Birth After Cesarean Mentoring

For those with a c-section history in Western Wisconsin & Minnesota

Planning a VBAC or repeat Cesarean?

These sessions are available for those who need individualized guidance regarding birth after one or more c-sections.

Maybe it's choice of provider or birth place. Maybe it's to go over your birth history or medical records in depth.  Maybe it's discussing strategies to proactively get a hold of your trauma or risk factors.  And if you're facing or considering a planned repeat cesarean, we can discuss your needs and how to advocate for them.

Pictured at right: November 2024 homebirth after cesarean (HBAC) in Afton, Minnesota.  Client was told that VBAC was not an option for her.

VBAC doula
DIana Snyder Doula

Doula Care & Mentoring for VBAC or Repeat Cesarean

Preparing to birth again after cesarean is a unique journey. One I've walked personally and helped countless others walk, too.

First as an ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) chapter leader, and now as a doula specializing in VBAC and founder of Western Wisconsin Cesarean & VBAC Support Group.

Whatever your heart's question, I love meeting people where they are to craft individualized birth prep strategies.  You don't need to be a doula client to seek support.

I am experienced supporting all aspects of birth after cesarean, including provider & birthplace selection, overcoming birth trauma, risk considerations, and more.

- Diana Snyder

Questions about VBAC & Birth After Cesarean Mentoring?

Who can benefit from Birth After Cesarean mentoring? 

These sessions are a good option for people with a cesarean history who are curious about (or have been encouraged to) VBAC, people who are firmly desiring a VBAC but have been told they aren't a good candidate or are unlikely to be successful, people who have had multiple cesareans or unique risk factors, those with trauma to get a hold of, and more.

Do I need to be a doula client to seek mentoring?

No.  VBAC & Birth after Cesarean mentoring sessions are available regardless of whether you are on my client roster.  They are especially a good option for those who are not hiring a doula, who are outside my service range or have chosen another doula etc. but still need expert guidance on preparing themselves for a VBAC or repeat cesarean.

What is your approach and what are the goals? 

This is a service designed to uncover the best approach and decisions for you, not to push a one-size-fits-all agenda.  Decisions regarding birth after cesarean are deeply personal and should be made within a framework of support, unbiased information and awareness regarding your own values & risk tolerance.

What can I expect at the first session? 

We will go over your birth history, your questions/concerns and goals, your relationship with your provider (or priorities for a provider), and more.  We may do an assessment of your resting posture and discuss individualized strategies to promote optimal fetal positioning, a healthy low-risk pregnancy, spontaneous labor and more if you are wanting a VBAC.

Do I need my medical records?

Not necessarily, but depending on your questions and goals, sometimes having your medical records (in particular the surgical/operative report) can be helpful.  See here for how to request your records.

Investment:

  • Initial intake: $125 for up to 90 minutes
  • Subsequent Sessions: $100

Location: my office at TruLiving Birth Center (321 13th St. SE, Menomonie WI). 

Virtual option: Zoom is also available for people outside my service range or with barriers to travel, but I encourage in-person sessions where possible.  

*Fees do not cover time spent outside of sessions reviewing medical records.

Attachment to the outcome disrupts the process, while devotion to the process improves the outcome.

-Kate Coletti