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VBAC Birth with Nadezhda
The story of Teodora Nikolova and the birth of her baby boy, Martin, at Nadezhda Hospital.
13.10.2025 | 09:26
Tedi's Story
Vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) is no longer news at Nadezhda Hospital. Here, women who wish to give birth naturally after a previous cesarean delivery and have no medical contraindications find support and understanding.
We are sharing another inspiring VBAC story from Nadezhda and the birth of an almost 4-kilogram baby with the support of midwife Nadezhda Stamenova.
This is the story of Tedi – mother of two wonderful boys.
Why VBAC?
My name is Teodora Nikolova. I am 28 years old and the mother of two wonderful boys.
My first son was born by emergency cesarean section, while my second was born through a successful VBAC.
I had always wanted to give birth to my children naturally, but life has its own plans and presents us only with challenges that we are capable of overcoming.
Nature created women to give life, and just like every other living creature, this should happen naturally.
I deeply believe that surgical intervention should be reserved for life-threatening situations rather than being a matter of convenience or routine choice.
When did you decide on a VBAC, and how did you meet midwife Nadezhda Stamenova?
I made the decision to pursue a VBAC while I was still in the operating room during the birth of my first son, Petar. At that moment, I promised myself that I would do everything possible to achieve this dream—of course, within the limits of acceptable risk, which exists with both methods of delivery.
When I became pregnant again, the most important task remained: finding a supportive team. After thoroughly researching my options, I came across excellent reviews about midwife Nadezhda Stamenova, her remarkable VBAC deliveries, and the outstanding facilities at Nadezhda Hospital.
After our very first introductory meeting, I left her office convinced that I was in the right place—fully understood, with my wishes acknowledged, the risks realistically assessed, no false promises made, and the clear understanding that not everything should be pursued at any cost.
How did the birth unfold?
My due date came and went, I was experiencing almost no contractions, and the long wait began. We had a clear plan of action outlining what, when, and how we could safely do to support the process.
Together with midwife Stamenova, we carried out several procedures and, on a beautiful Saturday, four days past my due date, my waters began to break.
After consulting with her, we headed to the hospital, where a team was waiting for us and confirmed that I was already 4 cm dilated. I was immediately prepared and admitted to the delivery room, where the journey toward my successful VBAC truly began. Several long hours passed as the contractions intensified, the pain increased, and midwife Stamenova worked wonders to help my labor progress and ease the discomfort.
And then the moment arrived!
During the active phase of labor, we encountered several obstacles that could have jeopardized the success of the VBAC and might have discouraged anyone else—but not the exceptionally prepared midwife Stamenova. Carefully assessing the risks and supported by Dr. Desislava Koleva and the entire experienced delivery room team, she made swift and well-considered decisions.
With just a few powerful pushes on my part, our beautiful four-kilogram miracle entered the world. At that moment, not one but three dreams came true—my VBAC, delayed cord clamping, and immediate skin-to-skin contact after his very first breath. Everything I had believed in and dreamed about for nearly two years became a reality that night.
What would you say to women who are hesitant about attempting a natural birth after a previous cesarean section?
If you have found a team that wholeheartedly supports natural childbirth—especially after a previous cesarean section—if the hospital and Neonatology Department are fully prepared for any emergency situation, and if you have a strong desire to experience natural birth, which is truly priceless, then there is no reason to hesitate.
I found all of this at Nadezhda Hospital, in the golden hands of its specialists, and above all in midwife Nadezhda Stamenova, who makes dreams come true.
I would also like to thank my family, without whose support I could never have succeeded. When everyone else questioned my desire for a VBAC, they stood by my side and believed that I could do it. Without them, and without the immense professional and emotional support of midwife Stamenova, none of this beautiful story would have become reality.
