February 5th, 2010
You Guys are Making Me Cry
A couple days ago I posted a virtual cry for help here, and a request for help here, after feeling an overwhelming sense of uncertainty, anxiety, and apprehension about a third birth ( my second VBAC.)
But you, my dear friends (cyber and otherwise) responded to the call with an outpouring of emotional support, encouragement, and generosity. While a few simple chearleading comments was the most I had hoped for, some of you went above and beyond the call, and responded to my cry with more than I could have dreamed.
♥ One of you sent me your Hypnobabies CDs, along with the VBAC tracks, saving me well over $150.
♥ One of you offered to let me and the Hyphenated Husband attend your Bradley class, at no charge, because you said I deserved it for helping so many other women through their VBACs. *tear*
♥ One of you offered me your Hypnobirthing book and CD, along with a ton of other resources to help me learn about hypnotic birthing methods.
♥ One of you gave me some other positive pregnancy materials to help me get into a more peaceful mental state during this impending gestation.
♥ And many more of you left lengthy, thoughtful, and kind comments and suggestions to help me feel safer and more secure in my decisions.
So what I have learned this week, if I didn’t know it before, is that women in my community care about each other, and they care about me. Each time someone has come through for me, it makes my chest buckle, my eyes well up, and my throat squeeze closed. I’ve been doing a lot of crying this week — in a good way.
When my chips were down, and I was the one that needed the help instead of being the one who gives it, you swept in and lifted me up. My faith in sisterhood, community, and humanity have been restored this week. Thank you all.
Now stop making me cry… It’s ruining my contact lenses. 
Click to Leave a Comment
I missed the posts, but I’m going to read them now. I’m so glad that you have such wonderful friends to help you through this. You definitely deserve it. <3
Erin W. / Beatnik Momma´s last blog ..Even Shady Pasts Can Lead to Bright Futures 
Awww! I’m sorry I missed the earlier posts. It’s been a crazy week, but I’m here for you, too! I support you 110% and admire all you do for this awesome community of ours. You deserve all of this.
Gina, you deserve all that love & more. You’ve helped so many women (including me!) with your advice, research, and support, that you deserve to bodysurf on an ocean of FeministBreeder admirers for the entirety of your pregnancy. 
I found this wonderfully perfect article for you today:
http://mothering.com/pregnancy-birth/home-safe-home-vbac-my-way
Enjoy!
Hi Gina.
I’m a 22 year old single girl. I have no kids. I’m just a college student.
But I wanted to say that your blog has really affected the way that
I view birth: natural or c-section. It has made me passionate about
respecting a woman’s body in the birthing process and letting it
do exactly what it was intended to do. I used to think that a c-section
was “easier” because you’re all numb and they just slice, instead of all
the “drama” of a natural birth. But your posts have really opened up my
eyes to see how beautiful birth really is. I know that it sounds cliche, but
that ability really is a miracle. So… thank you for changing my mind about
my body’s potential and for allowing me to respect it in ways that I never imagined. I’m proud of the way that you’ve fought for your sons, both in the labor and delivery room, and on the surgical table. For a girl who wants to have kids some day far off, you’ve inspired me to fight for my own body.
Yeah… you’re not just touching other mothers’ lives… you’re inspiring younger women. Keep up the good work and I hope that you get pregnant soon so that the world can see you handle it with grace and beauty.
Agreed with the above that you deserve all that and more! I’m so psyched to hear about the resources that are opening up to you for this adventure you’re gearing up for. And grateful that you’re sharing this with all of us! If only I could give you some postpartum doula visits (it would be a bit much in commute time) …
Dou-la-la´s last blog ..Ready, Set, Suck: On breastfeeding marketing & Medela’s WHO violations
We know all too well, Gina.
I’m sorry I missed your previous requests for help and support–feel free to email me whenever you want to chat.
Group hug! 
I’m so glad to see you have such a great community of supporters surrounding you and helping you. You inspire so many others to fight for the birth they want and deserve that you truly deserve all the help that has been offered you. I wish I heard more stories like this about women getting so much VBAC support from their peers. I think if we were all encouraged and gave this much love and support in times of need– our VBAC and natural birth numbers would really sky rocket in our society.
Bess´s last blog ..Ignorance Prevails
@Angel — Thank you. And thanks for the article. I love reading stuff like that.
@Jessica — of all the things ever said to me, that has to be the most flattering. Thank you. It really means so much to me that I can educate young women who yet victims of this system, so they can empower themselves and avoid all the heartache so many of us have endured. You’re making me cry again!
I am so glad you got a whole outpouring of love and support for having a VBAC. You can do it! I found hypnosis SO helpful in preparing for both of my VBACs and letting go of my fears.
Sheridan´s last blog ..New Book about VBACs!
@Sheridan — thank you. BTW, I think I tried to join your Hypnobirthing Yahoo group?
Good news about a newly published medical journal article that reaches the conclusion that even women with 3 or more prior c-sections can safely vbac. The article is discussed and linked at the Medical News today website at
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178088.php
Also, Jill at The Unnecesarean talked about this same new article yesterday on her blog. The lead author, an OB named Alison Cahill at WAshington University in St. Louis, is publicly stating that ACOG should revise its anti-vbac guidelines.
So, a little good news, folks.
I just want to add my own thanks to the many others for sharing your journey with us so honestly. You’ve inspired me to begin writing my own c-section story, with the hopes of someday having a happier tale to tell. I’ll be shamelessly following your entire journey and wish you nothing but the best.
Lisa´s last blog ..Paths Not Taken
Women helping women, it’s in our genes! Let’s keep it that way. You are the one who helped before needing it, let others take care of you a little!!!!
Severine´s last blog ..Beautiful video about CHANGE (and a great website)
Oh honey! You have helped so many women and made a difference in countless lives. We love you Gina!
You know you can do this. As i said on twitter the other night, just think of the sex!
I’m a mama of two, and this blog has opened MY eyes too. Your story and those of your readers have really moved me. Thanks to all of you for speaking out!
Shannon Drury´s last blog ..Are feminists telling FEMINISTS to shut up?
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