Crimson Roots

Your ovaries didn’t disappear..they just got pushed out of the spotlight 👀

As the uterus grows (and I mean GROWS), it rises up and out of the pelvis, taking over prime real estate in your abdomen.

Your other organs shift, compress, and make room, including your ovaries, which get gently displaced to the sides.

Nothing is “lost.”

Nothing is “floating around randomly.”

Your body is reorganizing an entire organ system to grow a human and then will slowly put everything back after.

We don’t talk enough about this part:
Pregnancy isn’t just your belly getting bigger.

It’s a full internal reshuffling.

Organs moving.

Ligaments stretching.

Blood volume increasing.

Your body adapting in real time.

And somehow it still knows exactly what it’s doing.

Your body isn’t confused.

It’s powerful. 💥

-Love,
Badassmotherbirther

Understanding the process of dilation can help demystify labor and empower you as you prepare to meet your baby. Dilation is the process by which the cervix gradually opens to allow your baby to make its entrance into the world. Each centimeter of dilation marks an important milestone in the labor process, and while it may feel slow at times, it’s all part of the body’s natural rhythm.

The path to birth isn’t instantaneous—it’s gradual, requiring patience and trust in your body’s ability to bring new life into the world. Being informed about the stages of dilation can help you feel more in control, even as things become intense. You’ll know when each stage is reached, and that knowledge can bring a sense of calm as you move through the process.

Natural comfort measures such as deep breathing, using a birthing ball, and staying hydrated can ease the discomfort during this phase. Surround yourself with supportive people who understand what you need during this time. These small acts of self-care can help keep your mind and body in balance as you approach the final stages of labor.

The journey to birth is a series of gradual, natural steps, each one leading you closer to meeting your baby. Understanding the stages of dilation and staying grounded through each one will help you navigate the process with confidence and strength. 🌸👶

✨ What is a VBAC?

VBAC = Vaginal Birth After Cesarean.

It means giving birth vaginally after having had a previous C-section.

And yes, for many families, it is a safe, evidence-based, reasonable option.

🤍 Why do people choose VBAC?

Many parents choose VBAC because they want:
✨A physiological birth experience
✨Faster physical recovery
✨Lower risk of infection and blood loss
✨Less impact on future pregnancies
✨More autonomy in labor
✨To avoid repeat major abdominal surgery

VBAC isn’t about “proving your body works.”

It’s about choice, safety, and informed consent.

🌿 Benefits of VBAC?
✔️ Shorter hospital stay
✔️ Lower risk of surgical complications
✔️ Less postpartum pain for many
✔️ Easier bonding and mobility after birth
✔️ Lower risk of placenta accreta in future pregnancies
✔️ Higher chance of spontaneous labor in future births

⚠️ Risks of VBAC (being honest matters)?

The main risk discussed is uterine rupture, which is:
📌Rare (about 0.5–1% depending on factors)
📌But serious when it occurs
📌Why informed monitoring and individualized planning matter

Other risks can include:
🔶Emergency C-section
🔶Labor not progressing
🔶Emotional stress if unsupported

VBAC is not risk-free but neither is repeat C-section.

There is no risk-free way to give birth.

There is only risk-aware, informed choice.

🧠 What increases VBAC success?
✅Prior vaginal birth
✅Spontaneous labor
✅Supportive provider/team
✅Upright movement in labor
✅Patience with labor length
✅Avoiding unnecessary induction when possible

VBAC success rates are often 60–80% when properly supported.

🔥 The real issue?

VBAC is often framed as “dangerous” while repeat surgery is framed as “safe.”

But both carry risks.

The difference is who gets to decide.

VBAC is not reckless.

VBAC is not selfish.

VBAC is not anti-medicine.

VBAC is informed autonomy.

You do not owe anyone a repeat surgery.

You do not owe anyone a vaginal birth.

You owe yourself truth, support, and real options.

Birth after cesarean deserves honesty and not fear tactics.

-Love
Flor Cruz
Badassmotherbirther

Photo: Little Sparrow Doula Care