The News
Finding out I was pregnant with my 4th child was a bittersweet moment for me. What should have been a joyous occasion was quickly overcome by fear and uncertainty. It was the trauma of my last pregnancy...it had left a mental, emotional, and physical scar that clung desperately to me. Long story short, I ended up having an emergency c-section that, by the grace of God, saved both my life and the life of my unborn son. The experience was so traumatic that I seriously contemplated whether I was going to have any more children. So, when we got the news that I was pregnant again, I was terrified. The enemy began bombarding my mind with fear, doubt, and an endless barrage of negative thoughts.
The majority of my pregnancy was rather uneventful for the most part. I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to have a V.B.A.C. (vaginal birth after cesarean) and my doctor was supportive of my decision. I was considered a favorable candidate being that it would've been almost 2 years since my cesarean at the time of the birth. Once we got into month 7, the doctor noted that the baby was rather large in size, which was supposedly bad news for someone trying to have a V.B.A.C. Of course, the enemy took this all to convenient opportunity to discourage me. But, women have successfully delivered V.B.A.C. babies close to 10 lbs! I was not going to take his bait. Admittedly, I was putting my faith in the wrong place, which is probably what led to the event that followed.
The Attack
My husband surprised me for my birthday and I went to have a 3-D ultrasound done. We found out at that appointment that the baby was breech. The ultrasound tech made it clear that if the baby didn't turn head down then I would most likely have to have a cesarean.
Now, I didn't react at the time, but it felt like my heart literally shattered. The moment we left the office, I broke down into tears. I felt defeated! And without even being given a chance! Of course my husband tried to reassure me and my O.B. even called to assure me that there was still plenty of time left for the baby to turn. But for some reason, I couldn't shake what the tech had said and it infected my mind like a plague. I started doing all the exercises that are supposed to encourage the baby to turn. About 3 days later, we returned to the doctor and got the news that the baby was head down. A seemingly large victory. But the fear I experienced during that time lingered. I was so paranoid that she was going to flip again. I was constantly trying to feel for her feet, I was monitoring her hiccups, and trying to determine the position of her head. I was doing everything conceivable to ensure that she was staying head down. I'm pretty sure I drove my husband mad with my paranoid antics.
The Revelation
As it got closer to my due date, I started to worry less about her turning and more about going into labor naturally. I had been induced with my first two pregnancies as a result of being overdue with little to no progress. I had only gone into labor naturally once, and it ended in my emergency cesarean. So, induction certainly looked more appealing at that point in time. But because of the cesarean, induction was no longer an option due to the increased risk associated with being induced after a cesarean. Because of the baby's size my doctor insisted it was best to get her our sooner than later. So, at 38-weeks, she offered to schedule the cesarean...I declined. I was determined to have this baby vaginally. I was fully convinced that my body was capable of doing what God had created it to do. Wait...GOD! It was then that I had realized that for nearly my entire pregnancy I had been putting my trust in all the wrong places. I had allowed fear and doubt to steal my joy. I wasn't trusting the Father to take care of us and I had to repent! I decided at that moment to trust Him...to place it completely in His hands. I made the desire of my heart known and left it alone.
My doctor continued to offer to schedule a repeat cesarean and I politely declined each time. She was respectful of my decision but by week 41 she made it clear that at our next appointment she would have to schedule the surgery. She would not allow me to go past 42 weeks. At this point, I was walking everyday and doing all of the self induction methods I could find. Though I was having contractions, they were irregular and never stayed for more than a few hours.
The Deliverance
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 was the day I was scheduled to go back to my doctor for the final time. I was not giving up. After a long walk and hours of bouncing on a birthing ball with little progress, I decided to take a bath and then get some rest. I woke up around 4 am that morning because I had noticed my contractions were more consistent and growing in intensity. So, I got up and decided to bounce on the birthing ball some more. Within the hour, my contractions were 3-5 minutes apart and becoming more painful. My husband and I decided it was time to go into labor and delivery.
Because of how far along I was and because of my previous birth, we were admitted upon arrival. Also, I had to me consistently monitored because I was trying for a V.B.A.C. I was 3 cm dilated when we arrived at the hospital. Though it wasn't much, it was encouraging to see some kind of progress! The nurses agreed to let us walk the halls to get things moving along. After 30 minutes of walking, the nurse checked me again and I was at 5 cm. Woohoo! You have no idea how relieved I was that it wasn't a fluke! I don't know why but some part of me expected them to tell me that as some cruel act of nature, my cervix had retracted. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. I got a small sense of victory when my doctor walked into my hospital room with a look of pleasant shock and awe on her face. "I thought for sure I was going to have to schedule you for surgery today. This baby waited until the last possible minute."
Once I reached 6 cm, my doctor decided to break my water to help things progress. It was at this point I agreed to get an epidural. One thing I have learned about epidurals is that they don't work on me. At least, not like you would think. It doesn't dull the pain for me at all. But what it does do is it relaxes my cervix just enough to allow it to dilate to a complete 10 cm and it happens FAST! It has worked this way in the 3 of my 4 pregnancies that I have had it administered. My husband told the doctor and the nurses to stay close because I would be ready very soon. The nurses all insisted that I had quite a bit of time before I would be complete and the doctor agreed so she headed back to her clinic. He tried to tell them...
It hadn't even been 10 minutes when I felt that all to familiar pressure. It was time! I told my husband to grab the nurse because I'm pushing...NOW! They checked me and sure enough, I was complete. My doctor had just made it back to her office when she got the call that I was ready to deliver. I don't know how long it was but it seemed like she made it back in less than 5 minutes. Good thing too because I had literally started without her. She walked in and was like " Brittany, I need you to stop pushing or your going to have this baby without me." All I could muster was, "I HAVE TO PUSH!" And I was not kidding. The pressure was so bad that I literally could not stop. It was almost like the baby was pushing herself out. The doctor assumed her position and I got the official OK to push. Apparently, the baby's head was already showing because the doctor said "Ohh the baby has lots of hair!" 3 pushes later, our little Khylah Rachelle was born. 8 lbs 5 oz 21 1/2 inches long.
Moving Mountains
I couldn't believe it...I did it! But I did believe it because my God! To say that I was happy would be a gross understatement. I was on top of the world! I was over the moon! I literally felt like I could do anything at that moment in time! It probably seems overly dramatic to most but this one moment was the pinnacle of a 10 month battle within myself. It was the moment I had fought, hoped, believed and prayed for. I held onto hope to the last possible second and the Father saw fit to grant me my hearts desire! The gratefulness I felt was insurmountable. All I could do was praise and thank Him! I am fully convinced that through my repentance and faith in the Father, I was able to successfully deliver a baby vaginally after having a cesarean. I am extremely grateful for this experience. I learned a lot about myself and more importantly it brought me closer to God. I am still learning to put my trust in Him and I still fall short. But in those moments when I am tempted to put my trust in other things, I think back to this moment in time, when my faith in Him moved mountains!
Do you have an encouraging birth story you would like to share? Comment or link your post below! I would love to read them!
If you are trying for a V.B.A.C. and are looking for some encouragement, feel free to contact me! I look forward to hearing from you! Until next time, blessings to you and yours, Brittany
92 Comments
12/29/2016 04:20:46 am
Congratulations on your littlest one, she is beautiful.Our Father always pulls us through and I'm so thankful that your trust in Him prevailed. When I had my last, I felt like she was pushing herself out too. The doctor barely even had his gloves on and she was welcoming the world.All the best to you guys. Take care.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/29/2016 05:36:00 pm
Hi Candace! Thank you! Birth in general is an incredibly empowering experience. Being able to do it after a cesarean takes it to another level and it is incredible! Thank you for sharing your experience!
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12/29/2016 09:28:46 am
Congrats on the Vbac! My first was a cesarian and the 4 after that were Vbac.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/29/2016 05:37:02 pm
Thats incredible Tara! I will definitely be shooting for a vbac again with the next one. Thank you so much for sharing!
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12/29/2016 09:49:24 am
I am glad you got to have your baby your way.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/29/2016 05:38:06 pm
Thank you Joely! It was an amazing experience that I am so grateful for. Thank you for stopping by!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/29/2016 05:39:23 pm
You're welcome Kasey! Thank you for taking the time to read my story =)
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/29/2016 05:40:16 pm
Thank you Kendra! It really was an incredible experience! Thank you for stopping by =)
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12/29/2016 06:53:17 pm
This must have been so scary to go through. So glad it turned out.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/29/2016 07:28:15 pm
It was definitely scary in the beginning of my pregnancy but once I got to the end I had a peace that got me through! Prayer and faith got me through as well =)
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/29/2016 07:29:18 pm
Thank you Amy! It was a truly amazing experience. Thank you for stopping by!
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12/29/2016 08:11:14 pm
Congratulations for a healthy baby boy. He was so big, as big as the faith you entrusted with God. Never doubt His love for us, He might be sad because of that.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/29/2016 08:14:16 pm
Thank you Sarah! I actually had a girl but precious nontheless <3 God is faithful =) Thank you so much for stopping by!
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12/29/2016 08:18:07 pm
Omg Congratulations!! Your baby is soo cute! Thanks God everything went okay, it must be so hard for you.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 02:24:10 pm
Thank you Melanie! It was definitely a struggle in the beginning. I am extremely grateful for the peace God gave me once I put my faith in Him. Thank you for stopping by!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 02:28:07 pm
You absolutely can do it! You just have to believe you can. People will try to discourage you and scare you. Just remember our bodies were created to do this very thing! I hope I was able to encourage you <3
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12/29/2016 10:27:29 pm
She is beautiful! I'm so happy you are all healthy and happy, and thank you for sharing your experience!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 02:28:58 pm
Thank you Jasmine! I hope it encouraged you =)
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Elizabeth O.
12/30/2016 01:02:02 am
I'm glad you were able to push through with the VBAC and I admire you for your dedication. It's awesome to be able to follow through with your birthing plan. Your baby looks adorable and I'm so happy for your guys. I'm sure all your worries went away when you saw her!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 02:30:10 pm
They absolutely did! She is so precious =) Thank you for the encouragement <3
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Elizabeth O.
12/30/2016 01:04:42 am
I'm glad you were able to push through with the VBAC and I admire you for your dedication. It's awesome to be able to follow through with your birthing plan. Your baby looks adorable and I'm so happy for your guys. I'm sure all your worries went away when you saw her!
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12/30/2016 03:21:51 am
Congratulations on your little one. I can't imagine what it must feel like to go through all that worry and the joy you feel today.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 02:32:43 pm
Thank you Bianca! It was definitely a learning experience for me! I realize now all that worry was only harming me. Thankfully I came to the realization sooner than later!
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12/30/2016 03:40:51 am
I loved reading this empowering birth story. You go girl. It never ceases to amaze me how much we have to stand up for choices in childbirth. You were so strong! I like that you included your spiritual journey as well. I did not like how they wanted you to wait on the doctor before you could push. I know that that happens a lot, though. I would love if you would read my birth story. I like reading birth stories too!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 02:34:49 pm
Thank you for sharing your story Anne! It was beautiful and so encouraging for me as I hope to have a water birth at least once! Thank you for your encouraging words <3
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 02:35:29 pm
Thank you Alexandra! Thank you for stopping by!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 02:36:47 pm
It definitely gets me through many tough times! He is faithful! Thank you for stopping by!
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What an absolutely lovely and encouraging birth story! Babies sure do have their way of keeping us on our toes haha, giving you a run for your money before she was even born! I'm so so happy to hear you were able to have the birth of your dreams, and WAY TO GO for standing your ground and doing thins YOUR way!!! Much love, mama <3 Congratulations on your beautiful girl!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 05:36:24 pm
Thank you Savannah! They sure do keep us on our toes..in my case all 4 of them! Thank you so much for the encouraging words <3
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Tina Gleisner
12/30/2016 04:23:58 am
What an amazing story & so glad everything worked out the way you wanted. It truly is amazing how consistent our birthing stories are from one child to the next. I had 2 c-sects because I simply don't dilate (after 24 hrs of labor). So you're truly lucky. Of course I don't see that this has hurt either of my boys, so that's the way it goes
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 05:40:29 pm
Hi Tina! I consider myself very blessed! All 4 of them have blessed my socks off even having an emergency c-section. Thank you for sharing a piece of your experience with me =)
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Awesome job, momma!! The feeling after a VBAC is so amazing. I know from my own experience that leaving those fears in the Father's hands can be so hard, and even though you habe had a successful vbac all those fears will come back just as quickly.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/3/2017 12:08:36 am
Hi Rebekah! Wow that must have been very scary! I am so surprised they gave you pitocin my doctor refuses to use pitocin after a patient has had a cesarean. I am so glad everything worked out and you were able to have your vbac! Such a wonderful experience =) Thank you so much for sharing your story I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
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12/30/2016 05:03:47 am
So glad you got a happy ending, I love hearing about birth stories, each one is different to the other. Your daughter is beautiful and healthy weight to! Lovely name :)
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 05:43:44 pm
Thank you Emma! I enjoy hearing others birth stories as well. Every one truly is unique =) Thank you for your kind words <3
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12/30/2016 06:18:55 am
Congrats on your successful VBAC. I'm so glad you were able to turn thing in your favor :) It's especially great to hear that you were able to find a provider that didn't scare you into another C-section!!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 05:49:06 pm
Yes, unfortunately this is an all to prominent problem vbac mommas have to face. My doctor was as supportive as she could be. I knew she was looking out for our well being but I also know what my body is capable of and it meant enough to ne to stand up within reason and say "no, I can do this. I WILL do this." I truly hope my story encourages others! Thank you so much for stopping by =)
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12/30/2016 11:22:05 am
Thanks for sharing your story. Giving birth is so personal, it's such a big moment and no one can know what is best for you except you and your doctor. I went in to mine hoping for a natural birth but we had to have a c-section. In the end, a healthy baby is all that matters :) All the best
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
12/30/2016 05:55:05 pm
Absolutely! My emergency c-section saved mine and my sons life so I am very grateful for that. Having given birth vaginally before I know that the experience is different. I didn't want to miss out on that experience unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. I would have another csection again in a heartbeat if I had to. But if its not necessary, I would choose against it again. Thank you for sharing your experience with me <3
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Ave
12/30/2016 12:18:28 pm
What a cutie! I'm glad that you were able to have V.B.A.C. and that your doctor was able to arrive just on time!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:12:25 pm
Yes Ave it was a very close call! Thank you for your kind words <3
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:13:49 pm
Hi Amy! Thank you for taking the time to click on my link! I am glad it encouraged you <3
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12/30/2016 01:40:22 pm
Wow, you have been through so much. Congrats on the new little one and so happy you and family are healthy and happy. That would be very scary to go through. My son was born premature and I never had another one because it was so traumatic.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:16:01 pm
Hi there! I went through the same thing. I knew I wanted more kids but was so scared to. I am grateful that I went for it but I can totally understand calling it quits. It really does a number on you! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me =)
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12/30/2016 01:49:28 pm
Thanks for sharing your experience. I know it will be encouraging to many.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:16:45 pm
Hi Sage! I really hope that it does! Thank you for stopping by =)
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:17:41 pm
Thank you Dawn! I am grateful that God gave me the strength to stick with it <3
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12/30/2016 02:40:30 pm
Congrats on a successful vbac and the beautiful healthy babies!!!!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:18:22 pm
Thank you Breyona! They truly are little blessings <3
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:19:36 pm
I'm so glad it encouraged you! You can do this momma! Just put your faith in Him <3
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:20:20 pm
Thank you JcCee! And thank you for your kind words <3
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12/30/2016 07:20:20 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your story and I'm so glad that things worked out okay! Every pregnancy is so different and I think it's so helpful to have stories like this documented for others to read and learn from.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:21:34 pm
I agree Rachel! I know when I was goong through it I was looking to hear others experiences just looking for some encouragement. Thank you for stopping by =)
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:22:59 pm
Thanks ok mama! You are a strong woman...don't let anyone convince you otherwise! <3
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12/30/2016 09:29:49 pm
Thanks so much for posting your blog post to the #FanDayFriday Link Party! I hope you have a great experience with the link party and come back again next week! #fdflinkparty
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:23:38 pm
Hi Patty! Thank you for stopping by!
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Hra
12/31/2016 03:35:16 am
What a lovely and encouraging birth story... I love to read it again and again :-) Thanks for sharing with us
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:24:38 pm
Thank you Hra! I am so glad it was an encouragement to you! Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:27:02 pm
Hi Crystal! I will be honest it can be scary. I was far more terrified of a repeat c-section so I was prepared to face those risks. You are strong momma! Thank you for sharing your experience with me!
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12/31/2016 01:48:38 pm
What a fabulous story! I'm so glad it turned out well. You did awesome!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:27:43 pm
Thank you Amber! It was definitely a blessing!
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First, congratulations on your baby girl! She's adorable! That's great that you were able to have her the way you'd hoped. Birthing is so unique to every one and it's so important to share our stories so that other women can know and have at least an inkling of what is in store and what is their right and okay to ask for.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:30:07 pm
Hi Hallie! Thank you for your kind words! I hope women who are facing the same dilemma with read this and stand up for themselves and what they want...whatever that may be =) Thank you for stopping by!
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12/31/2016 06:48:07 pm
I'm so glad that you stuck to what you felt was best. I know doctors can be pretty persuasive, but momma always knows best :) Glad everything worked out.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:31:52 pm
Thank you Stacy! My doctor was definitely persistent in the end but thankfully my resolve was stronger. It all worked out and it was a true blessing =)
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:32:40 pm
Thank you Yonca! I hope you found it encouraging <3
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TColeman
1/1/2017 06:32:32 am
So many doctors don't want to do this but it can definitely be a success. My friends have had them and they have all gone just perfectly.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:34:16 pm
Yes complications are actually very rare but they are put out there like they are common. There are risks either way you slice it. You just have to decide which risks you are willing to take =)
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1/1/2017 11:25:43 am
I remember of this moments in my life. It is most beautiful part of my life.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:35:18 pm
As mothers, I don't think we will ever forget <3 It is such a special moment =)
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1/1/2017 01:46:24 pm
Congrats on your baby! Beautiful baby and I wish you guys the best (: I know what you mean about doing things differently. I actually want to have an at-home birth.
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:36:52 pm
Hi Isaly! I wanted to have an at home birth but I don't know if I would now that my risks are higher. I am considering a birthing center though. I really want to have a water birth!
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1/1/2017 03:57:51 pm
CONGRATULATIONS! Your story had me in tears. I am currently pregnant and due is May! This is so touching!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:38:53 pm
Thank you Divine! And Congratulations to you! I am so glad it touched you! Many blessing to you and your baby! Praying for a smooth delivery and healthy mom and baby <3
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Roger Wellington (www.wetnoseescapades.com)
1/1/2017 05:12:49 pm
Such a touching post. Props to all the mommies out there - giving birth is not for whimps!
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/1/2017 06:39:43 pm
This is true Roger! Thank you for stopping by!
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1/10/2017 12:38:17 pm
Congrats on your successful VBAC. Being a Mother is the most wonderful thing in life and thanks for sharing your story. It's a wonderful year indeed for you. God bless
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Memoirs Of A Good Thing
1/14/2017 09:53:08 pm
Thank you so much! It was a very empowering experience and I am so grateful for it! Thank you for your kind words <3
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February 2018
About MeHi there! My name is Brittany..help meet to T.J. and mom to 5 little blessings. My passion lies in helping other women to see their value through the eyes of their creator. Be Encouraged...YOU are a Good Thing!
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