As Abby prepared to welcome her second child, she knew one thing for certain, she wanted to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). When her son Hudson was born via C-section 21 months ago, Abby carried the joy of his arrival but also the weight of a difficult delivery and a long recovery. Her decision was driven not only by her desire for a smoother recovery but also by a simple, heartfelt wish: to be able to lift and care for her toddler without limitations.
“I wanted to have a VBAC so I could pick up Hudson,” Abby explained. “That was my number one reason. It’s so important to be able to lift your toddler when you’ve got two little ones to take care of.”
Collaboration Between Doctor and Midwife Made It Possible
From the start of her pregnancy, Abby found unwavering support from the team at Cherokee Women’s Health. Although she initially connected with midwife Susan Fischels for her first appointment, her primary care during the pregnancy was provided by Dr. Robert Barrett. Both agreed that if she went into labor naturally, she could try for a VBAC, but they would proceed with a repeat C-section if she didn’t.
A Natural Start: Going Into Labor at 38 Weeks
At 38 weeks and 5 days, labor began, and as fate would have it, Susan was on call. From the moment they reconnected in the delivery room, Susan became Abby’s steadfast coach, guide, and cheerleader. “If you want this VBAC, we can do it,” Susan assured her, and she meant it.
“Susan was amazing,” Abby said. “She is very to the point, and I love that. She’s the best coach. She gave me clear instructions on what to do during pushing, and I could understand and follow them. I felt like she had my best interests at heart every step of the way.”
Overcoming Fear: Addressing Concerns About Pitocin
Throughout labor, Susan listened carefully to Abby’s concerns. One of her biggest fears was the use of Pitocin, given the risks of uterine rupture. Abby’s labor team used the lowest possible dose, allowing her labor to progress naturally and without rushing her body.
“They were so great about it,” Abby said. “I was really scared of Pitocin because you hear all these stories about what can go wrong, like uterine rupture. They barely used it on me, just enough to get my labor going. When I told them I was worried, they listened. They kept me on a small dose, just a 5, for hours because my labor was progressing. They didn’t try to speed things up, they just let my body do the work.”
A Dream Birth: Welcoming Baby Charlee
With Susan coaching her every step of the way and Dr. Lisa McLeod, another OB/GYN of Cherokee Women’s Health, providing seamless support, the moment finally came. After just 30 minutes of pushing, little Charlee entered the world a healthy, beautiful baby girl.
“It was such a dream,” Abby reflected. “We only pushed for 30 minutes, and then Charlee was here. I felt so proud of myself. It was like my redemption story. After my first delivery, I had a lot of trauma and a really tough recovery. This time, I felt strong and empowered.”
For Abby, this birth wasn’t just about the method of delivery, it was about being heard, supported, and empowered.
“When I got tired, there were moments I thought, ‘I can’t do this.’ But Susan kept telling me, ‘Yes, you can. You’re doing this.’ I believed her. She didn’t give up on me.”
Dr. Barrett, too, proved to be an advocate for Abby’s wishes. “People think doctors push to do C-sections, but he was so supportive of my VBAC,” Abby said. “He told me, ‘Whatever you want to do, I’ll make it happen.’ He just wants healthy moms and healthy babies, and that’s what I got.”
As Abby reflects on her journey, she’s open about the challenges and triumphs of both types of birth. “There’s no easy way to birth a baby,” she admitted. “They’re both hard in their own way. But with a vaginal birth, when it’s over, it’s over. With a C-section, the recovery lingers. I was so happy to avoid that this time.”
A Message to Other Moms
Now a proud mom of two, Abby wants to share her story with others who might be considering a VBAC or feeling nervous about their options.
“I tell all my friends now that this was my redemptive birth,” she said. “It gave me so much confidence and healed a lot of the fear I had from my first delivery. If you’re thinking about a VBAC, surround yourself with a team that listens to you and believes in you. That made all the difference for me.”
Today, Abby cherishes the joy of holding baby Charlee and Hudson in her arms. A proud, empowered mother who found healing and hope in her redemptive birth story.
