Some time back I wrote about the consensus opinion of NIH, as well as several research studies which showed that mothers who have had 2 previous C-sections should be given a trial of labor and a chance to have a natural birth (VBA2C), if the mother is otherwise healthy. Today, in the Indian medical system, we see very few mothers being given a fair trial at labor even after one C-section (VBAC), and almost no mothers are encouraged to try VBA2C.
Today, we had the pleasure and honor of helping a mother at our Healthy Mother Birthing Center, to have her baby naturally after 2 previous C-sections. This mother came to us after her previous care-provider would not allow her a trial for VBA2C. She was supremely confident that given a fair chance, she would be able to give birth naturally, and she prepared herself mentally by researching, reading, and visualizing natural birth. She attended our Lamaze classes, and this further gave her confidence as well as prepared her physically for the hard work of labor. Then, was the no small task of convincing her family elders, who were all skeptical about natural birth after 2 C-sections, given that the medical community really does not support it. However, once she made her choice, her family did support her in her journey to give birth naturally.
As labor started in the early hours of today, mother managed her contractions at home for about 6-7 hours. She called me periodically to update about what she was feeling, and how her labor was progressing. As labor intensified, she felt good managing contractions on her birthing ball at home. She tried all the things that she had learnt in the Lamaze classes: pelvic rocks, squatting, taking showers, and eating and keeping herself well-hydrated. Since baby movements were good throughout, we could keep her home as long as the contractions were manageable. When she came into the Center, she was really going deep into herself and managing the contractions. She was already dilated to 9 cms …. great news for all of us! Baby was sounding fine, and mother and partner were able to manage the contractions with midwife support, primarily on the Birthing Ball. Very soon, she started to push and was wonderfully comfortable with supported squats, and she pushed like a pro! And at 12:42 pm this afternoon, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl weighing 2.9 kgs!
Astounding what mothers can do, when we let them believe in themselves, and support them throughout! Needless to say, all of us who were a part of this birth are awed and humbled by the power of birth. Congratulations to mom, dad and family. Happy Mothers’ Day!
Vijaya
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Sumaira_naser