The VBAC Companion

The Expectant Mother's Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

By Diana Korte

Practice visualization and affirmations to help your body and your mind know that your past is not necessarily your future. By "visualization" I mean seeing your desired goal in your mind's eye, as if it's already happened; top athletes often use this technique. Different types of visualization have produced good results in many areas of health care. Affirmations are positive statements you repeat every day, especially when you're deeply relaxed, to send your body the messages you want it to have.

Here's a simple way to get into a relaxed state. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes. Relax your muscles. You can start by letting your shoulders go limp. Breathe slowly and naturally. As you breath out, feel yourself beginning to relax. Feel the tension leave your body. You might want to imagine that you're doing this in a calm and relaxing place -- say, at the beach or in the mountains. Don't worry about how well you're doing. Continue this exercise for 10 to 20 minutes. Do this once or twice a day. Your concentration will improve over time, with practice.

While you're in this favorite place, visualize your baby's impending birth exactly as you wish it to be. Be quite specific: think of your VBAC fears and turn them around into positive images and words. (Examples: See your uterine scar getting stronger and stronger. Watch your baby move smoothly through the birth canal. Feel the power of the contractions and know that you can work with them.) Write down your statements and post them around the house or carry them with you in your pocket as daily reminders. Here are some affirmations to get you started:

Want to see more?

• Can You Really VBAC It?
• A Good Birth, A Safe Birth: Choosing and Having the Childbirth Experience You Want
• Childbirth the Bradley Way
• Laboring With Lamaze
• Childbirth Without Fear: The Teachings of Grantly Dick-Read
• Birthing From Within