My first delivery was a cesarean section (C-section). The reason? My baby was in the sunny-side-up position, facing upwards instead of down.  Afterward, speaking to some of the specialists, I realized that the situation was avoidable. The doctors could have taken a different approach, which I didn’t know then. As a result, I dealt with several postpartum issues, including long-term effects like chronic back pain, which persisted for years after the surgery.

When I became pregnant with my second child, I was determined to try for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). This decision wasn’t easy. Everyone, including the doctors, warned me about the risks involved. I was told that I could suffer a tear in my old scar, experience uterine rupture, have excessive blood loss, or develop an infection. While these risks weighed heavily on my mind, I was convinced I could overcome them with my regular yoga practice.

Preparing for VBAC Through Yoga

From the get-go, I knew that preparation was the key. I joined prenatal yoga sessions specifically designed for pregnant women and practiced consistently throughout my pregnancy until the day before my delivery.
My body had endured significant changes after my C-section, especially with the impact it had on my core and pelvic floor muscles. Yoga helped me address these challenges. Through targeted poses, I was able to strengthen my abdominal muscles, which were weakened from the surgery, and engage my pelvic floor, which is vital for a successful vaginal delivery

Mental and Emotional Resilience
One of the most important aspects of my yoga practice was how it helped me prepare mentally and emotionally. The fear of what could go wrong with a VBAC was always in the back of my mind. Uterine rupture, infection, and all the other potential risks were real, and I couldn’t ignore them. But yoga gave me the tools to stay grounded and present.

The breathing exercises I learned helped calm my nerves and manage stress. During moments of doubt, I turned to these techniques to center myself. Yoga also taught me to connect with my body on a deeper level, which was crucial during labor. Instead of fearing what could happen, I focused on trusting my body’s natural ability to give birth.

The Struggles and Perseverance

I won’t sugarcoat it—the journey wasn’t easy. There were days when my body and mind struggled to keep up with the demands of the practice. Some days, it felt nearly impossible to push through the physical and mental discomfort. But I kept going. I reminded myself that this was about the present and preparing for the safest delivery possible.

Yoga became my anchor. On the tough days, I leaned into the practice, allowing myself to move slowly and mindfully and listen to my body’s needs. It wasn’t about perfection but persistence. I learned to honor my body’s limits while working toward my goal.

The Results

And guess what? The results were nothing short of miraculous. After all the warnings, fears, and uncertainties, I delivered a perfectly healthy 7-pound baby boy, naturally, without any complications. My labor was so fast, the water broke at midnight, got admitted to the hospital by 2:00 am and had my baby at 5:30 am. The best part was that I didn’t even get the time to get an epidural. Yes, a VBAC without any medications! The labor was smooth, and my body responded well, thanks to the months of preparation I had put in. I walked away from the experience not only proud of myself but also profoundly grateful for the power of yoga in helping me achieve this safe VBAC.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on my experience, I realize that yoga was more than just a form of exercise during my pregnancy — it was a holistic tool that helped me prepare physically and mentally for one of the most critical moments of my life. Yoga strengthened my body, calmed my mind, and built the resilience I needed to face the challenges of a VBAC. For any woman considering a VBAC or looking for a way to connect with her body during pregnancy, I can’t recommend yoga enough. It gave me the confidence and strength to believe in my body’s ability to give birth naturally, and for that, I am forever grateful.