Your birth matters, and cesarean birth often comes with some extra intense feelings. Some people need time to process what happened during their birth, and later support as they decide what's best for their next baby.

We've been holding space for families at our VBAC & Cesarean Support Group for over a decade. Birth Kalamazoo's Teresa Youngblood facilitates each session. She's a birth doula, postpartum doula and nurse, and she has herself given birth once by cesarean and four times by VBAC. The online version of the group is co-hosted by Ashley Whitt, a birth and postpartum doula with Birth Kalamazoo. Ashley is also a VBAC mom!

We understand the emotions, we know our community, and we have ideas and resources help. Mostly, we want to give you a soft spot to land. If you've had a cesarean or if you're looking for a VBAC in Southwest Michigan, this is a great place to connect.

Here's what happens at a typical meeting:

• Introductions
• Birth story sharing (first cesareans, VBACs, and repeat cesareans)
• Discussion about VBAC and repeat cesarean, especially if you're trying to decide which is right for you (no judgement zone!)
• Info on what to expect with a VBAC locally, and how to manage safety measures like continuous monitoring in the hospital (or what to expect with an HBAC — home birth after cesarean)
• Discussion about doctor and midwife options in the area (including which practices attendees have found to be VBAC supportive)
• A few tears, some laughter and lots of connection and support