Water VBA2C

Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans: This is the birth story of Caoimhe and her baby boy, born in December 2025, as she shared it in the Facebook group VBAC in Ireland. She gave us permission to share her story here too.

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Successful VBA2C in Altnagelvin Hospital Dec. 25 - WATERBIRTH

A bit of history

Baby no. 1 was born in January 2022 via an unplanned c-section in Letterkenny. I was induced at 40+10 and didn't make sufficient progress, in the hospital's opinion. I was devastated.

Baby no. 2 was born in September 2023 via an unplanned c-section in Letterkenny again. I was very hopeful for a VBAC and really tried to advocate for myself, although I was subjected to the usual coercion and scaremongering. I went into spontaneous labour at 40+9. I got to 9cm, and the baby's CTG was showing signs of distress. I truly believe the labour ward was too busy, and they were fed up waiting. The ward sister came into my room multiple times to tell my midwife to hurry up, as there were more women coming. Another unplanned c-section. I was devastated... again.

From the minute my baby was born, I knew I would try for a VBAC again if I was lucky enough to have another baby. I asked a midwife on the antenatal ward about VBA2C, and she laughed and said that kind of thing only happens in 3rd world countries.

Third pregnancy

When I fell pregnant with my 3rd baby, I set about preparing for a VBAC. I did extensive research and talked to anyone who would listen to me about VBAC. I hired my wonderful Doula Sara from Doulas of Northern Ireland. I took multiple VBAC courses and joined many of the Zoom calls hosted by Tracy Donegan. I took a hypnobirthing course and listened to every podcast I could find about VBAC. I tried to leave no stone unturned.

Letterkenny Hospital would not entertain the idea at all. During my first meeting with my consultant, I told him of my plans for a VBAC. He told me that it would not be supported in the hospital. I asked what would happen if I turned up in spontaneous labour. He told me I would be pinned to the bed, sedated, and given a c-section. I did come across a few wonderful midwives in Letterkenny who tried their best to help and support me. After this appointment, I made arrangements to move to Altnagelvin Hospital. The approach in Altnagelvin was totally different. I felt heard and supported. I received great support from the consultant midwife Sinead Lecky.

The birth

I went into spontaneous labour at 40+8. I declined all CTG monitoring and only had 4 vaginal exams throughout my entire labour. After a long 90-hour labour, I finally got the birth I could only have dreamed of. Labour was incredibly difficult, and I almost threw in the towel a few times. But with the support of my husband and doula, along with my determination to go all the way, I kept going. After 85 hours of contractions and just 5 hours before my baby was born, I had only dilated to 5cm. Most of my dilation happened over my last 5 hours of labour. My body started pushing by itself. When my baby was born I lifted him up through the water onto my chest. A moment I'll never ever forget. I couldn't believe I had done it! He was born at 40+11 and weighed 7lb 14oz.

My recovery has been amazing. I got home from the hospital the next day. I felt like Wonder Woman. I was able to move freely and without pain. I could care for my other 2 children and enjoy the build-up to Christmas.

I just wanted to share my story for anyone who is in the same boat as me. It is possible. You can do it!!! VBA2C is achievable.