Is an Out-of-Hospital VBAC for me?
If you are planning a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section), you will want to do everything you can to ensure you have the best chance of success. At Andaluz, we are very proud of our high rate of successful VBACs that we help our client’s achieve. From the years 2018-2023 our success rate has been 90%!
When considering your options for a VBAC, you might be wondering what at out-of-hospital experience is like, so we spoke with Andaluz client Christy about her recent VBAC experience to provide an insider look.
Christy graciously answered our questions about her decisions and shared how her second birth unfolded.
Photo by Carli Stromme
Tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and your family
Christy: I am a nurse, a wife, and a mom to two beautiful little girls - one born via C-section and one by VBAC.
Why were you interested in having a VBAC with your second baby?
Christy: While I wouldn’t describe my first birth as traumatic, it definitely didn’t go anything close to how I imagined it would. I had an induction when I was just shy of 42 weeks, and 52 hours later, I ended up with a C-section.
As someone who has always been more naturally minded, I knew I wanted something different from my previous experience. I believe birth can be an incredibly beautiful experience while also having so many benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health, and I knew I wanted to give myself a chance to experience that.
Why did you decide to pursue an out-of-hospital VBAC?
Christy: I knew that if I wanted to have a VBAC, my best chance to have one would be out of hospital. I felt fairly certain that the sequence of events that led to me having a C-section would repeat themselves if I tried to have an in-hospital VBAC.
How did the Andaluz midwives help you prepare and/or feel ready for your VBAC?
Christy: I didn’t doubt that I would be able to have a VBAC, but if my husband or I ever had concerns, they were so good at providing a listening ear and encouraging us. Most importantly, I would say they helped me to trust my body.
What was your VBAC experience like? How did you feel during your labor and after?
Christy: I would love to say that my VBAC was quick and easy. It wasn’t, but that’s ok. It was a very long and challenging process, but I don’t think I have ever been more proud of anything in my entire life! It was hard, but it was so rewarding! I remember feeling incredibly proud, relieved, and so blissfully happy after giving birth.
It was also such a peaceful experience, especially compared to my hospital birth. The lights were dim, music was playing, and anyone who spoke did so in a hushed tone. I don’t know if anyone had any concerns during my birth because everyone remained so relaxed in my presence, allowing me to remain relaxed and focusing on what I needed to focus on. This was a huge contrast from the hospital, where I had numerous panic-inducing moments with bright overhead lights and many people rushing into my room. I am so grateful to have such a different experience this time.
Photo by Carli Stromme
What does having a successful VBAC under your belt mean for you and your family?
Christy: I remember telling my husband and midwife that “Now I can have as many babies as I want!” I was partly joking, but having a VBAC has made that a possibility to some extent. More than that, my confidence in my body’s abilities and even in my abilities as a mom has continued to grow. I am so grateful for the experience I had. It was truly life changing!
What general advice would you give to people hoping for a VBAC?
Christy: If you want a different result than you had last time, maybe one of the variables within your control needs to change. In my case, that meant changing from a hospital to a birthing center. While no one can know what would have been, I can almost guarantee I would have had a C-section again if I had been in the hospital.
I will forever be grateful for Carrie’s endurance and patience as she allowed me to do what I needed in order to have the experience I had. Thank you!!
