Vaginal Birth After a Caesarean
Marie Mckendry
UHCW NHS
2nd baby
This was my second birth, the first was supposed to be a planned home birth. Baby was 10 days late which resulted in an induction a complicated labour and eventually an emergency c-section. This time round I was very frightened. I didn't want to go through all that again. That’s why I made the decision to use the hypnosis cds. The vbac preparation cd was wonderful. I felt that it really helped me resolve my issues about my previous birth experience and to move on and accept what had happened.
I felt that I had a much more relaxed pregnancy and was actually looking forward to the birth. When my due date this time round came and went I started to get nervous again, but once more the cds helped me through. I was so relaxed that even three days overdue I didn't realise that my labour had started! Though I had picked up what I thought was a stomach bug two days before the birth. I put the abdominal pains down to that and thought I would have a nice bath to ease the discomfort. However once in the bath the pain became stronger and I had to shout for my husband who was mowing the lawn. Although the pains were coming thick and fast about every two minutes I still felt in control.
My son was asleep on the sofa being looked after by his gran so we managed to sneak past without him getting upset! I got to the hospital at 3:05 only 35 minutes after my first pain. The car was abandoned in the bus stop and we made our way to labour ward where I was found to be already 9 centimetres dilated. That made the midwives hurry. I was moved into a delivery room still on the arrival trolley! I did use the gas an air. I was told at 4:55 that if I hadn't pushed that baby out by 5 they would have to do an instrumental delivery and that I did need an episiotomy anyway. (I have to say that threats of that nature really boost your pushing power!) By 5:15 pm I had a beautiful baby girl in my arms delivered naturally by a wonderful doctor and student midwife. I felt very relaxed and in control throughout the experience. A complete change from the last time. I would definitely recommend this programme to others. My birth was very fast, first pain at 2pm baby in arms at 5:15! Thank you.
Valerie Lindsay
Born at home
Having had a 3 day labour which ended with a c-section with my first child, I was terrified of following the same route with my second baby and advised by my midwife (I used the Caroline Flint service) to try the hypnotherapy CDs. I loved the time they gave me to think about the impending birth and do some positive thinking, especially taking time to realise that no two births are the same. My most recent child birth experience could not have been more different as a result - born at home, in 4 hours start to finish, with no pain relief (which was amazing since my second son was 10 pounds 8 ounces at birth).
Thank you!
Marcia Fischer
at home in Seattle, Washington USA
I had the most wonderful and perfect birth experience with my home vbac after a traumatic Caesarean birth (hospital transfer and induction, then surgery) with my first child in 2004. My labour started the same way as the first time with my water breaking spontaneously. Nothing else was remotely the same. I progressed very quickly into active strong labour, and just kept increasing in momentum in all possible ways - physical, emotional, animal.
I was so quickly out of my head and into my body. A very good friend was with me as my husband rushed to fill the labour tub. My 2-1/2 year old daughter was asleep in her bed. My Doula and midwife arrived at our home at the same time, as I was starting to grunt to push. Up until that point I had been using aromatherapy, some massage, cold packs, and chanting. It was all just fine. The tub was not yet full, so they turned the garden hose on as well and started boiling water to heat up the tub. I got in anyway and less than an hour and a half later my son was born in the tub.
I had so much support and care from the women who were at the birth - everyone kept my space sacred. Even when I could reach down and feel my son's head crowning, I still didn't believe he was actually coming out. When I held my baby as he came to the surface I couldn't believe that the birth had happened. I felt totally suspended in time and I didn't want the moment to end. It took a long time until at my midwife's gentle suggestion I looked under the blanket to see if I had a girl or a boy. had a lot of faith in the possibility of a great birth this time, and so much trust that the people I had chosen to be with me would honour my process, but I did a lot of work in the 2+ years since my daughter's birth to get myself to that place.
The hypnotherapy cds were one of the tools that I used to prepare for and believe in the birth experience that I wanted. When I listened to them I felt truly relaxed, and over time they were so familiar to me that they were like an old friend talking to me. I didn't use them during my labour, but I know that their effects were with me from those months of listening to them. As much as my daughter's birth changed me in ways I never wanted, my son's birth this past fall changed me again. His birth was transforming for me and also very healing.
Gillian Kenyon
Bradford Royal Infirmary
3rd Baby
“I first discovered natal hypnotherapy in the late stages of my second pregnancy prior to that I had been very anxious about going into labour because my previous birth experience had culminated in a traumatic emergency caesarean.
After listening to the CDs numerous times, I found that my attitude towards the impending birth began to change radically, my fear turned to a sense of positive anticipation.
The birth experience itself was one to remember rather than forget. I felt very calm throughout & remained amazingly composed even at the height of the strongest contraction. Being so centered during labour, I didn’t feel the need for any pain relief whatsoever or to rant & curse, although I did make some very primitive noises at the actual moment of delivery!
I have been so impressed by natal hypno-therapy that I have already recommended it widely!
Thank you for helping me to achieve my ambition of a successful VBAC”
Kate Gill
St Mary’s, Portsmouth – outside the front entrance in a car
Listened to VBAC set 20+ times
“I am now the mother of 2 lovely little girls. Sophie joined the family in 2002 and although the birth was relatively natural using TENS and gas and air, I felt out if control and took 19 hours to get her out. The whole birth was difficult as I had had an emergency c-section for an ectopic less then a year before the birth so the midwife was concerned about me having a normal birth. Still, all went well and Sophie was born.
This time round I was probably calmer anyway, but determined to do everything I could to help my body cope. I saw your CDs advertised and bought a full VBAC set last November. Although I had already achieved a VBAC, I felt that I still needed to put some concerns to rest so I listened to the VBAC CD a few times just to ‘clear the air’. I then followed your whole course of preparation CDs, listening to them about 3 or 4 times a week when I had a chance around work and my toddler’s hectic social life. I put the CDs onto my MP3 player so that I could listen to them during my lunch hour at work. I worked up to 39 weeks, and as the birth approached I listened to the CD more often, just to fine tune my relaxing techniques.
Finally my due date arrived with twinges or hints. Sophie had been 10 days late and close to being induced, so I had prepared myself for a late birth. My husband Mark and I had arranged to meet up with friends for lunch at midday on the due date, so we went off to a nice pub in the country with Sophie.
After the meal, waiting for dessert and coffee, I went to the toilet and my waters started to break – nothing too dramatic, in fact my biggest concern was convincing Sophie not to tell the whole pub that ‘Mummy had wet her knickers a bit’. I left Sophie with her Dad and went for a walk around the car park, just to see if anything was happening. Ten minutes later I started to get mild contractions so we said our goodbyes and headed home.
Once home, things started to get a bit more intense so I put on my TENS machine and your CD on my MP3 player and started walking around the garden. Mark got our friends in to look after Sophie and settled them down in front of a DVD.
I was still walking around the garden, breathing slowly and saying ‘relax’ a lot – so when my husband came out he was surprised to find that I was now having contractions every 3 minutes – and my TENS machine was still only on level 1. He couldn’t believe how calm I was and that I was able to talk in between contractions. So, he rang the hospital and told them we were on our way, and we headed off on the 10 mile journey.
I climbed into the back seat to give myself more room – which was just as well because a few minutes into the journey the contractions got more intense, so I lay down. I was still talking in between contractions, and Mark was talking me through the breathing whilst driving. I turned the TENS machine up to level 2 (of 15) and put the CD onto continuous play and concentrated on breathing and relaxing.
Ten minutes later, I started to feel movement and I started to panic – we were still a good ten minutes away from the hospital and I was fully clothed – ‘Junior’ was starting to arrive! I yelled at my husband to stop the car and he pulled into the next available turning which was a Harvester car park. With the next contraction I felt a lot of movement and said to Mark ‘the head is out’ – I could tell that he was as scared as I was but the only thing to do was to keep driving. He turned the car round and we carried on.
After hitting every set of red lights, we finally made it to the front door of St Mary’s Hospital in Portsmouth. Mark ran in and asked the receptionist to get a midwife; then he came back to the car. He came round to the back seat and opened the door. I screamed at him to get my trousers off and when he did there was a little face looking at him. Knowing that help was on its way, he held on and with the next contraction was holding the new arrival up to the waist – now that my trousers were off there was nothing holding her in!
The midwife arrived and observed over Mark’s shoulder until she could take over and delivered the legs and cord. Mark jumped into the front passenger seat and leant over to hold my hand – the first time we had been able to comfort each other. I opened my eyes to a wonderful sight of my daughter being handed over to the front seat, with the words ‘congratulations, you have a daughter’. That was 16:05 – 2 hours after leaving the pub.
Half an hour later, I was sitting up in bed with a cup of tea. Mark had managed to get his coat off and Helen was lying there taking it all in. I guess that we could not have had a more natural birth – a hardly-used TENS machine and your CDs – and through it all, I felt as natural and in control as I hoped. We left the hospital that evening and Helen is now three months old and one of the most relaxed smiley babies that I have seen – but then I am biased!
I don’t think we will be having another one – but if we do, it will be a planned home birth and your CDs will be in use again. I have already recommended them to all my pregnant friends, who I hope will also enjoy their deliveries.
Thank you again.”
Mary Elliot
Hospital
2nd Baby
“Had very traumatic 1st caesarean birth + had panic attacks throughout 2nd pregnancy. Found leaflet in maternity shop + ordered CD’s.
Advised I could have a VBAC so went for it + had a sweep at 41 weeks, which started labour.
Waters broke 12 hrs later in labour 24hrs after that. After 9 hours of labour baby’s head still very high + in distress. So had emergency C-Section.
I found the contractions much more manageable due to the focussing I had learnt from the CD. I was generally much calmer + more in charge (such as not answering questions during contractions). Although I didn’t manage a VBAC, I felt I had done all I could thoroughly recommended the CD’s (in fact have to several people)”
Rebecca Holland
3rd baby
At home
With my first baby I ended up with a c-section for fetal distress. Then I had a hospital VBAC where I opted for all pain relief available. With my last birth I was determined to experience natural birth and I am delighted to let you know I had a wonderful successful HBAC and I owe it all to God and these CD's.
I listened to the VBAC CD for weeks and couldn't wait to start the birth preparation one. I averaged 3 times a week from 30 weeks on.
When I knew I was in labour I laid down on my bed and immediately felt entranced. Riding the labour waves without effort. I had terrible back pain, but I was able to separate it from the labor and found my coping mechanism and pressed forward. At 2.58pm after 14 hours of labor I delivered my son at home. Thank you!
Mary Elliott
Carlisle Hospital
“I had a very traumatic 1st caesarean birth and had panic attacks throughout the 2nd pregnancy. I was advised I could have a VBAC so went for it and had a sweep at 41 weeks, which started labour. My waters broke 12 hours later and in labour 24 hours after that. After 9 hours of labour baby’s head was still high and in distress so had a c-section.
I found the contractions much more manageable due to the focussing I had learned from the CD. I was generally much calmer and more in charge (such as mot answering questions during contractions). Although I didn’t manage a VBAC I felt I had done all I could.
I thoroughly recommend the CDs (in fact already have to several people).”
Sandra Jenks
Royal Sussex County Hospital Brighton
"The first CD really helped me overcome a traumatic first C -section and so the best thing for me was the fact that during the labour, I didn’t once think about my previous c/section - not at all! The labour was long, hard and at times painful, but there was no sense of panic at any stage. The midwives were impressed with my coping so well. My husband didn’t want to be present so my best friend came. She had read the Natal hypnotherapy literature and we soon had our own rhythm & routine going. She says it’s the best thing she’s ever done. The comfort dial, breathing, and seeing each contraction as taking me one step closer to meeting my baby really helped. The best thing is having a wonderfully calm baby - I’m convinced this is due to the relaxation I experienced with the CDs in the latter weeks of pregnancy! As a result he made a calm, quiet entry into the world with no screaming or panic, in this own time on the day he was due. I can’t wait to do it again!"
Lindsey Freathy - Third time mother
Heavitree hospital
“ I am delighted to inform you that I gave birth vaginally to a little boy, Luke, on 22nd April. This was after two caesareans. I found your CDs enormously beneficial and your advice on the telephone, invaluable. All were positive affirmations that a normal delivery was indeed possible. The CD made me feel like I was an active participant in the birthing of my baby right from the early days of my pregnancy. It helped me to bond with my baby in the womb and feel a sense of calm about it all. It also strengthened me in times of stress and re awakened my sense of self-belief. My husband and birthing partner also listened to the CDs, it made my experience one I shall look back on with awe and gratitude. Finally after 2 caesareans I had the birth I always wanted"
Kim Moment
Successful VBAC in hospital
"I started listening to the CD around 32 weeks at night in bed. It was wonderful. I always fell asleep before the end and woke up relaxed and calm. Even my husband benefited from it.
I went into labour nearly 4 weeks early. I was very calm going about my business having afternoon tea with friends who happen to be doctors. I finally decided to go to the hospital at 5pm to be checked and I was already 4 cm!. Over the next hour the contractions got stronger so I had a bath which was lovely.
By 9.30 I was at the stage when I thought I might need additional pain relief, but I was then fully dilated and ready to push. I was so focused and relaxed that the midwives asked if I had done Yoga. Pushing was easy until the last bit when my husband passed out and split his lip needing A&E attention!. I felt great afterwards and very happy to have done it on my own,
All in all great experience - was ready to do it again within minutes."
Zoë Newman.
Conquest hospital
”Once I knew I was in labour I felt really calm and focused on breathing.
I really believed the CD helped me as I could visualize the baby’s head descending and stretching my perineum. It was all very calm and as a result I had no cuts or tears. Within 2 hours of the birth I felt great, it was so much easier than a C/section. All the midwives I have seen remarked on what a great birth I had, especially being a VBAC. Within 2 hours of the birth I felt great having showered and dressed. It was so much easier than a c/s. Thanks for the CD, it may not have eliminated all the pain, but I am sure it made a calmer easier birth.”
Anonymous
2nd baby
This was my second child. I opted to use these CDs as I had a bad experience with my first child. After opting for a home birth I was shattered when things resulted in an induction a lot of pain and eventually an emergency c-section to deliver my son. This time round I was very scared that the sequence of events would repeat themselves.
The VBAC prep CD was wonderful it helped me resolve all of my issues from the previous birth such as feeling a failure because things didn't happen as I had planned. As a result of the CDs I approached this second birth very calmly using the breathing and visualisation techniques outlined within the programme. I didn't have time to use the relaxing birth music during labour as from first pain to baby in arms was less than 3 hours! I did use it throughout the pregnancy to unwind. I felt so much different this time round calm and in control. I only needed the gas and air and had a nice normal delivery of a healthy baby girl. I felt that my pregnancy was calmer and resulted in a magical birth experience. If I have another child I would definitely use the CDs again. Thank you.
Lisa Durbin
Born at home
2nd baby
I had my son in Feb 2005 by c-section after a failed induction and planned on having my next baby at home with an independent midwife.
I was in pre-labour for three days and I found out the baby had turned posterior. Each night contractions would start but then come to a halt by the morning. Finally the contractions started up again and got progressively stronger very quickly. I got in my birthing pool and one hour later Mia was born!
I was in active labour for a total of around 4 hours which amazed me as I never laboured with my son - I expected a long labour like a first time mum. The birth itself was fantastic - very calm and liberating. As soon as she was born I instantly felt relaxed and elated. Two weeks later and I'm still feeling like a million dollars and so pleased about achieving a VBAC. I indicated that the CDs weren't very helpful during labour but this is only because I had a very quick intense and extremely painful labour (especially as it was back labour) and I don't think much would have helped. I used gas and air for the final pushing stage but that was it.
I do find that the techniques I learned from the CDs helped during pre-labour and even helps me now post natally. I've experienced some pain when establishing breastfeeding and have been using the relaxation techniques from the CDs during feeds - it works brilliantly! Also I was very nervous during this pregnancy as I had a missed miscarriage at 9 1/2 weeks just before falling pregnant with Mia. The CDs helped me to relax and feel more positive about this pregnancy and really helped me to regain faith in my body.