By this time labor was very intense and the manipulations were not working. The doctor suggested an epidural so he could get up inside and really maneuver the baby manually. He did not want me to keep laboring with this intensity without progress due to the previous rupture. He said they would wait 20 minutes, change my position and then we would have to talk epidural and possible repeat section. He left the room and my husband did too. My husband was just walking the floors of the hospital and praying. The Doctor came back, checked the baby's position, no change. He called for the anesthesiologist. It was a different one than when I had originally came in, thank the Lord. He was considered one of the best. He did the epidural. By the time I laid down I was dilated to 9 cm and about 90 percent effaced with a lip around the cervix that would not go away. This is when I am thankful for my doctor’s patience and desire to help me have a VBAC. He reached up and held back the cervix while I pushed. He was able to get the cervix up over the babies a head enough to be able to manipulated her position. He was finally able to get her head down and turned, again, using his fingers as forceps. She had scratches and then scabs all over her head from this procedure. The Doctor felt this was safer than forceps. After her head finally stayed in position he found that her shoulder was hung up on my pelvis or hip bone. He ended up having to twist her 180 degrees and then 360 degrees to unstick her. At this point, she slid down into the birth canal. I realized at this point that my husband was still out praying. I had my daughter go get him. When he came in I was pushing!! He was so surprise and thankful to the Lord for hearing his cry for a safe delivery. I began to push, I ended up with an episiotomy so she would be born quicker, again to alleviate additional pressure on the scar. As it was I pushed 14 contractions, 3 times each contraction. Without the episiotomy, it would have been twice as much. My Doctor also said he was a "technician" not an artist, thus he could repair a cut much better than a tear. I agreed to the cut. The baby came almost right away. A healthy 7#10oz. baby girl at 10:06 PM We were all elated. It was not the natural birth I had hoped for but it was so much better that a section and  recovery so much quicker. I have no pain, anywhere. I was able to go home the next day!!

I am so blessed with this precious little girl. Nursing has taken an extra effort, as my milk supply is low.  I think I felt so good that I did too much too fast. I needed to just focus on this little one and one nurturing her.  I did learn a new trick.  I put lanolin on my nipples BEFORE I started to nurse.  This time I got NO blood blisters and had minimal pain.  Always growing and learning, that is the life of a mother.   The rest of the family was so happy with our new blessing. She is definitely smothered with loves!!

I would like to add a few things here. First of all, I had a transverse (across) incision for all my sections. After the rupture, I did herbs to and oils to help heal. If you are interested in what I did you can contact me. (See the information at the end of this article.

Second, I am not trying to convince anyone to have a VBAC. I am only encouraging all believers to seek the Lord regarding birthing, children, birth control and trust the Lord to orchestrate your steps for your good and His glory. It is not my intent to "judge" some one who chooses to have repeat sections. It was just a desire of my heart to have another vaginal birth. Being almost 43, thinking this might be my last, I wanted that experience. As I have said, I believe the Lord uses everything for His purposes. If my experience encourages even one person to seek the Lord for their circumstances then I praise God. Finally, persevere in the faith. Do not let fear be the light unto your feet, but allow the one you put your faith in - Jesus himself, the one who is faithful ,direct your steps. Do not be too quick to act on impulse, but always take the time to seek God first. Most of us know nothing about having babies", when we start out. But when we KNOW the Savior and persevere even in difficult circumstances, I believe He is faithful and He will make our paths straight. Love Him, seek to know Him more and all these
"things" will be added unto you!

SHARON HOCKENBURY

As of Spring 2006:

Sharon Hockenbury is the wife of Doug for 25 years and the mother of;
Toby 24, Tori, 22 (married to Luke), Treyton (4-11-86 to 10-14-96), Tasby 17,
Taryn, 14, Tevis 12, Tenille almost 9, Trajen 7, Taylyn 3

Sharon can be contacted at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or
13825 409th Ave. SE
North Bend, Washington 98045