When someone is planning a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean they often wonder "can I do it?". Reading stories of those who have gone before can help give you confidence and reduce anxiety. I am very thankful to this client for sharing their story with me so that I can share with you. This is in their own words

A little story for you Niamh, thank you for all of your help you were a key part in me achieving my VBAC today. What you do for women is amazing ❤️

I almost can’t believe I am writing this but I achieved my VBAC at 40+3 to a beautiful surprise baby girl weighing 7.13lbs.

I made a point of reading positive VBAC birth stories every day throughout my pregnancy and I hope my story will give another VBAC mother the encouragement they need.

My first birth was in Oct 19 and ended in an emergency section due to ‘failure to progress’ passed 4cm and a “suspicious CTG” after 36 hours of Labour.

My partner and I want a big family so I was adamant to not be restricted based on hospital protocols around number of sections allowed and I also wanted to experience a natural birth myself.

I’m was under the care of the wonderful Roisin Lennon in SUH who was so supportive from day 1 and never once doubted my ability to have a natural birth. Without her care and holistic approach this wouldn’t have been possible.

From about 37 weeks I had been experiencing period like pains which I knew were my body preparing for birth. At 39+3 I accepted a sweep at clinic and instantly felt cramps and pains, not contractions but again a feeling that my cervix was changing. I lost my plug at 39+5 and began to feel really positive about my prospects of having a VBAC as none of this happened with my son. From 39+6 everything seemed to stop and I definitely had a few wobbles about weather or not I could do this and if I would actually go into labour spontaneously.

On the night of 40+1 I woke a few times with some dull back ache which was welcomed! At 40+2 these pains got progressively worse and needed my attention. After a day at home with my partner and son and a lovely evening in the park, labour really kicked off at 7pm. I laboured at home using my tens machine, a heat patch, paracetamol and a gentle birth app and a diffuser filled with lavender until 3am when we decided to head in.

On arrival I was traced, baby was doing great and a Vaginal Exam revealed I was 3cm but baby was back to back. I accepted Pethidine on the midwife’s advice and leaned over the top of the bed on all 4’s to help relax my pelvic floor and turn baby. 4hrs later at 10am I was examined again and had made no progress. I didn’t let this dishearten me (I had read so many stories about labour changing in a matter of minutes so this kept me focused).

I allowed the midwife to break my waters and got my second dose of Pethidine.

By 1pm contractions were coming 6 in 10minutes and I was really struggling to breathe through them. I was examined and delighted to find out baby had turned and I was 7cm!

Transition then set in and I was telling everyone who’d listen that I couldn’t / didn’t want to do it! Examined 10 minutes later and I was complete and ready to push!

I found the pushing stage exhausting and so difficult. It lasted 40 minutes and although it wasn’t what I wanted, it was guided by my amazing midwife Sally. They were concerned that baby was getting tired so used suction. This didn’t work as the cup kept slipping off and I managed to push my daughter out all by myself. I think I said “I did it” about 100 times! But I was so proud of myself at that point and so relieved it was all over!

I did so much during my pregnancy to give me the best possibility of achieving my VBAC. I would have loved a list like this when I started my journey so I hope it is of help to someone else!

• VBAC course with the lovely Niamh from My Baby Beginnings
• Hypnobirthing with the PBC
• Daily use of the GBA - set to VBAC
• Reading positive VBAC stories daily
• Spinning babies daily activities
• Daily Yoga (even if only 10 mins!)
• Walking 10K steps daily
• Bonding with my baby
• 10 mins daily on all 4’s to prevent Back to Back although this wasn’t the case!
• Chiropractic care from 24 weeks
• Reflexology from 34 weeks
• Daily use of birthing ball
• A supportive provider

My partner was an incredible support also I couldn’t have done it without him. He was my advocate and voice and knew my birth plan inside out.

I hope this gives someone the positivity they need heading into labour! Our bodies are amazing, but even more so are our minds!