#vrikshambirthstory

In 2017 my first one was born through a C-section. I had a very bad birth experience because of which my breastfeeding journey too was not good. When I got conceived again in November 2021, I was determined to have a VBAC.

But, all the people around me kept on saying, it’s impossible as you have undergone a cesarean birth for the 1st time. When one of my relatives @manju_2783 came to know that I am pregnant, she asked me to follow Anu Akka @anupama.vriksham so that I can have a natural birth this time. So, I started following her with my regular checkups getting done in a hospital in Vijayawada. I was in touch with my previous doctor who performed my surgery and asked her if there is any chance this time but she did not show interest.

In my 8th month of pregnancy, I attended @anupama.vriksham Anu akka’s labor management class and that’s when I came to know about @sanctumbirthcenter. Until then, I was just determined to birth naturally but, couldn’t figure out the right place for my baby’s birth.

And then, I called the birth center. Then, came a shocker to me saying that they closed admissions for the month of August. I was due on August 30th. I felt so depressed and disheartened but didn’t lose hope at all. I prayed to my God and kept on trying by calling the reception and pinging Vijaya mam every now and then. As a last hope, I pinged Anu Akka and asked her to refer me. It was then, I received a call asking me to consult 🥰 and I got admission there.

But my midwife told me that she will be on leave from 24th to 28th August which is very close to my due date but I was ok with that. My 1st personal meeting with my midwife, Vijaya Mam is unforgettable. She comforted me when I was in tears remembering my 1st birth. She assured me that everything is going to be fine and told us the risks associated with a VBAC.

I went into labor exactly on my due date! Early in the morning at 6 AM, mild contractions started. I called mam and followed her instructions and stayed back at home following the breathing techniques I learned from Anu Akka and Megha. My husband was far away and he was on his way. I alone could manage the surges so well.

By the time it was 11 AM, my contractions got intense and were almost 5 1 1. But I was still at home. We started to the birth center at around 1 PM and reached there by 1.30 PM. They checked and told me that I was already 8 cm dilated.

In 1/2 hr, I had the urge to push and my water broke, and had meconium. My midwife came in immediately and as the baby’s heart rate dropped, they put me on 8 liters oxygen and within 15 min, the baby’s heartbeat came back to normal. They removed the oxygen and mam asked me to push.
Meanwhile, my husband reached at 4 PM. After 1 hour of pushing in different positions, my Lill Munchkin was out at 4.19 PM with the birth weight of 4.04 Kg and he exclusively breastfed within golden hour and delayed cord clamping by Hubby.