Empowering VBAC: Zahra's Journey to a Positive Birth Experience

The birth of a child is a momentous occasion in a woman's life, one that is often filled with joy and anticipation. However, for Zahra, her first experience of childbirth was far from what she had imagined. Her baby was malpositioned, and after hours of labour and unsuccessful attempts at turning the baby, it was determined that a surgical birth was necessary. The news left Zahra devastated, but now, as she is expecting her second child, she has decided to go for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) after being convinced by her friends that it is a better option for her and her baby, especially if she plans to have more children in the future.

Zahra's first pregnancy was filled with excitement and preparation for the arrival of her bundle of joy. She had read books, attended classes, and had a birth plan in place. However, things did not go as planned. Her water broke, and she went into labor. After several hours, her doctor informed her that her baby was in a breech position and would need to be turned for a safe vaginal birth. Zahra was determined to have a natural birth, so she agreed to the procedure. Unfortunately, despite the doctor's best efforts, the baby did not turn, and it was decided that a C-section was the safest option for both mother and baby.

The news of having to undergo a C-section left Zahra devastated. She had always dreamed of giving birth naturally, and the thought of having major surgery was terrifying for her. The recovery was long and painful, and Zahra struggled to bond with her baby in the initial days. She couldn't help but feel like she had failed at the one thing her body was supposed to do.

Fast forward a few years, and Zahra found out that she was expecting her second child. Initially, she began planning for a second surgical birth. However, her previous experience had left her anxious and doubtful. That's when her friends introduced her to the concept of VBAC. They explained to her how a VBAC could be a safe and empowering option for her and her baby. They also assured her that the chances of having a successful VBAC were high, and that it would be a more positive birth experience for her. And so she planned - but she was so fearful of getting her hopes up that at times she felt quite frozen and alone.

VBAC is a term used when a woman who has previously had a C-section gives birth vaginally. It is a safe option for most women, as long as certain criteria are met. These include having a low-risk pregnancy, a scar on the uterus that is low and horizontal, and a dedicated support team in place. The success rate of VBAC is high, with studies showing that around 60-80% of women who attempt it are successful.

One of the main reasons Zahra's friends convinced her to go for a VBAC was because they knew she wanted to have more children in the future. A C-section carries certain risks, such as infection, bleeding, and complications in future pregnancies. On the other hand, a successful VBAC means that a woman can give birth vaginally to all her subsequent children without any complications.

Moreover, a VBAC also has many benefits for the baby. A vaginal birth exposes the baby to beneficial bacteria from the mother's birth canal, which can boost the baby's immune system. It also reduces the risk of respiratory problems in the baby and promotes better breastfeeding.

As Zahra prepares for her VBAC, she is filled with a sense of excitement and empowerment. She has educated herself about the process and has a supportive team in place including team members from The Doula Group. She knows that there are no guarantees, and things may not go as planned. However, she is determined to give it her best shot and have a positive birth experience this time around.

Zahra's first birth experience may not have been what she had hoped for, but it has led her to make an informed decision for the birth of her second child. VBAC is a safe and empowering option for women who have had a previous C-section. It not only has physical and emotional benefits for the mother but also for the baby. Every woman's birth journey is unique, and it is essential for them to make informed choices that are best for themselves and their babies.

The Doula Group, 2025 #vbac #caesareanawarenessmonth #surgicalbirth #csection #caesarean