Preparing for a VBAC

Hi Girls,

My first DS was born via c-section at 40w6d. He was stuck in my pelvis and showing signs of feotal distress. I was going to just give in (after getting a little freaked out at my ability to birth a baby naturally) and go with another c-section as this DS is also showing signs of being a big bubba.

Anyway's, I had my first appointment last night with my new chiro down here in Melbourne. She talked to me for a while about trying for a VBAC, going through the benefits etc and told me that if I was willing to commit to the process she would help me do everything possible to prepare my body for a VBAC. She has restored some of my confidence in myself and I've decided to attempt a VBAC.

Now, I want to know some good resources etc to help me prepare mentally for this process. I have a small pelvis it appears and am wondering if anyone's got some info on good positions for labouring to help my pelvis open up as well as resources to help me mentally prepare and build faith in my ability to birth this beautiful little man. For my sake and both my ds's I really want to do everything I possible can to make sure that I give this VBAC the best chance ever!

TIA

Tara

Congratulations on your pg!

Have you thought about hiring a doula?

Yeah I have been looking into it. We just have to work out whether we can afford the additional cost when we already have the costs of the Ob and stuff. Anyway's if anyone knows of a good cheapish doula I'd be interested :D

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Now, I want to know some good resources etc to help me prepare mentally for this process. I have a small pelvis it appears and am wondering if anyone's got some info on good positions for labouring to help my pelvis open up as well as resources to help me mentally prepare and build faith in my ability to birth this beautiful little man. For my sake and both my ds's I really want to do everything I possible can to make sure that I give this VBAC the best chance ever!

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I know of a lady who had a VBA2C after having 2 CS after being told she had CPD (small pelvis). Her third baby that she successfully pushed through her too small pelvis:p was bigger than the first two as well!! So CPD can be a bit of a grey area with regards to weather or not your pelvis is infact to small. It may just be that your first DS wasn't aligned in the pelvis properly, or was coming down with his head not tucked or whatever. CPD is not necessesarily an accurate reason for not being able to push out a baby. There can be other factors as to why your baby may have gotten stuck.
Having said that, I would get a hold of The Pink Kit. (You can just google it and the website will come up) It goes into a lot of detail about how to open the pelvis during labour and what positions are good for birthing and what your partner can do to help and stuff like that. Also check out Optimal Fetal Positining and spinning babies. There is good info in there about how to get your baby in the best position in the lead up to labour. Silent knife is an excellent book to read. Heaps of good info in there.
In regards to support, is your chiro a doula or birth attendant as well. She may be willing to support you during your labour?? Having regular adjustments in the lead up to your birth is also a fantastic way to help your baby stay in a good position.
Good luck with it all.