Best chance for VBAC--supplements?

[JTA Mom]

My first birth was natural and vaginal, but at 16 weeks.

Ds2 was induced due to pre-eclampsia at 37wks. I was already dilated to a 3 when admitted. However, the magnesium sulfate really messed up the spacing of my contractions--they were too far apart. However, I also wasn't allowed to sit up. The two times I did, I dilated. The first time from a 3 to a 4. The second time from a 4 to a 7 in an hour. However, I was messing with their monitors, so forced to lay back down. Regressed to a 6. It was also close to 24hrs after my water had broken, so I got pushed into a c/s.

So, I'm wondering what I can do to prep my body to labor more effectively, if that is even possible?

I've heard of Red Raspberry Leaf tea, but still confused as to the dosage. I don't want to start until 32weeks though. Firstly due to my delivering my first baby at 16 weeks, and secondly because I've had lots of braxton hicks this pregnancy. I sooooo don't want to jumpstart anything too soon.

I've also heard of EPO (what is that)?

I'm doing a lot of the spinning babies moves that helped with ds2. He was in perfect position until the last hour when he rotated to sunny side up.

Is there anything else I can do to strengthen my uterus and facilitate a better labor?

I just want to make sure I've got all my bases covered. If it shortens the amount of labor I am in, I'd love that too! Ds was 22hrs of pitocin labor.

Ami

[lillymonster]

I never heard of supplements, but the woman I spoke with at ICAN said to use a chiropractor. That helps with placement and position of the baby.

If you contact your local ICAN leader, they should have suggestions.

[MyFillingQuiver]

I fully recommend RRL tea! Check the Red Raspberry Leaf Tea tribe thread here for recommendations on how much/when, etc. I had a VBA2C last June (I did have 2 prior vag births before sections, as well) and it was my quickest and most efficient labor and delivery, and I had the LEAST and shortest bleeding time out of ANY of the 5 births. That's huge for me, who is a heavier bleeder by nature. It's always a concern for me.

So, I'd say consider strong RRL each day, also add in some nettle for great blood building, and EPO in the 3rd trimester. I switched over last time, and this time, from Fish oil to EPO around 30 weeks. I'm 33.2 now, and upping all my supplements and tea slowly. You can do the EPO orally, and then later closer to term vaginally. This helps with cervical ripening.

Last pregnancy, each time I drank the tea near term, I'd imagine my uterus getting stronger and more ready to birth...it was so ready and did fantastically-even after 2 sections and being my 5th baby!

Blessings to you!