5 Ways To Prepare For A VBAC
There are a lot of acronyms in the “birth world”, and you may have heard the term VBAC tossed around once or twice. VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean, and can be used to define any vaginal birth that takes place after a cesarean birth. Planning a vaginal birth after cesarean is much like planning for a typical vaginal birth, but there are a few additional variables to consider, such as the reason for the prior cesarean, if your current care providers are VBAC friendly or VBAC tolerant, and where you are planning to give birth (home, a birth center, or a hospital). If your first pregnancy resulted in a cesarean, whether planned or unplanned, and you desire a vaginal birth the second time around, there are a few key preparation steps that are important to having a positive VBAC experience.
Choose a VBAC friendly support team and care provider.
This goes for all types of birth, but especially for a VBAC, it’s important to find a care provider that not only tolerates or merely “accepts” your desire for a VBAC, but that will actively help you achieve your wishes, to the best of his or her capability. A VBAC-friendly care provider should be knowledgeable and experienced with VBACs and patiently and happily answer any and all questions you have about it (preferably with evidence-based information!) Your support team should also be a source of encouragement and reassurance as you plan your VBAC - this includes your spouse or partner, family members, friends, your doula, or anyone else who is going to be involved in your birth experience in some way.
2. Gather evidence-based info.
“I’ve heard horror stories of xyz happening during a VBAC!” one friend said to me a few months back. There are going to be negative experiences and “horror stories” everywhere you turn, especially if your main sources of information are coming from social media and online blogs. Don’t get me wrong, reading others experiences can be beneficial or even reassuring, but finding evidence-based information to arm yourself with knowledge can offer you peace of mind in knowing facts, rather than just leaning on someone else’s experience. There are several studies and online resources that offer evidence-based information about things such as risks and benefits of VBAC, who may not be eligible for a VBAC, the evidence on the instance of uterine rupture during VBAC and understanding VBAC rates among certain ethnic groups or minorities. One of my favorites is Evidence Based Birth as well as VBAC Facts.
3. Create a birth plan.
Much like planning for any other birth, planning for a VBAC will also require you to write up a birth plan that details your preferences for labor and delivery. Talk to your care provider about what interventions to expect as someone attempting a VBAC, and the benefits, risks and alternatives to all procedures and other interventions that might be suggested or recommended. You also might want to leave room in your birth plan for the possibility of a repeat cesarean. Whether you choose the cesarean electively, or it is recommended based on medical necessity, you may feel more confident if you’ve prepared a bit ahead of time for another surgery. You may want to consider a gentle cesarean, and incorporate some of those details into your birth plan.
4. Take a VBAC-specific childbirth class.
It might be helpful for you and your partner or spouse to take a childbirth class that talks specifically about VBAC, how to prepare, and how to set yourself up for success. You may be able to find a class locally, or you can take an online course that is either live with a teacher, or set up in module format that you can do at your own pace. Here are a few online resources:
Nichole Joy’s VBAC Prep Birth Course
5. Hire a doula.
Hiring a doula for your VBAC can not only help you feel confident and supported in your choices, but a doula can also be a valuable source of information, encouragement and resources for you and your partner or spouse. Your doula will be there to help you advocate for yourself and your birth preferences, and to help you navigate anything unexpected that may occur during pregnancy, labor or delivery. Having a doula as part of your VBAC support team will help you feel calm, excited, and confident in yourself and your ability to not only birth your baby, but to speak up about what you desire and deserve.