In conclution to our Celebration of Life Month we highlight our last mother, an Air Force wife, Elissa Johnson. It's not every day that a mom gets to have three different types of birthing experiences, but this mom did. She has four children, one was born a normal vaginal birth, one was born by emergancy c-section and two were VBAC births. Now she shares her insights on her brithing experiences with us.
Why was your second child, Evan, an emergency c-section?
Johnson: I was 30 weeks pregnant and I didn't know I was in real labor when I got to hospital. I was dialated to a 10 and my bag of water was bulging. He was also breech.
What was the hardest part about having an emergency c-section?
Johnson: Not being emotionally ready for it and wondering if baby was alright.
How was your first VBAC after having a c-section?
Johnson: First vbac was fine, my doctor wanted me to have an epiduaral in place incase of emergancy c- section. My labor with Asher was the longest one though. I labored for 16 hours. With Isaiah [my first child] it was three, and Evan was 1 1/2 hours.
Was your second VBAC any different from the first vbac experience?
Johnson: My second VBAC was better, and labor was faster. I wasn't nervous like I was with Asher.
What kind of classes or research did you do to prepare yourself for a VBAC after having a c-section?
Johnson: I did Internet research mostly.
Did you do anything different in preparation for your second VBAC?
Johnson: Not really, I worked out and stayed in shape more.
If someone you know was considering doing a VBAC, what would you tell them?
Johnson: It depends on there reasoning. If their c-section was because of baby being breech or preemie. Then I would say 100 percent go for it. If they had were there pelvis was small, I would say no.
Was your recovery after a VBAC the same or different from when you had your first child (a normal vaginal delivery)?
Johnson: It was the same.
Was your doctor open minded to the idea of doing a VBAC?
Johnson: The first time he was, but the second time I had a different doctor. He said he was, but he kept encouraging me to have a c-section.
If you are considering having a VBAC birth please talk to your doctor to make sure that it right for you and for your baby.
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