July Newsletter- Facebook group, Patient Appreciation coming up and all things teething!

May 2024 Newsletter by Kayleigh Searle

6 Ways to have a successful VBAC - and how Chiropractic can help

Vaginal birth after cesareans, or VBAC for short, are becoming more and more common. The saying “once a cesarean, always a cesarean” isn’t the case anymore. Mothers who try a VBAC are 80% more likely to have a successful vaginal birth, reducing maternal death rates, avoiding risky abdominal surgery and long hospital stays. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare and plan for a VBAC:

1. READ, READ and READ some more - Learn and study how to prepare for a vaginal birth. Some great books to read are:

   • The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth (Sears Parenting Library) Sears MD, William

   • The Healthy Pregnancy Book: Month by Month, Everything You Need to Know from America's Baby Experts (Sears Parenting Library) Sears MD, William

   • Cut It Out Morris, Theresa

2. TAKE A BIRTHING CLASS: Taking a birthing class is a great way to prepare for a VBAC. Learn how to cope in labor, make choices before you go into labor, make your partner a part of your birth team. There are many options but my absolute favorite is Birth Boot Camp. They have out of hospital classes, in hospital classes, comfort measures classes and more! They are comprehensive and you get all the reading materials you’ll need. You can email kayleigh@elevatedlifefc.com if you have any questions!

3. GET ADJUSTED:  Many cesarean sections are done because of baby’s position or mom’s pelvis being misaligned. Finding a chiropractor certified in the Webster Technique can help you achieve that VBAC. The Webster Technique is a gentle adjustment, making sure that your pelvis is aligned and creating optimal space for your uterus and for your baby. You can read more here: https://icpa4kids.com/training/webster-certification/webster-technique/. Lucky for you, Dr. Randy is ICPA certified in the Webster Technique and is passionate about helping you achieve the birth you desire.

4. CHOOSE WISELY: You are in charge! You get to choose your provider and support team. Research, ask around and find a VBAC friendly provider for you. Make sure you ask what their VBAC success rate is. Actions speak louder than words! They can say they’re supportive, but their previous experience will give you the confidence you need. With their support and knowledge, an unnecessary cesarean can be avoided!

5. HIRE A DOULA: “The doula  is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. Their purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience.” (https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/) Having a doula is a must! They know how to support you, they know how to help your partner feel involved and understand how to comfort you, they know your feelings and what choices you have made and can help you stand by those choices.

6. POSITIVE VIBES: Surround yourself with positivity! Read VBAC stories, practice positive affirmations (http://balancedbirthsupport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Birth-Affirmations.pdf), and surround yourself with people who believe in you! Find support groups like ICAN or VBAC Facebook groups like The VBAC Link. And don’t forget that you are a rockstar goddess who can do ANYTHING!