Doula Support & VBACs

The Benefits of Choosing a VBAC: Empowering Your Birth Journey

Having a doula by your side during a VBAC can make a big difference. They’re like a supportive birth coach—cheering you on, helping you feel confident, and offering comfort when things get intense. A doula who knows the ins and outs of vaginal births after Cesarean can help you ask the right questions, keep your birth plan on track, and remind you that you’ve got this.

For many people who’ve had a previous cesarean birth, the idea of a vaginal birth after cesarean can feel both empowering and daunting. But with the right support and information, this birth option can be a potentially safe and rewarding option. Of course, there are mothers who aren’t good candidates for VBAC, but about 80% of mothers with a prior cesarean should be encouraged to consider VBAC.

Below, we’ll explore the benefits of VBAC, offer practical tips for success, and share trusted resources to help guide your decision. As always, if you’re in Des Moines or other areas in Iowa and considering a VBAC, we would love to help you find a great provider and build your birth team. Find our contact info at the end.

Why Consider a VBAC?

Choosing a VBAC can offer several physical and emotional benefits compared to a repeat cesarean:

• Faster recovery time: Vaginal births typically involve shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities.
• Lower risk of surgical complications: Avoids risks like infection, blood clots, and injury to surrounding organs.
• Improved outcomes for future pregnancies: Reduces the risk of placenta previa and placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies.
• Emotional healing: Some people find VBAC to be a redemptive experience after a difficult cesarean.
• Support for natural birth preferences: Allows for more flexibility in birth plans, including movement during labor and immediate skin-to-skin contact.

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Tips for Planning a Successful VBAC

Preparation is key. Here are some strategies to increase your chances of a positive VBAC experience:

• Choose a supportive provider:
  • Ask about their VBAC success rates.
  • Ensure they’re committed to evidence-based care.
  • Ask, “If you’re on-all when I go into labor, how would you support me during the labor process?”
  • Ask, “What are your thoughts on inductions and VBACs?”
• Select the right birth setting:
  • Would a homebirth be an option for you?
  • Look for hospitals or birth centers with emergency C-section capabilities.
  • Hint: If the hospital is able to care for laboring mothers, they must also be able to care for emergency situations, VBAC or not.
  • Confirm that VBAC is supported by the entire care team.
• Educate yourself:
  • Take a VBAC-specific childbirth class. See resources below. Our team really likes the info and class through VBAC Link.
  • Learn more about the labor process in general, plus interventions and repeat Cesareans too.
  • Take a hospital advocacy preparations class like Savvy Birth 101 in our Birth 2 Be Community Class Series (visit our Classes page and look for Birth 2 Be Community.)
• Build a support team:
  • Hire a doula experienced in VBAC. We would love to chat about doulas and labor support!
  • Surround yourself with people who believe in your birth goals.
  • Make sure your partner is comfortable with labor support and advocacy.
• Stay healthy and active:
  • Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise.
  • Practice stress-reducing techniques like prenatal yoga or meditation.
  • Utilize body balancing activities like chiropractic, massage, and physical therapy

Emotional Preparation and Mindset

Mental and emotional readiness can be just as important as physical preparation:

• Process previous birth experiences:
  • Talk with a therapist or counselor if needed.
  • Journal your feelings and expectations.
• Visualize your ideal birth:
  • Use affirmations and guided imagery.
  • Create a birth plan that reflects your values.
  • Perhaps make a goal to experience TOLAC (Trial of Labor After Cesarean) rather than the full outcome of a vaginal birth.
• Stay flexible:
  • Understand that birth is unpredictable.
  • Focus on making informed choices, not achieving perfection.

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Helpful Resources

Here are four trusted websites that offer evidence-based information and community support:

Website	Description
VBAC.com	Offers the VBAC Education Project, a comprehensive guide to birth options after cesarean.
The VBAC Link	Provides VBAC courses, podcasts, and a supportive community for parents and doulas.
VBAC Facts	Research-based education and advocacy for families and professionals.
ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network)	A nonprofit that supports education, advocacy, and peer support for cesarean and VBAC families.

Whether you’re still exploring your options or actively planning for a VBAC, know that you have the right to make informed, empowered choices about your birth. Want help crafting a birth plan or finding VBAC-friendly providers in your area? We would be happy to help you dig deeper. Email katie@theiowababylady.com or fill out our contact page for more details.