Support for VBAC moms

I received a wonderful e-mail last week from a woman named Anna, who birthed her baby through a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean) in May. She wrote:

“I just wanted to thank you for recommending that VBAC meeting at Blooma to me … I attended a couple of them and found them to be very helpful, and the overall support at Blooma was wonderful! I believe it helped contribute to my successful VBAC… I would also never attempt birth again without a doula!”

Congratulations, Anna! We’re happy that Blooma has been part of your journey and hope we will continue to be. Here’s a picture of Anna's adorable daughter, Adele. Check out all her gorgeous hair!

The VBAC workshop Anna spoke of is led by Blooma's Anne Gustin, and there’s another one coming up Sunday, July 26, 6-8 p.m. Anne says the moms who come are both pregnant and not pregnant; in either case women are coming to learn more about their VBAC options. You can sign up for this powerful and informative workshop here. (Click on the Workshops/Ed. tab in the upper right corner).

Here’s what VBAC workshop facilitator Anne has to share about the gathering and VBAC moms:

Women who choose a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), embark on a journey like no other. These women have amazing strength, courage and faith.

Through their pregnancies VBAC moms need to spend time addressing fears and doubts that arose because of their previous Cesarean birth and learn ways to protect themselves emotionally from the influence of others' fears and doubts. They face adversity from the medical community and often feel unsupported in their choice for a natural birth.

A key tool for fighting the adversity is education—education on the facts about VBAC births and the natural process that occurs. VBAC moms not only work hard to educate themselves, but also to educate their spouse/partner.

More than anything, VBAC moms need support, encouragement and to connect with other women about their journey. Blooma offers a space in which to do that. Since Blooma began offering VBAC Workshops and Chat sessions in Sept. 2008, 31 women have attended. Those who attempted a VBAC were successful.

We are thrilled to see the impact of the workshops. I am personally inspired and filled with joy for Anna and all the other Blooma moms who have had the strength and courage to choose the birth that is best for them and their families, and to experience birth the way it was intended. Congratulations!!!

With Love,
Anne Gustin
(and Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma)

p.s. - Feel free to share your own VBAC story, or questions, by posting it here or e-mailing it to alisa@blooma.com.