Blog
What makes a VBAC “successful”? Part 2
We’re back with part 2 of our VBAC series. Part 1 shared some helpful providers who are strategic in the support of having a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Today, we focus on some other key areas for achieving your VBAC.
Explore and know the difference between the terms TOLAC and VBAC. A Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is simply a planned or attempted VBAC by a woman who has had a prior C-section. A TOLAC becomes a VBAC upon a successful vaginal delivery.
Snowy Traditions!
We haven’t been getting too much snow in Maryland the last few years, but today proved to be beautiful.
I had made a post on Instagram and Facebook about our family’s tradition and it gained a lot of excitement- so I figured I would post the story and recipe here!
What makes a VBAC “successful”? Part 1
Not too long ago we were told, “Once a C-section birth, always a C-section birth”. This is certainly not a true blanket statement and in fact, for MOST people, a Vaginal Birth After Caesarian (VBAC) is a safe option for families to consider.
Birthplace “Go Bag” Top 10
“What do I pack in my bag for my birth place?”
This question is asked very frequently by clients. I usually hear, “I have found lists on google but I feel like I might be missing something! Can you help?”.
Of course! Here is my TOP 10 Items For Your Birth Bag:
Virtual Doula Support and Covid
2020 has certainly packed a punch! In the beginning we were blindsided and pivoting and now here we are facing 2021 with some of the same challenges. Currently for Baltimore and surrounding hospitals, Labor and Delivery restrictions are set to “One Support person per L&D patient”. This means that the patient will have to choose who joins them in the hospital. Understandably that is usually the partner/spouse. So..... where does that leave Doula Support? “What benefits do I have with hiring a doula if she can’t come in with us?”
We are so glad you asked! Here are just a few benefits we thought we could highlight:
Postpartum and the Holidays
Whether you are 1 week post-birth or 10 weeks post-birth, the postpartum time (the timeframe after a person gives birth to their baby) leaves many of us with a lot of feelings, challenges, highs and lows, and choices and changes. Add in the year that I have called #crazy2020, darkness falling earlier, and the holiday season now upon us, and it can leave many of us feeling mountains MORE on top of what we were already feeling.
I’ve compiled a small list of things to keep in mind to help families while recovering from birth.
Our COVID Response and Virtual Services
In light of the impact of COVID-19, we have been taking all precautions and implementing best practices to keep ourselves, our families, and our clients safe. We currently are, and will continue to follow protocols and guidelines set by the CDC, WHO, hospitals, and other reputable health officials; while offering both in-person and virtual services for birth, postpartum, and classes.
The Joys of the TENS
“OK… here we go”, she manages to squeak out.
She inhales a large forceful breath as she pushes the small, purple, oval BOOST button. Her partner begins to rub her shoulders and her birth doula quietly counts through the peak of her contraction, reminding her to breathe deeply. As the wave of tightness in her abdomen begins to release, she pushes the small, purple button again to rest and recharge as she knows the next wave will soon be coming once again. Knowing when it does, she be encouraged by her birth team and will push the BOOST button on her TENS unit to allow the gentle nerve impulses to help her focus and encourage her own body’s endorphins as she looks forward to meeting her sweet baby soon.
Why I became a Doula
Birth and babies have always been a special interest of mine. As I was growing up and trying to figure out “life” I had always thought I would become a labor and delivery nurse. Life didn’t quite evolve in the ways that I had planned and before I knew it I was married with my first baby on the way. I had become a medical assistant after I had graduated high school, and it worked well for the time being, but wasn’t what I truly wanted out of life. When I became a mom for the first time, it was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. I’ve since had 2 other children, and while I did not have a doula for my births, I had an amazing team of supporters within my husband and other family members and friends.