TOLAC Support: Trial of Labor After Cesarean Explained
TOLAC is the medical term for trying to labor and birth vaginally after a previous cesarean. When it works, the birth is called a VBAC. This page is here to help you understand what that actually means in real life — not in scare language, not in pressure, but in calm, informed guidance.
What is TOLAC?
TOLAC stands for Trial of Labor After Cesarean. It simply means: you’re planning to go into labor and attempt a vaginal birth after having had a C-section in the past. If that vaginal birth happens, it’s called a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).
ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) says that most people with one prior low-transverse cesarean are reasonable candidates for TOLAC. In other words: wanting to try is not “reckless.” It is often considered safe, appropriate, and supported by evidence.
Who is usually considered a good TOLAC candidate?
Everyone’s body and history are unique, but providers often look for things like:
- One previous low-transverse (horizontal) uterine incision
- No history of uterine rupture
- Baby is head-down
- No major complication like placenta previa
Even if you don’t check every single box, it doesn’t automatically mean no. It just means you deserve a real conversation — not a default “we’re scheduling surgery.”
- “Based on my history, am I considered a TOLAC candidate?”
- “If you have safety concerns, can you explain them specifically for me, not just in general?”
- “What would support look like if I chose to try labor first?”
How support during TOLAC actually looks
Emotional and physical support
Gentle touch, position changes, breath work, someone reminding you you’re safe. You’re not doing this alone in a bright room with strangers making fast decisions over you.
I cannot make medical choices for you, but I can help you pause, understand what’s being said, and speak up for what you want.
Advocacy through clarity
If an intervention is suggested, you’re allowed to ask:
- What are the benefits?
- What are the risks?
- What are my alternatives?
- What does my gut say?
- What happens if we wait 30 minutes?
This is the BRAIN method. Slowing down is powerful.
How to tell if your provider truly supports TOLAC
You deserve honesty, not pressure. Pay attention if you start hearing:
- “Your baby is probably too big for you.”
- “Your pelvis is too small.”
- “We’ll schedule a repeat C-section now and just see what happens.”
- “We don’t induce VBAC patients, ever.” (Some induction options are actually safe.)
- Scare phrases like “rupture” and “dead baby” with no real context.
If you feel rushed, cornered, or talked over, that is data. You are allowed to seek a second opinion, even late in pregnancy.
- “Is this policy or an emergency?”
- “Can you walk me through all options, not just surgery?”
- “I want a moment to talk privately before we decide.”
Learn more about TOLAC and VBAC
I wrote a full breakdown of TOLAC — what it really means, how ACOG views safety, how VBAC and recovery tie in, and how to emotionally prepare.
TOLAC Explained: Understanding Your Options After a Cesarean
Clear, compassionate guidance for people who want to try for a vaginal birth after a C-section and want to feel safe doing it.
Read the full TOLAC guideYou’re allowed to want a different experience this time
If you’re preparing for a VBAC or considering TOLAC and you want steady, respectful support before, during, and after birth, reach out. You deserve care that listens to you.