Birthrites: Healing After Caesarean.

Caesarean Birth:
Making Informed Choices.

Making an informed choice about
Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)

After your VBAC

'Once the feeling came back into my feet (they were pretty numb from kneeling) I got up and showered then put on my silky nightie and hopped on the bed for some photo's. Dom' had a nice cuddle with Sabrina while I showered.'

A vaginal birth is different for all women. Nearly all women who birth this way do report feeling a mixture of emotions:

  • Relief
  • Exhaustion
  • Exhilaration
  • Love
  • Joy
  • Accomplishment

Physical feelings vary depending on the individual experience. Some common physical feelings are:

  • Abdominal soreness (like bruising)
  • Perineal soreness (more so if you've had stitches, though the amount of bruising involved is a big factor)
  • Sore tailbone
  • Sore (bruised feeling) anus
  • Sore arms/shoulders (from hanging on to things - hubby, bed, etc)
  • Tired legs (from standing, kneeling or squatting)
  • Sore throat - if you have been vocal in labour!
  • Exhausted, but not at all tired!

For perineal soreness some hospitals offer small ice packs, and these are great especially for bruising. A salt bath is also excellent for reducing any bruising and for ensuring stitches stay clean and uninfected; it is also very soothing. Panadol, or Panadeine, will usually alleviate any soreness. Discuss this with your doctor or midwife and make sure you feel comfortable. Just because you have birthed naturally doesn't mean your body doesn't deserve, or need, a lot of TLC -> Tender Loving Care!
*Hot packs work wonders, as does a long, hot shower.

'I cannot describe what I felt - It was relief, joy, tears and laughter, it was pride and satisfaction, and so, so right. It was tenderness, and surprise and love, and a tinge of sadness for my firstborn to no longer have me all to himselfÉAnd the most satisfying part of all ~ the tears and the laughter on Todd's face as he looked at our new son, and said "you did it - all by yourself. You're so clever, look what you did!"

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