Understanding VBAC: Navigating Your Birth Journey with Confidence and Support

For many parents who have experienced a cesarean birth, the thought of having a vaginal birth in a future pregnancy can be both exciting and intimidating. The good news? A Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is not only possible, but for many, it is a safe and empowering option.

As a doula agency committed to supporting families through all kinds of births, we believe it’s important to provide accurate information and emotional support for those considering VBAC. In this post, we’ll walk you through what VBAC is, its benefits, risks, and how a doula can help you navigate this journey—especially the emotional aspects that come with choosing VBAC.

What is VBAC?

VBAC stands for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. It refers to giving birth vaginally after previously having one or more cesarean sections. While many people believe that having a cesarean section means a future birth will also need to be a C-section, research has shown that a significant number of individuals can have a safe and successful vaginal birth after cesarean.

Each pregnancy and birth is unique, so it’s essential to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about your specific circumstances and whether VBAC is a viable option for you.

Benefits of VBAC

1. Shorter Recovery Time
   One of the most significant benefits of VBAC is a shorter recovery time. Vaginal births generally require less recovery time than cesarean births, which means you may be able to get back on your feet and bond with your baby more quickly.

2. Fewer Risks in Future Pregnancies
   Multiple C-sections can increase the risk of complications in future pregnancies, including placenta previa, placental abruption, and complications with the uterus. By opting for a VBAC, you may reduce your risk of these complications in future births.

3. Empowerment and Positive Birth Experience
   For many parents, VBAC offers an opportunity to reclaim their birth experience. Feeling more in control, supported, and empowered during labor can have a profound impact on your emotional and mental well-being. A successful VBAC can help you heal from any feelings of disappointment or trauma you may have experienced during your previous C-section, and restore a sense of confidence in your body’s ability to birth.

4. Better Outcomes for Baby
   While cesarean births are incredibly important for certain medical situations, research suggests that babies born vaginally may experience fewer respiratory problems and generally have better outcomes in the long term.

Emotional Impact of VBAC

Choosing a VBAC is not just a physical journey—it’s an emotional one. For many parents, the experience of a previous cesarean can be emotionally complex, and the decision to try for a VBAC can come with a mix of excitement, hope, fear, and uncertainty.

1. Healing from Previous Birth Trauma
   For those who felt a sense of loss, disappointment, or even trauma from a previous C-section, a VBAC can be a deeply healing experience. Successfully having a vaginal birth can provide closure, help process unresolved emotions, and allow parents to feel empowered and connected to their bodies in a way that may not have been possible after a C-section.

2. Fear and Anxiety
   It’s natural to feel anxious about the possibility of a uterine rupture or other complications, especially if your previous C-section was an emergency. A VBAC also carries the emotional weight of not knowing for sure whether the birth will unfold as planned. The fear of facing another C-section, or the uncertainty of laboring with the goal of a vaginal birth, can be overwhelming. This is where a doula’s role becomes crucial in offering emotional support, reassurance, and continuous comfort throughout labor.

3. Confidence in Your Body
   A VBAC offers an opportunity to rebuild trust in your body’s ability to birth. After a C-section, you may have doubts about your body’s strength or capabilities, especially if your previous birth didn’t go as you had hoped. Successfully achieving a VBAC can boost self-esteem, foster a positive relationship with your body, and contribute to a more satisfying birth experience overall.

4. Empowerment
   Choosing a VBAC can be an incredibly empowering decision. It’s a choice that allows you to advocate for your own needs, preferences, and desires. The sense of agency in making informed decisions and having a supportive birth team behind you can positively impact your mental well-being and help you feel more in control of your birth journey.

Risks of VBAC

While VBAC has many benefits, it is important to consider the risks. One of the primary concerns is the possibility of uterine rupture, where the scar from the previous C-section opens during labor. However, the risk of uterine rupture is relatively low—about 0.5%—and the vast majority of VBACs are successful without complications.

Other potential risks of VBAC include:

• Increased monitoring: Your healthcare provider may want to monitor your labor more closely to ensure that everything is progressing safely.

• Extended labor: Some VBAC labors may be longer than those after a previous vaginal birth, although many people find the experience to be more manageable with the right support.

How a Doula Can Support Your VBAC

A doula plays an important role in helping you navigate the emotional, physical, and informational aspects of your birth, and this support is especially valuable for those pursuing a VBAC. Here’s how a doula can help:

1. Emotional Support
   A doula is there to provide a safe space for you to express your hopes, fears, and any lingering feelings from a past C-section. They can offer emotional reassurance, guide you through any anxiety or fear, and provide positive affirmations during labor. A doula’s unwavering presence can ease the emotional ups and downs that come with VBAC, helping you feel more centered and calm.

2. Physical Comfort and Pain Relief
   A doula is skilled in comfort measures such as massage, breathing techniques, labor positioning, and other natural pain relief methods. These tools are especially helpful in labor, providing you with the support needed to stay relaxed and focused on your goal of a vaginal birth.

3. Advocacy and Communication
   It’s essential to feel empowered in making decisions about your care. A doula can help facilitate communication between you and your healthcare team, ensuring that your preferences are respected and that you’re fully informed of your options. In a VBAC scenario, your doula can help you discuss your birth plan, make sure you understand any risks, and advocate for your birth preferences with your medical team.

4. Continuous Support
   VBACs can take time, and knowing you have a consistent, caring presence by your side can make all the difference. A doula provides continuous, hands-on support throughout the entire process, giving you the confidence to trust your body and your team.

5. Postpartum Care
   After your VBAC, your doula can continue to support you in the early days postpartum, offering guidance on newborn care, breastfeeding, and emotional support as you adjust to your new family dynamic.

Is VBAC Right for You?

While many people can safely have a VBAC, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Factors like the type of incision from your previous C-section, your overall health, the number of previous C-sections, and your current pregnancy will all be considered by your healthcare provider when discussing VBAC. It’s important to have thorough discussions with your obstetrician or midwife to assess the risks and benefits specific to your situation.

If you’re considering a VBAC, here are some tips for preparing:

• Educate yourself about VBAC, including potential risks and benefits.

• Find a supportive care provider who is open to VBAC and willing to discuss your birth plan with you.

• Consider hiring a doula, who can offer you continuous support and help you feel confident in your decision-making.

• Have clear birth preferences, but remain flexible. Birth is unpredictable, and a VBAC may not always go exactly as we hope.

What’s Next and How We Can Support You

VBAC can be an empowering and safe option for those who have had a previous cesarean birth. With the right support, information, and a clear birth plan, you can achieve the birth you desire. Whether you are hoping for a VBAC or any other birth experience, a doula can be your greatest ally—offering emotional, physical, and informational support throughout the journey.

If you’re considering VBAC and want to learn more about how a doula can help, reach out to our agency. We’re here to support you, no matter what path your birth takes.