Rachel's Story-- 10 lbs., 2 oz.-- Home Birth After Cesarean (HBAC)

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10 lbs., 2 oz.

22 inches long

14 1/4” head circumference 

Home (HBAC)

Mother’s height: 5’2” (“and hover around 115-120 when not pregnant”)

“Big sister (who was a c-section) was 8 lbs., 14oz., 20 inches long, 14” head”

How was your pregnancy? no complications, i enjoyed it!

How did you feel about your upcoming birth? I was eager, but a little nervous. It was a kind of disturbing feeling to think.. this is going to end one of 2 ways.. either I’ll get my VBAC, or I’ll end up on the operating table. I was impatient for the suspense to end and know what was going to happen.

Description of your birth experience: 15 hours from first early contractions that I paid no attention to until baby out. very manageable labor up through transition. It was almost enjoyable. I had my birth team over and it was like we were all just hanging out enjoying each other’s company and waiting to meet the baby! Pushing was difficult, took 2 hours of hard pushing. But I did it and I did not tear at all! He had shoulder dystocia which took 4 minutes to resolve, but my midwives have lots of experience so it did not end up being a scary/traumatic thing. After a bit of oxygen my baby was fine and had 9/10 apgars.

How did you feel after the birth (first month)? Thrilled! I was sort of on a high. I clung to the first few days after the birth and resented the passing time. I was actually disappointed when the “kicked in the crotch” feeling went away and I didn’t have any more physical sensations as evidence of just giving birth. It was satisfying to show people who, after hearing that my daughter was almost 9 lbs and a c-section, looked me up and down and said, “well, no wonder!” that size isn’t everything.

How did you feel six months after the birth? One year? Now? Baby is only 3 months old

What did you learn from this birth? every birth is different. just because I labored for 2 days with excruciating back labor and a malpositioned baby once doesn’t mean I’m doomed to a long labor and malpositioned baby again.

Any words of wisdom to impart? position, not size!