Let the VBAC Journey Begin!

#2

 Let the journey truly begin!  After over a year of planning, studying, and preparing, we now get to put it all into action.  We are pregnant with baby number 2.  (We really do need a better nickname than #2)  Our babies "ETA" is April 7th 2012.  Don't worry, we will be finding out what we are having, we're not patient enough for that.  So far,  this pregnancy has been fairly uneventful.  Headaches, heartburn, and fatigue are the common symptoms at this point.  But, as we say good bye to the first trimester, and head into the second, hopefully I'll get some energy back.

Emotionally, its been a mini roller coaster. I have ups and downs, and even went through a little bit of depression early on.  I even contemplated a repeat c-section (gasp!)  Thankfully, my husband always brings me back down to reality :)  The ICAN meetings help too.  I have found a new strength in myself, and am hoping I can keep in touch with that throughout the entire pregnancy.

Mini Bump

We are planning a natural, drug free birth in a hospital.  We will enlist the help of a doula to be a part of our support team.  I am walking a few times a week, doing yoga at home, and watching what I eat.  All things I did not do last time.  So far I have gained 1 lb.  With my first, I had already gained 12 lbs at this point. Don't worry, I'm eating, and even indulging at times.  I had cake with breakfast yesterday, just not FOR breakfast.  I will thank you all in advance for your support on our journey, because we're only taking positive words from here on out.

Don't Rush Birth

A friend of mine said (to a friend in labor)  "hang in there girl...you don't want to rush a VBAC and I give you so much props for doing what you are doing!"  Now this friend meant it.  You don't rush birth.  When you do, you end up with more interventions, more babies in the NICU, and ultimately, more c-sections.  Why are we so impatient?

Lack of education.  I found it shocking that 75 percent of mothers actually think that 34 to 36 weeks is full-term. (although it is really 39 to 40 weeks)  Thankfully, hospitals are starting to ban elective inductions before 39 weeks.  Even friends I know that go into labor naturally are induced further because things aren't moving "fast enough."  Labor can last anywhere from 10 minutes (I have read about this) to 72+ hours.  When we induce, we are augmenting the natural process of labor.  Induction causes longer, stronger contractions that can cause your babies heart rate to drop (end; c-section), most likely causing you to need an epidural. (which can cause; a drop in blood pressure, shivering, ringing of the ears, backache, soreness where the needle is inserted or nausea just to name a few) Some find that having an epidural makes pushing more difficult and can increase interventions such as: forceps, vacuum extraction or cesarean sections.  Why are women volunteering for this?

I have read countless times that "I was induced with all 3, 4, or 5 of my kids."  Why?  We take such good care of our unborn babies by avoiding sushi, lunch meat, alcohol, eggs over easy, brie and rare steaks.  We go to countless doctor appointment, take prenatal vitamins, fish oil, eat a ton of protein, walk, do kegels and take yoga. So, why are we willing to let them be exposed to epidural drugs, induction drugs and deprive them of nutrients (food/drink) while we are in labor?  I know why I ended up with the induced, epidural, cesarean birth.  Lack of education.  The only book I read was What to Expect When you're Expecting.  (which you can pretty much throw in the trash)  I also didn't do the work.  I didn't exercise, watch what I was eating, or mentally prepare.  I assumed all doctors wanted things to happen naturally.  (sigh)

Are the last few weeks of pregnancy THAT terrible?  (anyone out there who is 41 weeks pregnant is saying yes)  I guess what I should be asking is:  Are the last few weeks of pregnancy so terrible that we would risk our babies choosing their birthday, having our births be intervention free (if possible)  or us going through major abdominal surgery?  I don't think so.   I hope those reading will learn to accept pregnancy as a temporary, beautiful state in which we learn to be as patient as possible.  We will all need that patience when our babies do choose to arrive.