A VBAC is also known as vaginal birth after a cesarean. 

First of all, let me make something clear, however, you birth your baby, you are incredible, amazing, and strong. Birth matters and every mother should be able to feel like they are respected, heard, and treated kindly when it comes to birth; abdominal or vaginal birth. Birth can be unpredictable, messy (literally), and just doesn’t always go according to plan.

For me, as a mum of three, birth educator, and fellow human, I feel it is so important to know you have choices and that your birth choices matter and are respected. 

There are three types of cesarean section; elective (planned), unplanned, and emergency. The majority of the time, cesarean doesn’t mean there is anything physiologically wrong with your body, you are able to give birth vaginally, but maybe you choose not to, or you were advised not to or you got to a stage where you were exhausted, or there was an emergency situation for you or baby. 

Abdominal birth is an incredible option to have but can leave women feeling disheartened, like their body failed them in some way, or worse, they can feel traumatised because of the path their birth took. 

VBAC’s are becoming more and more popular for second or subsequent births. An amazing 75% of women who aim for a VBAC are successful in achieving one (UK data from 2019). 

Some of the benefits shared by VBAC mums are: 

• Increased bonding with baby,
• Increased bonding between baby and birth partner,
• Less recovery time,
• Less postnatal depression, 
• Less time in hospital,
• Less immune problems for the baby, 
• Less risk of complications, 

To name a few. 

If you’re looking to achieve a VBAC you must have the following: 

• Be clear on and understand your previous birth’s medical notes,
• Your facts and figures,
• All pros and cons,
• A supportive medical team,
• Good professional, antenatal support and education,
• Clear birth preferences.

To find out more about VBAC and how to achieve it, feel free to contact me.