When I think back to my first birth, it still stirs up so many emotions. After a 34-hour labor, four failed epidurals, two exhausting hours of pushing, and even a failed forceps attempt, I was taken into surgery. Because things had gone so far and my epidural was not working, I had to be put completely to sleep for the cesarean.
What followed was incredibly traumatic for me both physically and mentally. I woke up with an infection, a nicked bladder, and a foggy memory of my baby’s first moments because I wasn’t awake to experience them. To make things harder, I was told I would “never” have a vaginal birth because “my pelvis was too small.” That phrase haunts so many women, yet for most, it’s simply not true.
Searching for a Better Way
I wasn’t willing to accept that my only option was repeat surgery. I researched, asked questions, and sought out an educated VBAC doctor in Northeast Ohio who understood how to support the body in birth. What I learned along the way was eye-opening:
- Your provider matters, but they are only one piece of the puzzle.
- Doula support matters, giving you confidence, education and advocacy in the hardest moments.
- The hospital and its policies matter, since some do not allow induction for VBAC and they may not allow you go past term.
- Educated nurses matter because you spend most of your labor with them and the right nurse can change everything.
Along the way, I found resources that truly helped me:
- The VBAC Community at Radiant Joy Birth Services, which meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 6:30–8:00 pm, is a safe place to learn, share, and connect with other moms walking the same path.
- The book Brave Beautiful Birth by Jaimie Schrock personally gave me the courage I needed going into my first VBAC. At that time, I was absolutely terrified. Three different providers had told me I “couldn’t” VBAC — but with my faith in God, trust in my body, and the education of a supportive doctor, I felt secure attempting a trial of labor. And I succeeded.
- Our Natiaonal, Local Akron and Cleveland ICAN groups have tons of support and knowledge on VBAC safety, recommendations and true statistic’s that doctors sometimes do not give.
My VBAC Victories
Despite what I was told, I went on to have three VBACs in Ohio and two of those babies were bigger than my cesarean baby, who weighed just 6 lbs 10 oz and supposedly “couldn’t fit.”
My last birth especially showed me the power of having the right support team. My baby was stuck in a poor position. Instead of rushing to surgery, the nurse recognized what was happening. She moved my body by dropping the end of the bed so I was half hanging off, which opened my pelvis. In the very next push, my baby was born.
That delivery took place at Akron Summa, where the team’s knowledge and flexibility made all the difference. That moment was more than just a delivery, it was proof that positioning, support, and trust in the process truly matter.
🌼 A Note About All Birth Choices
While my journey is centered around VBAC, I want to say this from my heart: If you don’t want a VBAC that is absolutely okay.
You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Whether you choose a repeat cesarean or it’s the safest and most peaceful option for you, a planned cesarean can be incredibly empowering, beautiful, and healing.
I deeply believe in trusting yourself and your body. That might mean fighting for a VBAC — or it might mean choosing surgery with confidence and clarity. There’s no “right” way to give birth, just the right way for you.
My story is one of seeking healing through VBAC. But birth can be redemptive in many ways, and you deserve support no matter which path you take.
Why VBAC Was Healing for Me
My vaginal births were profoundly healing after the trauma of my cesarean. Physically, I could move around so much faster, recover easier, and care for my other kids without being sidelined. Emotionally, they gave me back a sense of strength and wholeness that I thought I had lost.
If you’re a mom in Cleveland, Akron, or Medina searching for hope after a traumatic birth, know that healing is possible.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About VBAC
If you’re considering a VBAC, it’s important to know whether your provider is truly supportive or just “allowing” it. Here are some questions that can help you find out:
About Their Experience & Philosophy
- How many VBACs have you supported in the last year?
- What is your VBAC success rate?
- Do you encourage VBAC for eligible patients, or only “allow it” if requested?
About Policies & Restrictions
- What are the hospital’s VBAC policies (induction, continuous monitoring, epidural, etc.)?
- Do you allow VBAC after 40 or 41 weeks?
- Are there time limits on labor or pushing?
About the Support Team
- Are your partners and on-call doctors also VBAC supportive?
- Do the nurses and anesthesiologists have VBAC experience?
About Flexibility & Autonomy
- Can I move around in labor or try different positions?
- How do you handle a long or unusual labor pattern?
- Will I be part of the decision-making process if interventions are suggested?
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a VBAC, know this:
- Your pelvis is likely not “too small.”
- The right provider, doula, hospital, and nurses can make all the difference.
- Faith, community, and education can turn fear into confidence.
- Birth can be redemptive and healing even after trauma.
I hope my story encourages another mom who’s been told “you can’t.” Because you can. And with the right team, your body may surprise you in the most beautiful way.
Let’s Connect
If you’re a mom navigating VBAC decisions or recovering from a difficult birth, I’d love to hear your story. Sharing experiences is how we remind each other that we’re not alone. 💛
And because my heart is in serving families in every season, I also offer newborn and family photography in Medina, Cleveland, and Akron. Capturing these precious moments is part of my healing journey too and I’d be honored to walk alongside you in yours.
📸 You can connect with me on Instagram or reach out on my website here.
