VBAC : Vaginal Birth After Caesarean - the important questions to ask yourself.

As a Doula I work with women who have had a caesarean but ask themselves when pregnant again "should I have an elective c-section or a vaginal birth?". I want you to know that VBAC is an option for you, many women can safely give birth vaginally after a Caesarean (C-section), also known as a VBAC. According to research published by UCLH most reasons for having a caesarean is unlikely to recur for most women. 70-80% of women should be able to have a vaginal birth following one c-section before. The chances for a successful VBAC are even higher (90%) if you've previously had a vaginal birth and a c-section.

However many women complain about not knowing about the statistical possibility but also the unspoken fear they experience from some medical professionals surrounding VBAC. One thing that is constantly spoken about in the UK is the over-medicalisation of maternity units.

Vaginal birth in itself is a broad term as this consists of a straightforward vaginal birth without any assistants or with assistants using a ventouse or forceps during birth. This gives women options and the necessary support if needed during vaginal birth.

Even women who have had more than 1 caesarean are able to give birth vaginally. I recently spoke to two different mothers who spoke about the challenges they faced during two c-sections, it was important for me to hold space for them to share their worries and fears. However, I discussed with them the options they have but also gave some room for thought in terms of the things to consider if you decide to proceed through the VBAC route. Here are my top 5 considerations for mothers to make an informed decision:

1. What is most important to me about this birth? It is important to have a clear understanding of what a positive birth experience will look like and which birth option will most likely help you to achieve this and why.

2. What led to my previous c-section and will this likely occur again? It is important you discuss this with your midwife and/or doctor to get a full understanding. Also I recommend working with a Doula too like myself to provide you with information to make an informed decision for you and the baby.

3. Recovery - what will recovery look like for both options? How does this affect additional children?

4. Are there risks to the birthing option and are there complexities that you need to consider such as uterine rupture, vertical scars etc.

5. Do I have fears about the options? Is there still some unresolved trauma which needs to be unpacked? Can these fears be dispelled by having the right support such as a Doula?

6. Bonus: Do I have the right information to make an informed decision? As a Doula I will support you by providing you with unbiased information for you to make an informed decision on the option that suits you and your family.

If more women are aware and are given the right support I believe that mothers can have a joyful birthing experience no matter what option they choose.

Are you considering VBAC? Get in touch with me, I'd love to be your Joyful Doula supporting you through this process.