The Best Birth Podcast Episode 10 - Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Insights: Navigating the Paths of Birth with Doula Meagan Heaton from the VBAC Link
INTERVIEW OVERVIEW
Megan Heaton, founder of the VBAC Link, shares her personal journey of having two cesarean sections and her desire for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). She emphasizes the importance of education and finding a supportive provider when considering a VBAC. Megan also discusses the misconceptions and risks associated with VBAC, as well as the need for a backup plan when planning an out-of-hospital birth. Her story highlights the empowerment and healing that can come from advocating for one's birth preferences. In this conversation, Meagan shares her personal experience with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and provides valuable insights and tips for women considering a VBAC. She emphasizes the importance of acceptance, gratitude, and education when preparing for a VBAC. Meagan discusses the role of the pelvis in labor and the impact of baby positioning on the birthing process. She also highlights the significance of chiropractic care and proper positioning techniques to optimize the chances of a successful VBAC. Meagan encourages women to ask questions and advocate for themselves during labor, and she offers strategies for staying positive and mentally prepared throughout the process.
TAKEAWAYS
Education is key when considering a VBAC, as it helps dispel misconceptions and provides a better understanding of the risks and benefits.
Finding a supportive provider who truly believes in and supports VBAC is crucial for a successful birth experience.
Op reports from previous cesarean sections can provide valuable information and help individuals make informed decisions about their birth plans.
Having a backup plan is important, especially for out-of-hospital births, to ensure a safe and supported birth experience.
Advocating for one's birth preferences and seeking a VBAC can be empowering and healing. Acceptance and gratitude for your body are important when preparing for a VBAC.
Educate yourself about the risks and signs of uterine rupture and other complications.
The position of the baby and the alignment of the pelvis can greatly impact the birthing process.
Chiropractic care and proper positioning techniques can help optimize the chances of a successful VBAC.
Advocate for yourself during labor and ask questions about the necessity of a C-section.
Stay positive and mentally prepared by addressing fears and releasing negativity.
SOUND BITES
"I pushed my little guy out after being told I would never get a baby out of my pelvis."
"We can't blame ourselves for believing that. We can't."
"Understanding what they said. I think that's a really, really big first key."
"Acceptance and gratitude for my body... I actually found gratitude and being really grateful for my body."
"Acceptance, be grateful for your body, and then start educating."
"Our pelvises are incredible... It also births babies really well."
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Megan's Background
03:10Megan's First Cesarean Section Experience
05:23Megan's Second Cesarean Section Experience
09:36Finding a Supportive Provider for VBAC
13:26Diving Deep into VBAC Education
15:52The Importance of Op Reports in VBAC Planning
21:39Megan's Successful VBAC Experience
23:45Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Empowerment
26:23The Role of the Pelvis in Labor and the Impact of Baby Positioning
35:17Advocating for Yourself: Asking Questions During Labor
43:47Staying Positive and Mentally Prepared for a VBAC
TALKING POINTS
VBAC, cesarean section, birth education, supportive provider, out-of-hospital birth, op reports, empowerment, VBAC, vaginal birth after cesarean, acceptance, gratitude, education, pelvis, baby positioning, chiropractic care, positioning techniques, labor, mental preparation
RESOURCES
BOOK
The VBAC Companion by Diana Korte
“The journey to a VBAC is not just physical; it is deeply emotional and spiritual. It’s about healing, reclaiming, and moving forward with strength and courage.”
Meagan Heaton
Meagan is a VBA2C mom, birth doula, and educator. She is the founder of The VBAC Link - the Number One Resource in VBAC Education. She has a Podcast with over 300 episodes, and a flourishing community for mamas preparing for vaginal births after cesarean.
The VBAC Link provides evidence-based education, support, and has a community of like-minded people to help you on your journey. Their mission is to make birth after cesarean better by providing parents & doulas with support and evidence-based information.
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