having a Csec, it usually takes a few more days than it's supposed to for milk to come in. Your body is just not ready! My heart breaks every time I hear of another Mom whose Dr has scheduled her to be induced, then ends up with Csec... I hear of it ALL the time!
If you've never heard of it, I recommend everyone to watch "The Business of Being Born"... it's so good & eye-opening!
Didn't mean to write a book now :)
I'm really glad you are taking control and doing research to find medical personel who will be supportive of your decisions/desire for your child birth. You can do it! Especially with the support of those around you!!
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