Hmmmm... I did VBAC in a hospital with two OBs and had a wonderful experience despite a few complications (story in sig). However I had done a lot to ensure the sort of birth I wanted...
I researched every possible study, article, birth guide, etc regarding VBAC. I found it crucial to my confidence and peace of mind to know EXACTLY what the different risks were and what my (medical) options might be. I also had a c/s birth plan ready in case...not because I thought I'd need it but because I'd never imagined I would have a c/s the last time and this time I knew that sometimes things go wrong. I felt better having a "back up" plan and knowing what options existed so I could discuss with my birth team which interventions or techniques I would be ok with at different times.
My dh is a big natural birth advocate, my doula had a lot of vbac experience with mamas who birthed in this hospital and with those two OBs, and my OBs were amazing natural birth/vbac advocates (they're a couple, had their own child on the Farm, and one of them apprenticed with Gaskin as well). The hospital I used is a mama/babe friendly hospital with a great vbac support record. This was important to me since I wanted to be sure that they were all supporting me 100% and if they suggested an intervention that there was a reason for it, and that they would discuss it with me/my partner.
I read the Labor Progress Handbook by Simkin...an amazing book and one that is especially good for vbac mamas or mamas who have had a difficult birth in the past since it addresses physical and emotional reasons for problems as well as physical and emotional techniques to address each situation. I had dh and my doula read this as well (my OB gave me a well worn copy so they had the info too).
I exercised as much as possible by walking outside and I followed to spinning babies/optimal fetal positioning guidelines religiously. I drank RRL tea, took EPO, ate a balanced diet focused on complex carbs and lean protiens, and stayed active as much as possible. I I used the hypnobabies 6cd home study course to prepare...it was helpful during the birth but the best part was the way it helped me relax and focus during the pregnancy.
My OBs actually write a 'script for their vbac mamas asking them to spend time outside connecting with nature and asking that they do things that make them feel earthy/sexual/feminine/powerful/physical/etc...they feel that a lot of vbac mamas get so caught up in the mental side (statistics, numbers, what ifs) that they forget to be beautiful powerful feminine birthing women. So they encourage all their mamas but especially their vbac mamas to belly dance, meditate, have intimate relations with their partners or on their own, explore their changing bodies, sing big loud songs, and just reconnect with their natural birth energies. It sounds a bit hokey but it really helped.
What else? Just be prepared in whatever way makes you most comfortable. Some mamas want to visualize only the successful birth, others want to have a hundred back up plans. Either will work...it's just a question of what makes YOU the most confident. Find support people you really truly trust. Be confident in your body and your abilities. Be loved by the people with whom you share this birth. Feel safe and supported.
I hope you have a beautiful birth!
Though everyone's experience/needs are their own of course.
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