When I was pregnant with James in 2008, I had prepared for a natural labor, but had an unplanned c-section after a marathon labor of 46 hours, two of which I pushed with no descent. I was really devastated and took a long time to get over the loss of my birth, even though I was in love with my son.
What really helped me, aside from finding NAMC when James was 4 months old, was the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN). Their website, forums, and seminars gave me a safe place to go where other women understood my grief, and I learned so much more about birth and motherhood there. When I got pregnant again, I knew I wanted a VBAC, and I educated myself with their information so I could have the best birth for my baby.
When Rhys was born in July, it was via another unplanned c-section, but this time, things were on my terms. I had a completely natural labor and all of my wishes were honored, and when he also didn't descend while pushing (most likely due to my scleroderma), my doctor and support team were incredible. Rhys' birth was totally different than James', and I feel completely healed from the sadness I experienced the first time.
ICAN is a great tool for anyone seeking information about cesareans, VBACs, and natural birth. Their website is ican-online.org.
I also have to add that, with my second pregnancy, I switched to OB-GYN North, the practice that uses midwives in the hospital, and that also made a huge difference.
What really helped me, aside from finding NAMC when James was 4 months old, was the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN). Their website, forums, and seminars gave me a safe place to go where other women understood my grief, and I learned so much more about birth and motherhood there. When I got pregnant again, I knew I wanted a VBAC, and I educated myself with their information so I could have the best birth for my baby.
When Rhys was born in July, it was via another unplanned c-section, but this time, things were on my terms. I had a completely natural labor and all of my wishes were honored, and when he also didn't descend while pushing (most likely due to my scleroderma), my doctor and support team were incredible. Rhys' birth was totally different than James', and I feel completely healed from the sadness I experienced the first time.
ICAN is a great tool for anyone seeking information about cesareans, VBACs, and natural birth. Their website is ican-online.org.
I also have to add that, with my second pregnancy, I switched to OB-GYN North, the practice that uses midwives in the hospital, and that also made a huge difference.
