Tools to Help You Have a Successful VBAC!

For those who have had a Cesarean birth, you have been probably told that you would not be able to have any future chance of having a vaginal birth. How far from the truth that is! Yes, it may be more difficult, but it is still possible to have a vaginal birth after your Cesarean, hence why it is called a VBAC. 

As you consider having a VBAC, here are some amazing and simple tools you can do now to help get you VBAC into the vaginal birth game!

Check Your Candidacy for a VBAC 

The good news is that 90% of women who had C-section are candidates of having a VBAC birth. Now, depending on the circumstances, not everyone can be a great candidate. It is important to discuss the pros and cons, in specific to your C-Section experience and current pregnancy, with a trusted care provider, especially one who is very experienced with VBAC births. To learn more about the pros and cons of a VBAC, check out what Mayo Clinic has to offer.

Collect your medical records from your previous C-Section, this will help you know what kind of scar you have and if you have the possibility of having a “uterine rupture” which can risk fetal death. Whatever scar you received will determine your VBAC experience. 

Moms who are attempting to have a VBAC, will have a greater chance of success if they meet the following criteria:

  • You have a low-risk pregnancy
  • You have gained an appropriate amount of weight
  • You have had no more than two C-Sections previously
  • In Your previous C-Section, you had a low transverse incision.
  • Your C-Section was the result of an isolated incident (like a breech presentation) that has not recurred during your current pregnancy.
  • To avoid risk of placenta accreta, your placenta is not covering your C-Section scar.
  • Your baby is not more than one week over-due.

(All sourced from “The Mama Natural Week-By-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth” by Genevieve Howland, pages 265-66)

Choose a Supportive Care Provider

Find a care provider who has a positive track record on helping moms with their VBACs, and who is enthusiastic about and supports your ability to have a vaginal birth. Finding the right care provider will help address any concerns or questions you may have as you prepare.

Choose the Right Birth Setting

A home birth experience may not be the safest option, it can happen, but the death rate can be unfortunately higher. It is highly recommended that you have your labor and birth experience in the hospital. Finding a trusted hospital will be your best option when attempting a VBAC.

Become Educated

The best thing you can do for you and baby is to become educated on what it would take to have a VBAC. The more educated you are, the less stress it will cause, the more prepared you are, the better questions you are able to ask your care provider.  You have a better chance of having a successful VBAC when you understand what to expect and how to take care of yourself. Don’t leave your experience up to chance. Highly recommend “The Mama Natural Week-By-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth” by Genevieve Howland pages 258-267 and Get Your VBAC On! from the “My Essential Birth” Podcast to get started.

Prepare Physically

It is important to exercise regularly, and these can include appropriate exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga. Check out Pregnancy and Postpartum TV Channel  for prenatal yoga and exercises that can help you. It’s also important to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to prepare for your VBAC. We highly recommend Reborn Pelvic Health and Wellness or Beyond the V by Pauli to help get you started on strengthening your pelvic floor for your VBAC.

Prepare Mentally

Preparing for a VBAC can be very stressful and overwhelming. Sometimes even daunting, depending on your individual circumstances. That is why it is important to learn to manage your anxiety with meditations, mindfulness, and even counseling/therapy. Learning relaxation tips can also help you manage your stress. Check out Meditation Mama for some great and mindful meditations to help prepare you for your birth.

It’s also important to develop a positive mindset and surround yourself with positive VBAC stories and affirmations. This will help you build confidence in your body and its ability to deliver vaginally. Our mind is a powerful tool and it can rather increase or decrease our chances for a successful birth. Check out The VBAC Podcast and VBAC Birth Stories podcast for positive birth stories and great ways to educate yourself.

Creating a Birth Plan

Even though each birth is unique and unpredictable, writing down your preferences and needs for your birth experience will help you get prepared for whatever complications or surprises that might come. It can also help your care team know how to take care of you the way you would prefer. It is important to be flexible, but still having a plan will help you know what to do next.

Have Open Communication with Your Provider

It is important to communicate any expectations, concerns, or questions you may have concerning your pregnancy and labor. Having your provider closely monitor you and your baby’s wellbeing will be important throughout your pregnancy and labor experience. 

Find Doula Support and Other Support Systems

Find a doula who is qualified and experienced in helping moms with their VBAC experience. Doulas are a powerful tool to help manage your pain, find calm, and empower you and your spouse/partner. Click here to find the right doula for your VBAC!

Take Care of Yourself

It is so important to take care of yourself when you prepare for a VBAC experience. Successful VBACS can come through a healthy diet, consistent exercise, mentally and emotional self-care, and adequate rest. Making your health a priority lowers your chance to become a high-risk category and can reduce the need of inventions during delivery. 

Final Thoughts

These tools can help you have a successful and safe VBAC experience for you and your baby. Always check with your care provider of what you can personally do to increase your chances of a beautiful birth. Here at The Utah Birth Place, we are here to help you find the right midwife and care to help improve your VBAC experience. Fill out our Midwife survey to get started! You are amazing momma, you can do this! 

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