I write a lot about vaginal birth after cesarean (VBACs) because I think it's important. A lot of people don't even realize it's an option, and many people won't know anyone who has personally gone through it. One of the most influential things I feel I did in preparing to give birth vaginally after having had a c-section was reading about other women's birth experiences, especially other VBAC moms. So I asked other women to describe what it really feels like to have a VBAC, to share their stories in the hope that those stories can and will help another would-be VBAC mom realize her goal.
One's reasons for attempting a VBAC run the gamut. Some women want a healing experience after a traumatic birth. Other women just want to know what vaginal birth feels like. Others do not want to have to endure the pain of c-section recovery again. (Fact: it can be a bit of a doozy.) And some are just like, "Meh, I have a perfectly decent vagina here so I might as well make the most of it rather than go through the hassle of surgery." Whatever your reasons for wanting to test out the birth canal's exiting capabilities, chances are you're probably a good candidate to do so. In fact, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology states that most women who have had a c-section are good candidates to attempt a VBAC, even if many practicing obstetricians haven't gotten the memo just yet.
Normally, when I ask moms to describe an aspect of birth or parenting, when I gather their answers I edit them down to a few lines. I have left these stories mostly in tact, however, because I understand the power words of experience are to a mom considering VBAC. So without further ado, I'll let everyone speak for themselves...