Cindy & Perry Natural VBAC

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Elise Lillian Young’s Birth Story

Elise’s story begins with my desire to VBAC after having her sister Emma via C-section due to placenta previa. Thankfully my OB/GYN was very supportive of a VBAC. After some research and speaking with friends, I decided hiring a doula was in my best interest if I wanted a successful VBAC. I knew I would need laboring help at home.

At 38 weeks, I was monitored for fluid status and NST’s. Prayer was a key part during this time because I knew this was in God’s hands. If I was to get the opportunity to VBAC all of these tests would need to show normal results. Thankfully all was well.

I began having braxton hick’s for at least a month prior to due date, but they were not uncomfortable. I decided to see my acupuncturist and chiropractor who had mentioned they could help me prepare for labor. Each night I would feel my uterus practicing for the big day. My doula, Catilen, would come by and check on me in the last couple of weeks and I would keep her updated on any changes. She had a prior engagement she needed to attend on my actual due date, so we were hoping for an arrival somewhere in that 39th week.

My family from Birmingham came in town that Thursday night before my due date to attend Grandparent’s day. So this would be a perfect time. God’s timing is always perfect. I had been trying to get all things in order in the weeks leading up to my due date. On Friday

morning, 39 weeks and 6 days, I went back to the acupuncturist to try to help labor along. I noticed I was feeling somewhat off. I picked up the Grandparents and Emma from school and we went for lunch at the English Tea room. It was such a beautiful day, sunny and spring like. As I was eating, I would need to take a break when I felt these much stronger contractions. I still didn’t know if this was the real deal, but I thought I should inform Caitlen.

Once we got home, I remember distinctly telling my Mom that I think I got all those To Do’s marked off my list and I was ready to welcome our sweet baby into the world. At that moment, 12:55 pm, I felt my body synced up with my mind and IT WAS TIME. The next uterine contraction was much stronger than before, stopped me in my tracks. I had a sudden desire to go into my bedroom. I began playing relaxing music and diffusing my Young Living essential oils. I got my medicine ball out and began rolling. The contractions started to come more often, so I started timing them on my phone app. I was looking thru my book I received in my childbirth class for different ways of coping with contractions. I felt a lot of my labor in my legs, so walking, rolling on the ball, and massage was my best coping mechanisms.

Caitlin came by to visit and bring some awesome Sonic ice. She said she thought this may be the real deal, but to take a bath and a nap to rest and prepare for the marathon ahead. The bath wasn’t comforting. It made my contractions stronger. They are now 3 minutes apart, but I’m hanging in there with the awesome support of my

husband and Mom. Three hours of labor later, around 4pm, the contractions were getting intense. My sweet daughter Emma came in with precious drawing’s and sweet hugs and tears for he Momma. What a touching moment. She then left to watch a movie with her Grandfather.

My Mom began to think I needed to go to the hospital, and I said, “No, its time to call Caitlin.” When she arrived I was ready to go to the hospital, but she was able to help me thru my contractions and we stayed at home another hour. She mentioned getting in the shower and on the way I decided we needed to go to the hospital. At 5:55 we left. The 5 mile ride took longer than usual because of Friday evening traffic, and the contractions were tough sitting down. After being admitted, the nurse checked me and I was 6cm! Yay, my goal was 7 cm at home and I think I achieved that because they say you will regress some while changing locations. Caitlin took care of getting the room comfortable for me while I was laboring. The nurses were awesome!! They asked for my birth plan which was simple. I would like to VBAC without much intervention if possible. I continued to labor with intermittent monitoring. I mostly walked the room and Cailin would help massage and give pressure during my contractions. My husband would let me hold onto him for strength. My husband, Caitlin, the nurses and the presence of God never left my side. They were so encouraging that I indeed could do this. When I believe I was transiting I knew I needed courage to continue so after a big whiff of Valor they checked me and I was complete. I looked at the clock for

the first time in a while and it was 8:30. I was determined that this baby needed to be here before 9pm. The doctor was there and I was ready to push. I considered squatting for the pushing, but decided that wasn’t what I would do. Looking back, I think that is how my body wanted to deliver sweet baby girl. So after 25 minutes of pushing, my sweet baby girl Elise was welcomed into this world! We had immediate skin to skin contact and delayed cord clamping. She looked into my eyes and mine into hers and I will never be the same. She latched and nursed well right from the start. She was alert and taking it all in. Soon big sister was ready to meet her. What a beautiful time. After all things calmed down, Caitlin ordered dinner for me and she was off. I was so thankful for all she did to help me thru the only 8 hour marathon I have completed.

I was able to leave the hospital in 24 hours and my recovery was so much better than with the c-section. I believe a natural child birth is exactly the way I wanted. It covered over the wounds of not having that opportunity with my first. It has empowered me and taught me many things about myself. But so has this new sweet baby girl.

I highly recommend a doula if you are considering a VBAC, a natural child birth, or you just want to see if you can have that baby the way women have done for ages. So thankful for my child birth experience. God is so good, our protector and healer.