HBAC Second Baby Waterbirth Story
After an unplanned caesarean birth for her first baby, Laura joined the birth-ed online course to prepare for her next birth. Laura has kindly shared her experience of giving birth (VBAC) at home- what was helpful to her and what she wishes had gone differently. A really valuable insight into some of the things you might like to consider or put in place if you are considering a home birth after caesarean.
"My 1st was an emergency c section with no advocacy; just doing what we thought was needed for me and the baby. I have learned sooo very much since then- to the point I actually became a doula!
From the moment I became pregnant again the 2nd time (though miscarried) I started considering what I wanted to be different and having a doula.
I found your course and once in a ‘safe zone’ for myself with the pregnancy after my miscarriage- I signed up. I couldn't believe the cost for the content and its access for a year was incredible and it helped a lot.
I had my 2nd birth at home in my bath.
There were times where, right from when my waters broke, they wanted to get me in to hospital and I was having none of it! I was a lot more informed and definitely (if possible) wasn't going in to hospital!
“Do you want to come in and check it is your waters?” They asked me
“No no I am very sure thank you”
“Oh well we have no one for your area, just 1 staff member for your whole area.”
“This doesn't sound right nor safe I'm sure that isn't allowed?”
“One moment”
Calls back 20 minutes later, “OK we have someone to come out for you but it won’t be immediately.”
“That's fine.”
Half way through after trying to make my toddlers breakfast, I realised I'd be better upstairs or in the bath- so that's where I went.
My mum arrived. Though she was here for my toddler, she did come up and check on me and talk to them a little on the phone as I always struggle to time my contractions but my mum could.
I was out of the bath. I had the TENS machine on. And I was on and off the loo- as for me it's more comfortable- especially as you feel the need to open your bowels a lot! Well for me anyway!
I remember the breathing, noises and possibly a comb (I used a travel foldable brush for this.)
The midwife came though - with a student (which I wasn't too happy with but not really in a position to say anything at the moment in time.)
I agreed to just one VE (though I had said on my birth plan I didn't want 1) and to my shock (which I said I don't think I'll be overly dilated) I was 5cm.
The midwife helped me with the TENS machine- it turns out it wasn't on 100% so that was a huge help hehe! And then in time she helped me get back in the bath (without the tens machine)
I got into one position in the corner of the bath for when baby was crowing and was happy but the midwife insisted on looking to see what was going on. I wanted to stay in water and deliver in the water but I just agreed to do whatever was easiest for her which I know I won't do again.
Warm water was poured across my lower back and I saw my sons head in a mirror I had in my birthing caddy. I felt his head with my hand, though reluctant at first incase this slowed me down. But I could have easily guided him out myself.
Once he came, I quickly turned and sat in the corner. I was on all fours delivering. He was born!
I felt an uncomfortable tug and agreed that once the cord was white, to have it ‘helped out’- something I'd definitely not do again!
“The placenta needs some help to get out” and it was said if it wasn't “overly easy” I may have to go to hospital- which I said if it was really needed/an emergency then yes.
With inhaling their clary sage oil, the placenta came out and my baby had a cord tie for his placenta.
I feel things could have been better and different and definitely for my now 3rd pregnancy I’ll be doing things differently and have SPACE as my birth word- but I was mostly happy.”
Thankyou so much Laura for sharing your birth story with us.