04/24/2024
Some months ago I received an email from an expectant mother who was seeking support for her VBAC. She wanted to give birth at home. She needed to process her previous birth. We did it together. She's given permission for me to share.
This is her story:
"Few weeks ago, I had mild but frequent pains lasting 40 secs that were about 10 minutes apart. I was excited to see these signs of labour as I had waited on them for about 12 days past my "due date". But there was more waiting as those pains would go on for about 50 hours more. I was exhausted but thankfully there was Help. There was Trust. And there was Focus. The third day, when I had completely wanted to detach myself from the fact that I was in labour and I then stepped out to meet my family at my brothers' place, active labour began right in that afternoon. My parents quickly handed me my bags and my father made me a quick electrolyte drink after which my husband and I rushed into our car. As soon as we reached, I started to hate any lights (even daylight) and wanted to hide in a dark corner. Minutes later, I found myself on hands and knees bearing the strong sensations while trying to center my breath.
It was hard and the pressure felt like a whirlwind trying to move me out of my mind and body. I was sweating heavily and my arms and knees felt tired and yet I felt like a Goddess on a mission. I entered the trans state as Matrona's videos had described. I was only responding in a single word if I had to but was mostly not even acknowledging anyone's words around me. At some point, I felt that I was the only person in a place that was deep and dark but still felt the safest. I had been in this same lioness of a position for about 2.5 hours when a little girl cub landed on my hands as I reached for her on the floor of the bathroom I was labouring in. This was the bathroom of my OWN HOME.
"Trust that it will work out. The power to manifest is with you. Put your vision out there." you had said to me.
And it all worked out, Debra. God was so kind! I had the HBAC of my dreams in the most comfortable and safest setting of my home. My husband was awestruck to see the magic unfold and has since been transformed. My recovery has been quick and I have felt amazing even during Postpartum except a few bouts of hormonal dips. Hubby cannot help recount how hard my first birth experience felt and how magical this one did. The difference is night and day. We are grateful🙏
Months earlier, I was knocking doors at various midwifery units to find someone that would align with my homebirth goals while also respecting my bodily autonomy but was hearing all kinds of "Nahs" and was feeling so demoralised. I prayed that night to the Lord and just the very next morning, I heard back from YOU on my query. A few days later, we spoke and my perspective changed. You were a voice of such positivity, Debra and showed such empathy by sharing resources and even hunting for them for me. Following your guidance, my entire thought process changed from limiting myself to the resources available to opening myself to dig out more and more to find out ways that would help me achieve my goal. THANK YOU!"
It's important for others to hear these stories of what can be possible. If you are looking for support beyond a birth class or doing your own research, please contact me. I can help.
