Having A Midwife Helped Sofia During Her Hospital VBAC Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was already about a week over my due date and I was having mild contractions all of those days. I realized it was labor when they did not go away as I laid down to sleep so I called my midwife when I thought they were strong enough to open the cervix aka when I could not concentrate on talking when I was having one.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

We had planned a home birth and all the doctors were against it because I had a c-section with my son who is now 3 years old. I tried anyway but as it, labor was not progressing after my cervix had opened to 8 cm we had to go to the hospital. My baby is a VBAC baby..

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

The most helpful thing was to have a midwife for the homebirth we were planning and Ina May Gaskins "Guide to childbirth“

What surprised you about your birth?

The thing that surprised me the most was that it was not really painful and the sounds I was making in the pushing phase.

Let your body work and just let go.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I was having very strong contractions that were not doing anything after I was at 8cm and that for a while as we were still at home with the midwife so we had to go to the hospital cuz I was attempting a VBAC and I begged for an epidural...

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was, unfortunately, lying on my back because the babies heartbeat wasn’t so good in other positions we tried before. I pushed in a squatting position for a short while though.

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

As the doctor put my baby girl on my belly it was the best thing ever. I am so in love with her.

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

I recommend getting an experienced midwife and talking to her about how you want to have your baby. I would have loved to have my baby at home. Don’t overthink it. Your body is not a lemon! Let your body work and just let go. You can do it! You are a goddess