My Experience Attempting a TOLAC
Nice to meet you. Hello. My name is Kimi.
I gave birth via TOLAC (Trial of Labor After Cesarean) in January 2025.
I decided to write this on Note as a personal record and in the hope that it might be helpful for those who will be giving birth in the future.
What is TOLAC?
“TOLAC” is an abbreviation for “Trial of Labor After Cesarean section,” which refers to a pregnant woman who has previously had a cesarean section attempting a vaginal delivery for her next birth. If successful, it is called a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean section). While there is a risk of uterine rupture, it is considered an important option because it offers the benefits of a natural birth (such as faster recovery and lower blood loss and costs).
Quoted from a Google searchReasons for attempting a TOLAC
I wanted to attempt a TOLAC based on my experience of giving birth to my first child via emergency cesarean section.
・I was scared of the operating table
The moment I entered the operating room and the lights turned on, I was reminded of medical dramas. Even though I had anesthesia, it was terrifying to see myself being cut with a scalpel while still conscious.
・The physical recovery after the cesarean section was difficult
The anesthesia was too strong, making me feel unwell, and the pain in my abdomen after it wore off was unbearable. Based on that experience, I felt it would be impossible to take care of my older child after being discharged while recovering from a cesarean section.
・I had some regrets and wanted to experience a natural birth
・I was told that I could attempt a TOLAC for my next birth
・I listened to the explanation regarding the possibilities and risks of needing another cesarean section, and after consulting with my husband, I felt satisfied with the decision.The birth itself
My husband took paid leave starting from the beginning of the year as planned, and we spent time together going for walks (since it was snowing outside, we just walked around the Aeon Mall).
Two days before the due date: Felt some discomfort in my abdomen from the afternoon. Did I eat too much curry for lunch? 🍛
One day before the due date: Check-up day. Cervix was 1.5 cm, no other signs. Scheduled another check-up for a week later. Had vague prodromal labor, spent the day as usual.
Due date: No signs.
1 day overdue: My parents-in-law arrived as planned. Realized toward the night that I was having prodromal labor. Around 10 PM, I felt a pain in my left leg as if it were going to fall off. I slept, though my sleep was light due to the pain of the prodromal labor.
2 days overdue (Day of birth): 5 AM, woke up with abdominal pain. The pain was like menstrual cramps, and when I timed it, it was about 9 minutes apart. I could still move around normally. I called the hospital, and although it was subtle, we decided to go.
7:30 AM, arrived at the hospital.
Internal exam showed the cervix was 2 cm. I was admitted as is, and spent time trying to induce labor by bathing, eating lunch, having a snack, and walking in the hallway. When my husband arrived at noon, the pain was still manageable.
After 3 PM, cervix was 3 cm.
The pain gradually increased, and from here on, the labor pain intensified until the birth.
6 PM, my husband, who had returned home, joined me again and stayed with me until the birth.
Around 7:30 PM, cervix was 5 cm.
It was quite tough because two types of pain waves, strong and weak, came one after another. I had to focus on my breathing or I would scream from the pain, so I tried my best to breathe through the contractions. Even so, I screamed when it hurt. Like, “Something is coming out!” lol
It felt like a melon was rolling around from the inside of my abdomen to my buttocks.
9 PM, cervix was 7 cm.
Time felt like it was passing slowly, but I was only at 7 cm (tears). The pain was increasing from the evening, so I forgot all about the previous pain. This period was the most painful.
11 PM, cervix was 9 cm, moved to the delivery table.
I was in so much pain that I complained, “I can’t move!” from the labor room, and the midwife scolded and encouraged me, saying, “You have to do it now!”
When I got on the delivery table, I said, “I’m never doing this again!” and my husband burst out laughing.
Until I was fully dilated, I tried lying on my side, screaming, and even after being told I could push, I didn’t know how to push, and the instructions were only half-registering in my head. I knew I was being given anesthesia and that an episiotomy was being performed. I felt a tearing sensation in my crotch from the pushing. It felt like everything was ripping and my buttocks were going to split.
I was bad at pushing, asking, “How many more times?!” or “How much longer until it comes out?”
After pushing a few times, I heard, “I can see the head!” or “The shoulder is out,” and I could see the head and the right shoulder and arm coming out.
11:38 PM
The baby was born. I felt the sensation of the baby sliding out, and then the pain and pressure disappeared, leaving me stunned. I heard the baby’s first cry and looked at my husband.
The placenta also came out, an indescribable sensation of something squishy coming out little by little.
While the baby was being wiped and treated, I felt the stinging sensation of being stitched up while talking to my husband.
After they checked with an ultrasound to make sure my uterus hadn’t ruptured, I had skin-to-skin contact.
Started breastfeeding right away. I was moved that the baby could latch on immediately.
The hands are so small! The nails are beautiful.
They showed me the placenta and explained how the baby had been inside.The result of attempting a TOLAC
・Compared to a cesarean section, my body felt overwhelmingly better!
・There was no pain from a surgical wound, and except for the feeling of my pelvis being a bit loose, I felt like I had almost regained my pre-pregnancy body.Summary
I do not intend to deny cesarean sections themselves, as they are necessary for various reasons. It takes courage to make the decision to have your abdomen cut so that your baby can be born safely, and it is truly a respectable thing.
On the other hand, when I had an emergency cesarean section for my first child, I was told negative things and felt like I was to blame because it was different from the birth plan I had envisioned. Looking back at my past self, who was physically exhausted and sleep-deprived from the baby crying at night, I am glad I was able to attempt a TOLAC.
Having experienced both a cesarean section and a natural birth, I can say that both are painful. Maybe the only difference is when the pain occurs...
When attempting a TOLAC, it might be good to consult with your doctor and family, and also keep in mind that it is okay if it ends up being a cesarean section as a safety net.
I pray that you and your baby have a wonderful birth. Thank you for reading this long post.