At Birthtalk we know that BIRTH MATTERS ...
and how we feel about our births is IMPORTANT.
Peta's journey to a hospital vba2c (vaginal birth after 2 caesareans)
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Peta came to Birthtalk when pregnant with her third child. After two disempowering caesareans, she was looking for information and support to work towards a better birth for her last child. Her baby was born in an empowering, amazing vba2c.
have easy access to information of the type
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Mother of two - one born by unplanned caesarean, one born vbac [more testimonials]
I wanted to talk through my previous births and see if my hopes for a VBAC were realistic. I understood it as a place where the facilitators could give me a safe place to 'let it all out' without the judgement or not being able to understand as I had experienced when I talked to others'. I didn't know of where else I could find this.
Before Birthtalk I felt very sad & anxious about birth, and in particular my ability to birth, and really didn't believe my body could do it.
How I changed
Birthtalk absolutely changed my views and knowledge base about birth, as well as my feelings about my previous births and my upcoming one. It was one of the main forces in changing my beliefs about my body from the evening chats, the books I borrowed, the websites recommended and the people and places that were suggested I talked to about my dream, to gain information and build my belief in my body and the birthing process.
How my life was affected by my previous births...
First birth: I was ok with the c-section at first, about 4mths later someone I previously worked with asked how was labour and from that time on I was mentally consumed with failure and guilt and although I was determined to connect with my baby and make sure she was never blamed, I certainly felt a failure.
Second birth : I tried to have a VBAC and went to labour naturally and without any support, I decided to have a C-section when I was 5cm as I was so scared, it hurt and Tim was no good as a support because he didn't know what to do either. I thought I was happy that I went into labour naturally and yet later I was so disappointed that I gave up so easily.
Third birth : I had much more power in my hands and experience and Tim was coached and led by our Doula who was great. I used positive affirmations, read positive stuff about birthing bodies. I felt after that although my birth wasn't perfect, I felt like the power to birth was back in my hands and not the doctors.
In hindsight...
I wish I had access to Birthtalk before I had my previous babies. Especially knowing now the need for support from women who had birth experience, e.g. doula, midwife that you could build up a relationship with. Someone to phone when things started to go haywire - as Debby was when I had a show and labour stopped. Just to reassure you, not to pass judgement on you. The "Healing From Birth" support group is good to debrief also no matter what your birth.
The impact upon my life...
I absolutely felt supported by Birthtalk after my traumatic births, and this has impacted upon my life. Birthtalk provided me with a safe environment with people who had some idea of the mental trauma my previous births was having on my life. I was physically ok, and yet mentally consumed by my failure in this area. Birthtalk helped me to put into perspective my previous births, and how I can use that knowledge to be empowered and proactive in my last birth. I feel mentally healed and birthing does not consume my every thought now. I feel it has broken the guilty and restricting bonds that I had tied myself in.
I mention Birth talk to anyone I know that has had traumatic births, first time Mum's and anyone who will listen.
I would also like to say thanks to Birthtalk for being on the email and phone when I did have questions and to get my birth notes was great power for myself (in my mind) over the medical institution.
©Birthtalk2007