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Expecting + Empowered Show Notes

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Here are the show notes for the podcast episode interview with Expecting + Empowered!

What can mamas do after their c-section to make sure they heal well, and have a shot at a VBAC?

Krystal’s answer: 

  • Heal well during that initial period! What you do matters. You have one chance to heal. DO it right
    • Controlling inflammation
      • Rest
      • Ice
      • Compression
      • Gentle movement 
      • Ask for HELP
        • Lifting 
        • Carrying
  • Things as you heal you need to think about
    • Need to get that CORE canister fired back up!!!!!
    • Pelvic floor release and strength (let it go first and than build your castle 
    • Diaphragmatic breathing
    • Abdominal activation (lower) 
    • Back Strength
    • Side body release

If a mama had a csection a year ago, or even several years ago, can she still do anything to heal her scar?

Krystal’s answer:

  • Scar is like spiderman’s web it goes deep into other tissue
  • Why we care about the scar for a VBAC is since it can go deep into the layers below it can affect the pull on the csection
  • Getting the collagen moving , easier in the first two years but I have worked on c section scars of 58 year old female. 
  • Scar tissue mobilization 
    • Start at 4-6 weeks: Start around the scar, not directly over the scar 
      • Light touch, using a towel between your hands
    • Weeks 6-8: Start to work the middle of the scar
      • Localize the scar , Up/down, left/right, clockwise/Counterclockwise
      • Pinch ends
    • Week 10+: ends of the scar
  • Light soreness is expected, should not be longer than 48 hours, open scar, 
  • To minimize soreness: water, vitamin C 

What can mamas do during pregnancy to prep their body for a vaginal birth after a c-section?

Krystal’s answer:

PRIOR TO THE MAIN EVENT

  • Increase the pelvic outlet circumference
    • Pelvic floor release
    • Hip release
  • Build endurance strength – esp with unmedicated – pregnancy guide

LABOR TIPS

  • Understanding how to work with contractions and body
    • Rest but upright and moving (help baby descent and engage in vaginal canal)
    • Squat, rhythmic movement, 
    • Things that assist in relaxation (Hot water – tub or shower, TENS, breathing) 
    • Labor positions: 
      • Hip squeeze 
      • Hands and knees, ankles outward

If you could give yourself advice back when you were prepping for your first birth, what would it be?

Krystal’s answer:

  • TRUST your instinct. 
  • Mental prep earlier for baby — trust you are ready
  • FLIPPED brooke
    • Round ligament
    • Weber technique
    • Pelvic alignment
    • Dry needling of hips
    • Oblique, back massage
    • Pelvic floor release 

Any additional resources or advice you would give to other mamas who’ve had csections and are hoping for a VBAC?

Krystal’s answer:

If people want to reach out to you, where can they find you? 

@expectingandempowered on Instagram

Questions from this show? Ask them below!