The VBAC Doula, Tuggerah (2025)

07/03/2024

Induction of labour is the process of artificially jump-starting contractions to initiate childbirth, when it doesn't begin on it's own. This intervention is typically recommended when there are concerns about the health and well-being of the mother or baby. Induction usually involves ripening of the cervix in order to break the sac of waters that surrounds your baby in utero.

Depending how your cervix is at the time of induction is generally how your OB or midwife will decide, or offer options, on how to start your induction process. When your cervix is closed and long, you will usually be offered two options; gel or balloon. If your cervix is open, thin and stretchy, you're more favourable to having your waters broken and starting your induction that way.

While induction can be a safe and effective way to initiate labour, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and benefits. Induction may increase the likelihood of medical interventions, such as epidurals or cesarean sections, and it can also lead to stronger and more frequent contractions.

If induction is planned, it's crucial to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider beforehand. Understanding the process, asking about alternative options, and having a plan in place can help you feel more confident and informed.

Remember, every pregnancy and birth experience is unique, and decisions about induction should be made based on individual circumstances and informed discussions with your team. If you have any questions or uncertainties, don't hesitate to reach out for guidance and support.

05/03/2024

Unlocking the VBAC success code! Here are quick tips to boost your chances:
1️⃣ Find a VBAC-supportive medical provider—your OB's stance matters!
2️⃣ Rally your support squad: Birth partner, mum, friend—build your dream team!
3️⃣ Enlist the knowledge of a birth doula—your advocate through it all.
4️⃣ Prep your mind and body—yoga, meditation, affirmations!
5️⃣ Knowledge is power—educate yourself on benefits, risks, alternatives.
6️⃣ Rethink pain relief—explore all your options.

Ready to VBAC like a boss? Let's do this!

04/03/2024

A common scenario I see in online VBAC advice groups- a visit to their OB only to return with a list of "can'ts" and "won'ts." This experience shakes their confidence, often leading them to abandon their VBAC plans altogether. Recently, I came across a post where an OB claimed a mum's foot size was too big for a VBAC—clearly fear mongering at its finest. The truth is, sometimes it's the OB who's scared, projecting their anxieties onto their clients.

My own VBAC journey mirrored this pattern; I encountered restrictions during every single one of my OB appointments. However, because I anticipated this scenario, it didn't rattle my confidence; instead, I found it quite funny.

Approaching these appointments with the expectation of hearing "no" can be enlightening. It either pleasantly surprises you with support or confirms the need for a different care provider or a stronger stance in decision making.

Remember, you have every right to explore your options, whether you're a first-time mum, a seasoned pro or a VBAC mum. Expect to be told no, expect some pushback, conduct thorough research (or enlist someone like me to do it for you!). Informed choices are your prerogative.

Don't be disheartened by an OB that tells you no, or some crazy idea about your foot size effecting your birthing ability, that's not supposed to be the end of your VBAC journey, it's just a shift in a different direction.

29/02/2024

Heck yes! If you've had a previous c-section and you've got a hankering for round two, you're the perfect VBAC candidate.

28/02/2024

Did you know that choosing a home birth significantly increases your chances of a successful VBAC? With an average success rate of 88%, home birth offers a unique environment favourable to achieving your desired birthing experience.

It's understandable to feel apprehensive after a challenging first birth, but birthing at home under the care of an experienced and medically trained midwife can provide unparalleled support and peace of mind. Your midwife has been with you every step of the way, understanding your history, fears, and aspirations. This connection fosters a deep sense of trust and security, empowering you to embrace the birthing journey with confidence. Statistics support the fact that stepping out of the medical system provides for better birth outcomes.

Here's my top tip: Reach out to your local public-funded home birth team and interview a couple of private midwives, even if you're not fully sold on the idea of birthing at home. Their goal isn't to sway you, but rather to offer insight into what a home birth entails and the incredible possibilities it holds.

Ask questions, educate yourself, and keep an open mind. You might be surprised at how this decision could transform your entire birthing experience and outcome. It's about empowering yourself with knowledge and exploring all your options. Don't let fear hold you back—consider the possibility of a VBAC in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. Trust in your body, trust in your midwife, and trust in the transformative power of home birth

26/02/2024

Birth can be fun with the right mindset! 💫 As your doula, I'm here to shift your perspective from fear to excitement, transforming any apprehension into empowerment. Birth isn't just a physical experience—it's a mental progression. While your body undergoes incredible transformations, and can feel as though it's pushed to it's limits before labour has even begun, your mindset will carry you through. Let's redefine the birthing experience, and discover the fun in birthing, together!

02/11/2023

What's the biggest fear around having a VBAC? Uterine rupture. It's something your care provider will without a doubt mention to you in one of your prenatal appointments as a VBAC mum. Uterine rupture is so greatly feared, but what if I told you your chances of uterine rupture in your first birth, as an unscarred uterus, is the same for your VBAC? Or that the most trustworthy studies on uterine rupture have a maximum chance of 0.7% and the lowest chance of 0.3%.

In a study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network in 2004, data was collected from 19 medical centers in the US. The study focused on women with previous caesarean births, excluding those in early labour who later had a caesarean section. Out of the 33,699 women with prior caesarean births, 53.1% attempted vaginal birth after caesarean, among those attempting VBAC, the rate of uterine rupture was 0.7%.

So what does that mean? Out of 1,000 women attempting a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section, approximately 7 of them MAY experience uterine rupture. Alternately, you have a 99.3- 99.7% chance that you will not experience uterine rupture and the odds can't get much better than that!

01/11/2023

The rate of VBAC's are declining with each decade, which allows for small samples sizes of women willing to participate in studies surrounding VBAC's. When doing your own research on the risks and benefits of anything birth related, you need to make sure you're viewing unbiased studies to ensure the information is correct. Studying the risks and benefits of interventions, birth options and even caesarean birth versus VBAC is complex. Existing studies lack unbiased data due to small sample sizes and controlled groups. Conclusions drawn from these studies are limited and should be viewed cautiously. Proper randomised trials with large sample sizes are needed to accurately assess the risks and benefits for women when weighing up their options. So when I say do your research, be aware that "a couple hundred women birthed at the same hospital" is not a good example for you to make your decisions from- this is a biased study that is pushing a favourable opinion.

31/10/2023

Be aware that this c-section can impact your next pregnancy and birth;

❗️Conceiving subsequent pregnancies may pose challenges due to the scarring on the uterus.

❗️Increased risk of placental complications such as placenta praevia or placenta accreta/percreta, which potentially leads to delivery complications of the placenta post birth, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding as the placenta has developed in the wall of the uterus.

❗️A rare, yet significant concern linked to past caesarean is uterine rupture, where the scar from the prior surgery tears open is slightly higher after a previous c-section. This can happen before labour starts or during labour.

❗️Intervention is generally higher in pregnancies and births that follow a caesarean as the medical system is cautious to prevent the above situations from occurring.

30/10/2023

There's a common belief that caesarean is often the safest option for mum and baby, and we aren't always informed the risks that come with repeating a caesarean birth. Opting for repeat elective caesarean births amplifies the likelihood of complications such as bleeding, infections, bladder or bowel damage and clots. The more caesarean births a woman undergoes, the higher the surgical complexities due to adhesions, elevating risks of bladder & bowel injuries during surgery.

Furthermore, conceiving subsequent pregnancies may pose challenges, including placental complications such as placenta praevia or placenta accreta/percreta, potentially leading to delivery complications of the placenta post birth, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding.

Babies born via caesarean might face temporary breathing issues, like transient tachypnoea, necessitating brief stays in special care nurseries. In rare cases, respiratory distress syndrome, requiring additional oxygen and extended nursery stays, can occur, influenced by factors like general anaesthesia use.

It's vital to weigh these risks when making informed birthing decisions and never be afraid to ask your care provider alllll the questions to make sure you are aware of what you're signing yourself up for.

27/10/2023

The body inherently understands the dance of childbirth. Yet, in our modern world, the mind often grapples with doubt, fear, and societal pressures surrounding birth. In rewiring our minds, we unlearn the fear that society has woven around birth, replacing it with confidence in our body's intuitive abilities. Allowing your mind to echo the wisdom of your bodies, reinforces the power to birth with confidence and strength.

I love this quote by the amazing Vicki Hobbs

25/10/2023

Pregnancy, labour and birth are often seen as physical experiences, but the mind plays a vital role. Your mental health can impact your entire birth;

🧠 Your mental state directly communicates with your body. Stress and anxiety can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can hinder the natural flow of labour hormones. A calm mind supports the release of oxytocin, the hormone essential for contractions.

🧠 Emotions influence how we perceive pain. Fear and tension can intensify discomfort during labour. When you're relaxed and confident, your body copes better with pain, making the process more manageable.

🧠 Positive mental states, supported by a nurturing environment, are linked to smoother labour progression. Feeling safe, loved, and respected boosts oxytocin, enhancing contractions and cervical dilation.

🧠 Mental health can influence the choices you make during childbirth. Feeling secure and empowered can lead to more informed decisions, ensuring your birthing experience aligns with your desires and values.

🧠 A positive mental state during labour can pave the way for a healthier postpartum period. Mothers who feel supported and empowered are better equipped to handle the challenges of early motherhood.

It's so normal to have mixed emotions about labour! Seeking support, whether from a partner, doula, or mental health professional, can make a significant difference. Your mental well-being matters, going into birth with unresolved fears and concerns can have a massive impact to your labour, chat with a doula, or birth trauma counsellor to debrief in advance and give yourself the best chance 💖✨

The VBAC Doula

07/03/2024

05/03/2024

04/03/2024

29/02/2024

28/02/2024

26/02/2024

02/11/2023

01/11/2023

31/10/2023

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27/10/2023

25/10/2023

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