How to Improve Your Chances of a VBAC

If you've ever had a surgical birth, you may have heard that "once a cesarean, always a cesarean," but that simply isn't the case any longer. Mothers who have had previous cesarean births are now having vaginal births with the right support. The following steps will help guide you in improving your chances of having a successful VBAC.

Instructions

1. Select the right support. Choosing a doctor or midwife who is extremely supportive of VBAC's is imperative. The support person you choose should have a positive attitude about VBAC's, a high success rate in his/her practice (a low success rate may signal that he/she really isn't supportive of VBAC efforts) and a low induction and cesarean rate.

2. Choose a birth place that is supportive of VBAC mothers. If your doctor is supportive, but the hospital is well known for placing VBAC mothers in bed with continuous support monitors, you may want to think again. You may want to consider giving birth at home (VBAC is prohibited in some states as a home birth option) or potentially at a birth center.

3. Do your own research. There is nothing better for success than to be prepared. There are many journals, newsletters and online articles that are great resources for mothers who are attempting a VBAC. There are also professional organizations such as ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) that can give you great support throughout your pregnancy, offer positive and reinforcing statistics and constant support. Also, reading stories and experiences from other successful VBAC women can really make a difference.

4. Take a childbirth class that focuses on having a VBAC. Independent childbirth instructors as well as some hospital instructors may offer these classes. You should take this class in addition to a regular childbirth class, as it can enhance the VBAC experience.

5. Hire a professional labor support person, preferably one who has VBAC experience. Labor assistants, also known as doulas, believe that supporting a mother in labor is essential. She can offer emotional, physical and psychological support through the pregnancy, labor and postpartum period.

6. Deal with previous negative experiences. If your last birth ended in a cesarean and you have negative feelings towards it, release those and begin to think differently about the current pregnancy. There is no reason to believe that your current pregnancy will end in the same situation. Have faith in the process, let go of any negative emotional ties or insecurities and prepare for a successful VBAC.

7. Surround yourself with positive support and energy during the birth. Do not invite people, regardless of who they are, to be at your birth who do not support the VBAC process. You do not need to be surrounded with fear or doubt, and anyone who does not support the process, will not support you.

Resources

• International Cesarean Awareness