Her Journey from C-Section to VBAC Success

When Nina Koehler first found herself facing an unplanned C-section after 18 hours of induced labor, she vividly remembers feeling deeply disappointed. This moment became a turning point, inspiring her journey toward informed decision-making, and the careful choice of supportive healthcare providers, especially as she began to consider a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).

Click to watch Nina's VBAC success story

An Unplanned C-Section

Nina originally planned for a vaginal birth, but her doctor recommended an induction due to concerns about the baby's potential size, influenced by her husband's significantly taller height.

Pregnant woman in a hospital gown smiles warmly. She stands in a cozy, softly lit room, holding her belly with a joyful expression.

"I was emotionally very disappointed. You second-guess yourself all over the place."

After 18 hours of labor using Pitocin and receiving an epidural, Nina's labor stalled, leading to an unplanned C-section. Reflecting on this experience, Nina says, "I was emotionally very disappointed. You second-guess yourself all over the place."

Exploring VBAC as an Option

Driven by the emotional disappointment of her first birth, Nina began researching extensively to understand her options better for her second baby.

Child in white shirt hugs woman's waist with gold paint streaks, against a dark background, conveying a warm and intimate mood.

She explains, "I immediately turned to information for comfort and learning about what I went through and what my options were going forward." Her research about successful VBAC outcomes inspired her determination to pursue a vaginal birth in her future pregnancies.

Choosing the Right Doctor for a VBAC

For her second pregnancy, Nina prioritized finding a medical provider who genuinely supported VBAC rather than just tolerating it. Highlighting the significance of this decision, she emphasizes, "Having a provider who is there with you appointment after appointment, making sure that we are on the best path possible to having a vaginal birth," was essential for her confidence and peace of mind.

Myths Around VBAC and Epidurals

Nina addresses a common myth suggesting that epidurals negatively impact the chances of a successful VBAC. Sharing her personal experience, she clarifies, "You hear a lot that epidural is the death of your VBAC dreams, and that just isn't the truth for everyone."She successfully had an epidural during her VBAC delivery.

Nina’s VBAC Success

Following her initial C-section, Nina successfully experienced multiple vaginal deliveries, including one unmedicated birth.

Recalling her third child's birth, she notes, "It was very fast. There was no epidural, and I don't even know if I pushed twice."

Trusting Your Intuition in Birth

Woman breastfeeding baby on sandy beach at sunset; serene mood, warm sunlight, distant buildings in background.

"This is your experience. It's not your doctor's experience. If your gut and your heart are telling you to do something else, that is fine."

Reflecting on her childbirth experiences, Nina strongly advises other women to trust their instincts and personal desires regarding their births. She advises, "This is your experience. It's not your doctor's experience. If your gut and your heart are telling you to do something else, that is fine."

Nina's childbirth experiences ultimately inspired her to become a doula herself, where she supports other women through informed and empowered childbirth journeys.

For more inspiring birth experiences, explore our collection of pregnancy stories.