VBAC at Darent Valley Hospital: second time mum positive natural birth after a previous Caesarean
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I was so honoured to be at this birth and see this strong determined mama bring her baby girl into this world. I am still in awe. Here's Japnoor's birth story, as told by her incredible mummy Kiran:
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My first pregnancy was during the Covid lockdown in 2020. I was working from home and wasn't able to access much support face to face. Everything was via telephone. My baby boy arrived in November of 2020. I got to 10cm dilated, but due to our heart rates dropping, he came via an emergency c-section at QE hospital Woolwich. I was devastated. My overall experience was traumatic however, I did learn a lot.
When I fell pregnant the second time, I was adamant that I did not want another c-section. I was going to have my VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean). This is what I told myself throughout my pregnancy.
One day I was scrolling through Instagram and Rise & Glow hypnobirthing page popped up. I had a look and I decided to contact Laura. This was the best decision I made. I attended Laura's Hypnobirthing classes and they were amazing. I learned so much. Additionally, I followed a lot of birthing pages on Instagram, which really helped with my knowledge on having a VBAC.
As me and my husband didn’t get the right support the first time, I decided to contact Laura again after our classes and asked if she would be able to assist me during the birth itself. To my surprise she said yes! She was able to come in as my second birth partner. I was super excited.
My due date was the 3rd November (my first born’s birthday)! On Friday 27th October I started having period type pains. I initially thought they were braxton hicks and carried on. I did however notice I was losing my mucus plug but didn't think much of it. As my due date approached, I was losing more and more mucus plug.
On Wednesday 1st November at around 6am in the morning things really started to gear up. I woke up, went to the bathroom and I had my bloody show, I instantly knew I was in labour. I timed my contractions and they were coming in every 10mins.
I took some pain killers and decided to go back to sleep. I must have had a 20 minutes nap but I couldn't settle. So I woke up, had a cup of tea and started bouncing on my birthing ball. I told my husband I think the baby will be coming soon and he started to get things ready. I managed to make some cheese on toast and had a glass of fresh juice (made the night before). I called my mum to tell her I'm dropping my son to her.
By midday my contractions were coming every 5 mins. We dropped our son to my mum’s and headed straight to the hospital. This time Darent Valley hospital. I remember the car journey was super intense. I asked my husband to put our birth playlist on and I was doing the breathing exercises I learned in Laura's classes. I managed to message Laura to tell her I'm on my way to the hospital.
We got to Darent Valley hospital at 2.30pm and I was seen in Tambootie ward. By now the surges were coming in strong, I was in tears but still kept calm. I consented to be examined, and to my surprise I was 5cm dilated!
10 mins after examination the surges were coming in fast, they started to take my breath away. By this point I was wheeled to delivery suite. I tried to implement more of the breathing techniques I learned in the Hypnobirthing classes but everything happened so fast. Laura just about made it in time as I was starting to bear baby down. She was so supportive alongside my husband and the midwives and student midwife were absolutely amazing throughout.
I was taking deep breaths using the gas and air during each surge while our spiritual music Gurbani Kirtan was playing. It was pretty tough and I definitely shouted for an epidural a couple of times but it was way too late for that! My husband, Laura and the midwives were all cheering me on, rubbing my back, and helping me breathe.
I moved into an upright position, supported by my birth team and with a couple more big pushes, baby girl was here by 5pm.
I GOT MY VBAC!
I honestly had the most positive birthing experience. It was the complete opposite to my first birth. With the right support and tools I got my VBAC. I'm forever grateful. Thank you ♥ï¸
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Do you want a Positive Birth too?
My antenatal Hypnobirthing courses are available both in-person and online, and are designed to be a fun and relaxing experience for you and your birth partner - a real highlight of your pregnancy.
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