https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:59:23 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/attempting-a-vbac-how-to-prepare#post-2601998 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 16:52:04 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2601998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Somebunny: That's good to hear you had a good experience with your doula! I'm hoping to go to a "meet the doulas" event at my hospital later this month!</p> <p>@IRunForFun: I'm not quite sure, but I think of myself as an introvert (even though I'm very outspoken and opinionated and involved in my community so people may not say that of me). I really internalize a lot and don't like a lot of drama (from my friends/family) so thinking about having to manage one more personality in a room with a doctor, nurse, husband and my mom stresses me out. I'm hoping to find someone with a similar organized but laid back personality to mine -- I think that will make the difference in whether I click with someone or not :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/attempting-a-vbac-how-to-prepare#post-2601434 Tue, 09 Aug 2016 20:43:15 +0000 shortcake 2601434@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No need to do anything to prepare. Just find a supportive doctor, be open to either outcome and see what happens. mentally prepare for the fact that, unlike scheduling a repeat c section at 39 weeks, you might need to go the extra week or two to give your body enough time to go into labor. My VBAC experience was amazing and I'm so glad I did it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/attempting-a-vbac-how-to-prepare#post-2601417 Tue, 09 Aug 2016 20:09:58 +0000 IRunForFun 2601417@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was coming in to say get a doula! A doula will be a huge support system for attempting a VBAC. Just curious why you think you might not be a doula person? Doulas are all so different - there's someone for everyone! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/attempting-a-vbac-how-to-prepare#post-2601410 Tue, 09 Aug 2016 20:00:39 +0000 Somebunny 2601410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Get a doula! If you do nothing else, do that! I had a vbac and I believe my doula was a huge part of the reason I was successful. She held my hand (and DH's) the whole way.<br /> I also didn't think I was a doula person- which is why I didn't have one the first time. But honestly, she was so amazing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/attempting-a-vbac-how-to-prepare#post-2601384 Tue, 09 Aug 2016 19:05:19 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2601384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsKoala: Ha ok that makes me feel a little better :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/attempting-a-vbac-how-to-prepare#post-2601364 Tue, 09 Aug 2016 18:32:05 +0000 MrsKoala 2601364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think you are nuts! Three women in my first LO's birth group had successful VBACs and as far as I know they didn't do anything special to prep for it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/attempting-a-vbac-how-to-prepare#post-2601363 Tue, 09 Aug 2016 18:31:58 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2601363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Iced Tea: Thanks for the recommendation! We recently moved and the hospital I'll deliver at has one of the highest VBAC rates in the State! I've been very pleased with how open the OBs are to VBAC, which makes the possibility seem even more real to me. The hospital also offers free doulas, so maybe that's something I should explore. I may do a separate post about doulas for VBACs -- I'm not quite sure if I'm a doula person ;-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/attempting-a-vbac-how-to-prepare#post-2601359 Tue, 09 Aug 2016 18:27:08 +0000 Iced Tea 2601359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The most important thing is to contact your local ICAN chapter for recommendations of the most VBAC-supportive providers in your area. Getting a medical provider who is on the same page is the most important factor. You can usually connect with your local ICAN chapter via facebook (they also have meetings). </p> <p>I'd also consider a doula. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/attempting-a-vbac-how-to-prepare#post-2601348 Tue, 09 Aug 2016 18:14:02 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2601348@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was into having a natural birth with baby #1 -- took an online birth class, read some books, took a yoga/massage class for labor -- but ended up with a failed induction resulting in an unscheduled c-section. I'd like to attempt a VBAC with baby #2 but I am so not into preparing for it like I was with #1 (busy with working, recent move, active toddler). Am I nuts for going into it "blind" so to speak? Should I be doing anything to prepare? Thanks! </p>