How to have a VERY successful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)

The motto once was "once a c-section always a c-section" but not any more! Today the medical field is realizing that there are lower risks for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) then repeat elective c-sections. This is especially true if you choose to have more than 3 children. More importantly for many of us there is the emotional factor of bonding with our child after delivery and the recovery of a c-section. There is an option! Follow these steps to prepare for a VERY successful VBAC.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Believe in your body's natural ability to birth. Although you cannot change the fact that something happened either during labor or the pregnancy that required a cesarean, believe that your body can birth you baby naturally. A huge part of success relies on the healing of past emotionally issues.

2. Hire a Doula that is supportive and has helped VBAC deliveries. They are there to help resolve any emotionally issues you might have had with your previous delivery. They also guide you through the pregnancy as to what to expect, what questions to ask and how to avoid unneeded interventions which may lead to a repeat cesarean. They are also great support during labor for pain relief and for emotional support. You can expect to spend somewhere between $500-$700.

3. Find a VERY supportive OB or Midwife. You will need someone who believes that you can do this and yet inform you of the risks. If you have someone doubting your ability to birth then you might too. You will not change your doctors mind so you mine as well find a doctor that is supportive of your believes and wishes.

4. Realize that there is less than 1% risk of uterine rupture when attempting a VBAC. These risks go up with certain factors such as shorter length of time (less than 18 months) between cesarean and VBAC attempt, not a low transverse (bikni cut incision), multiple cesareans, no prior vaginal birth, & use of chemical inductions such as pitocin. Having said this these factors do not eliminate you from a trial of labor for a VBAC. I have heard so many stories of women having very successful VBAC's with only 14 months between deliveries, after multiple c-sections and with no prior vaginal deliveries and also induced labors with low doses of pitocin.

5. EXERCISE! Exercise as often as possible. Many doctors watch VBAC's more closely. Weight gain, baby's estimated weight (ultrasounds can be off by 2lbs), physically fitness may be things that a doctor will want to watch closely. To give yourself the best possible successful trail of labor exercise. It is healthy for you, baby and will most likely help the delivery along.

6. Educate yourself on whether you want to do a natural birth or have pain relief. Either can be successful but of course there are risks with any interventions. Also know birth positions that possible. Know that being upright during labor helps speeds things along and that swaying, squatting and pushing on all fours will open your pelvis much more than the traditional positions.

7. You cannot predict what will happen during each pregnancy or labor. Each is so different in so many ways. Do your best to educate yourself and make educated choices.

Tips & Warnings

• There is other information that might help you with building self confidence. I highly recommend "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" and Hypnobabies.
• Reach out for support on a VBAC support group, like on Baby Center Community.
• Visit ICAN.org - they have a lot of information! You can also join a local support group.
• Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I have personally had a VBAC after 2 c-sections with no prior vaginal birth or labor. You CAN do it!
• There is less than 1% risk of uterine rupture when attempting a VBAC. Consult your OB or Midwife if you are a good candidate for a trail of labor.