I Did Not Give Up! A VBAC Story

After the c section birth of my first daughter in 2018, I realized my c section was not only painful, but not necessary. It was traumatic emotionally. I was in labor for 20 hours, and I couldn’t find any more energy in me to push further. I felt like I failed myself and my family. I let fear take over and thought my baby’s life was in danger. Unfortunately, I was not as educated as I thought.

When I found out I was pregnant again two years later with my second daughter, I decided to educate AND prepare my mind and body as much as I could. I took Natural Birth Series and Comfort Measures with Birth Help and hired René as my doula. I began to see a chiropractor as well as doing moderate exercise on a daily basis to make sure I was in the best shape for labor. In addition, I ate dates and drank red raspberry leaf tea during my 3rd trimester. I was determined to have a successful VBAC.

I never heard of a doula before, but when a friend recommended it, I found René, and so many things came into perspective. I realized what risks were involved with c sections and I learned how to trust myself and my body.

On September 30, 2020, at 2:30 am, I began to have my contractions naturally and gradually. The pain increased and became more frequent, and we arrived at the hospital by 5 am. I was more than halfway dilated, and. I tried to manage the pain through tears. It was so intense in many ways. I could feel the fear of failure coming. My husband hung in there with me, reminding me that we were going to meet our little girl soon.

Hope was almost lost when I could not progress after being 9cm and baby did not lower. The pain was unbelievable! Through tears, I told my husband it was time for an epidural. I knew the risk of another c section was near. But I wasn’t going to give up. I had already been through 12 hours of labor. After the epidural, I was ready and pushed for nearly 6 hours.

I tried numerous positions and techniques to lower the baby and push her out. I prayed out loud, cried, and begged my nurse to help me push and told my OB to give me more time.

At 7:46 pm, my little girl, Nicole, was here! It was an incredible experience. Just when I started losing hope, I gave it everything I had in me to push. My tears of fear became tears of pure joy and happiness. I’m incredibly grateful for René, the nurses, my OB, and my wonderful husband for not giving up on me.

She’s here! Our beautiful little girl. All because I did not give up!

Vanessa Cristea