Emotional reactions for women planning a VBAC
Many women planning a VBAC will have unique emotional issues to deal with. Sometimes the emotions within themselves are enough to impede their chances of achieving a vaginal birth.
Take time to consider how you are feeling before the birth, and try to work through your emotions before they confront you in labour. The following are some common concerns that have been expressed by women planning a VBAC.
Fear
Feeling very alone
Feeling unsupported
Prelabour and Early 1st stage
Been there, done that!
Reaching the point where you had the Caesarean last time
Fear. There are often many fears associated with planning a VBAC. The most common of these can be:
Fear of disappointment. Many women worry that they will have to endure a long and / or difficult labour, and this can be one of the main reasons to opt for a repeated Caesarean.
Try and have realistic expectations. Plan as much for a vaginal birth as another Caesarean, so you cover all your bases. Be aware that despite the best possible preparation, some women still ultimately experience another Caesarean.
Sometimes the experience of labour reinforces the need for another Caesarean, or makes you feel at least you gave vaginal birth a chance. Not planning a VBAC may mean you will never know if a vaginal birth would have ever been possible.
Surround yourself with people who are willing to support you no matter what the outcome. Balancing your plans for a VBAC and the prospect of another Caesarean will not be easy, being able to share your feelings is important.
Fear of losing control. For many women, their Caesarean made them feel their birth experience was totally out of their control. Discussing this with your caregiver and writing a
birth plan that outlines your desired expectations for a vaginal birth as well as a Caesarean birth, may help you to have a positive experience next time around.
Fear of the unknown.