Going to Chiropractor Weekly Helped Elizabeth Achieve Her Hospital VBAC Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I honestly thought I was just having cramps. With my first I was induced so the pitocin contractions were so painful! This time I just felt like I was having period cramps, I just went through the motions all night trying to get comfortable in the morning I woke my husband and wanted to go get checked at the hospital since the cramps weren’t stopping! Arrived and found out I was 8-9cm!!! So that’s when I realized I’m in labor?

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

For me the most challenging thing was committing to a VBAC!! I always had these thoughts in the back of my mind that a repeat c-section would be easier and planned and I would know what to expect but I still longed for that natural birth experience. Once I set my mind on it though I was all for it, I will say during those pushes I did have my doubts and even asked my doctor if I could have another c section, haha, she looked at me and said no way the head is right here keep pushing!

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

I did it all this time around!! I got the mama natural book which I loveee and now I will gift it to all my mom friends! I went to a chiropractor weekly and took spinning baby courses, my baby still ended up being op though, I think the most helpful thing I did was research VBACs I learned everything I could on how to increase my chances of hiring a VBAC including switched doctors and hired a doula.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised I made it to 9 cm before my water broke, I kept thinking I wasn’t in labor since my water hadn’t broken! I was really shocked by how painful the ring of fire moment is.

Mentally prepare the pain is temporary if you focus on the end goal you can do it!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I used an exercise ball a lot! Lunges and squats, I would lay down on my side and put pillows between my legs just trying to get comfortable. I also kept telling myself over and over that I can do anything for 60 seconds. The contractions are like waves and once one would end I would be fine and I would rest or laugh and talk with my husband to distract myself.

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

Amazing and empowering I kept telling her we did it. I still to this day thank her for giving me the birth I had always dreamed of!

What did you name your baby, and why?

I chose Elaina after me, my middle name is Elaine. And I named her middle name after my dad Lee, but we spell her Leigh.

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

My biggest advice is to wait until you have, to go into the hospital. I knew they would throw interventions at me so I ate before I got there thinking I’d have a long day ahead of me and I walked around the parking lot for a lap or two before going in because I knew once they hooked me up I would be stuck. But to my surprise I didn’t even have time for any kind of pain meds or even an iv to be placed in my arm, my doula barely made it in in time! So for sure wait, till you have to and mentally prepare the pain is temporary if you focus on the end goal you can do it!