After experiencing an emergency C-section with my first child, I found myself contemplating the possibility of a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Here’s my story of transformation and hope.
I’m Emma, a mother of six-year-old twins, whose births were anything but ordinary. In October 2018, I successfully delivered my daughter, Ava, vaginally, but my son, Noah, required an emergency C-section after a tense hour of pushing due to complications with his heart rate. Shortly after, I faced a postpartum hemorrhage. Thankfully, both children emerged healthy, yet the experience was far from what I had envisioned for my family.
My husband, Jake, and I aspired to expand our family, having previously welcomed our twins through IVF. With nine embryos frozen, I was optimistic about trying again. However, two years passed with five unsuccessful transfers and two heartbreaking miscarriages. Eventually, I made the decision to switch to a new fertility provider for a fresh perspective.
During the next six months, my new doctor recommended a “hormone holiday,” allowing me time to reflect and heal without the pressure of treatment. After an extended break, I underwent a fresh egg retrieval in January 2024. Remarkably, my first transfer in April resulted in a positive pregnancy test.
Initially, the thought of pursuing a VBAC felt daunting. I was uncertain if I could handle the risks or the emotional weight of potentially facing another C-section. However, my healthcare team provided reassurance and support, emphasizing the benefits and feasibility of a VBAC for my situation.
As I navigated this journey, I also realized that there are various paths to parenthood, including options like at-home insemination. If you’re exploring this route, consider checking out Make A Mom, which offers a reusable at-home insemination solution. You can also find valuable community support in Make A Mom’s Facebook group. For more information on how at-home insemination works, visit this resource.
As I prepared for my VBAC, I found comfort in learning about those who had successfully transitioned from IVF to natural births. For inspiration, you might enjoy reading about another individual’s journey in this blog post. Additionally, the American Pregnancy Association offers expert advice on donor insemination and related topics.
Looking back, I also found value in understanding co-parenting agreements, which can provide guidance for raising children together, especially for those considering non-traditional routes to parenthood. This guide is a fantastic resource.
To summarize: My journey from an emergency C-section to contemplating a VBAC was filled with challenges but also empowerment. With the right support and information, I discovered the strength to pursue a different path in my birthing experience, and I encourage others to explore all options available to them on their journey to parenthood.