Second Delivery: An Engineer's VBAC Experience

By Rebecca Reed

This short narrative chronicles the events and decisions of my VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) delivery at a teaching hospital in 2022.  The narrative begins at 32 weeks gestation when VBAC became an option for me.  It ends when I am discharged from the hospital after a successful VBAC delivery.  I try to discus

• Language: English
• Publisher: Indy Pub
• Release date: Feb 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088102947

Rebecca Reed

Rebecca Reed is a mother of two, and a PhD chemical engineer. She has enjoyed engineering experiences in oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and fine chemicals. Reed loves reading, writing, cooking, and caring for her two little ones.

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Preface

During both of my pregnancies, I greatly appreciated the mothers on the internet who wrote articles and made videos about their childbirth experiences.  Their stories gave me confidence, piqued my curiosity, and helped me ask better questions when I visited my obstetricians.  Toward the end of my journey through childbirth, two of my obstetricians enjoyed my perspective so much they encouraged me to write about it.  I wrote this narrative memoir hoping to give back to the community by capturing how I thought and felt during my own journey through pregnancy, labor, and delivery. 

My purpose in writing is absolutely NOT to give medical advice.  I am not an obstetrician, and I am certainly not your obstetrician.  This ebook is a memoir about my experience. 

Disclaimer

This e-book is a memoir.  This e-book involves medical issues. The content of this ebook is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The content of this ebook is not a substitute for medical advice. Do not take any actions regarding your health without the advice of your treating physician.

The author makes no claims as to the efficacy or reliability of the treatments mentioned. The author assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The author strongly encourages readers to gather information from all reputable sources, to share their understanding with their treating physician, and to consult with their treating physician regarding their own treatment plan. 

Introduction

This short narrative chronicles the events and decisions of my VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) delivery in 2022.  The narrative begins at 32 weeks gestation when VBAC became an option for me.  It ends when I am discharged from the hospital.  I try to discuss how surprise events, the open literature, obstetrician advice, and my own personal biases came together to shape my journey. 

In order to maintain the privacy of the individuals within this memoir, all real names of people and places have been replaced by fantastical names. 

Abbreviations

1

A VBAC Candidate

My first child was born by cesarean delivery because of low lying placenta, or placenta previa, that persisted through term.  During my second pregnancy, I was again diagnosed with placenta previa.  Previous cesarean delivery is a risk factor for subsequent placenta previa. 

At 32 weeks, I