VBAC: What You Should Know and Why Hope Matters
You Deserve an Empowered Birth Story
If you’ve had a cesarean and are now wondering, “Can I have a vaginal birth this time?” — the answer is often yes.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), most people who have had one prior low-transverse cesarean are candidates for a Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC) and may safely plan for a VBAC(vaginal birth after cesarean).
This is not a niche path or an act of defiance — it’s a well-supported option rooted in science and individualized care. And more importantly, it’s about giving yourself permission to hope again after a previous birth that might have left questions or grief.
What ACOG and VBAC Link Say About VBAC Safety
Both ACOG and VBAC Link emphasize that VBAC can be a safe and deeply rewarding experience when appropriately planned.
Here are a few key points they highlight:
You likely qualify if you’ve had one prior low-transverse (horizontal) uterine incision and no other major complications.
Your body remembers how to birth. If you’ve had a previous vaginal delivery (before or after your cesarean), your VBAC success rates increase significantly.
The overall success rate for VBACs is 60–80%. That’s a strong majority — and a powerful reminder that your body is capable.
The risk of uterine rupture remains low (less than 1% in most studies). When care is provided in a setting equipped for emergency response, VBAC is considered a safe and evidence-supported option.
These statistics aren’t here to convince you — they’re here to give you confidence. To remind you that hope is not naive. It’s informed.
What Makes VBAC Worth Considering
A successful VBAC often comes with meaningful benefits:
Shorter recovery and less pain postpartum
Lower risk of infection and complications in future pregnancies
More immediate bonding with your baby
A sense of emotional healing after a previous birth that may have felt out of your control
But perhaps the most profound benefit isn’t medical — it’s personal.
Many families describe their VBAC as redemptive or restorative, a chance to reconnect with their bodies and reclaim the story of their birth experience.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
The best way to prepare for VBAC is through clear communication and collaboration with your provider.
Here are a few questions worth asking early on:
Am I a candidate for VBAC based on my prior incision and birth history?
What is your VBAC policy or success rate within this practice or hospital?
How do you approach labor induction or augmentation with someone who’s had a cesarean?
What resources or staff are available in case an urgent cesarean is needed?
How will we handle decision-making during labor if unexpected situations arise?
If you ever feel brushed off or pressured, that’s valuable information too.
A supportive provider won’t view your questions as confrontational — they’ll see them as part of your empowerment.
What Increases Your Chances of a Successful VBAC
Research consistently shows that these factors improve VBAC outcomes:
Spontaneous labor (rather than induction)
Supportive, continuous labor presence — such as a doula or VBAC-trained birth professional
Freedom of movement and position changes during labor
Balanced, evidence-based guidance from your provider team
Emotional readiness — feeling safe, grounded, and informed going into birth
The Role of a Doula in a VBAC Journey
As a doula, my role is not to make decisions for you — it’s to keep you informed, emotionally steady, and physically supported throughout the process.
When care teams use language that feels confusing or urgent, I can help you slow down and ask:
“Is this medically necessary right now, or just policy?”
“What are my options?”
“Can I have a few moments to talk it over?”
My focus is to hold space for your birth, help you stay connected to your instincts, and remind you that your choices matter.
A Gentle Reminder
If your first birth didn’t go as planned, that does not mean your body failed.
It means you did what you had to do in that moment.
And now, you have the opportunity to approach this new season with more knowledge, more support, and a plan that reflects your values.
Whether your birth ends in a VBAC or a repeat cesarean, what truly matters is that you feel heard, respected, and at peace with the choices you made.
Final Thoughts
You are allowed to want a different experience this time.
You are allowed to believe in your body again.
And you are absolutely worthy of a birth that feels calm, informed, and supported.
Your story is not defined by your scar — it’s defined by your strength.
Check out how we can support you here: https://www.theolivebranchdoulas.com/vbac-support-morgantown-bridgeport-clarksburg