Vaginal
Birth After Cesarean
You had a cesarean.
You do not have to have another one.
VBAC is safe.
To maximize your odds for a successful VBAC:
Select a care provider who is
supportive of your goals.
" Labor support and the type of care offered by CNMs
increase the chances of successful VBAC and lower cesarean rates in general.
CNMs also facilitate positive birthing experiences, whether the outcome is a
vaginal birth or a medical referral for a cesarean delivery." (ACNM
1992)
(see links above for questions to ask when choosing a care
provider, and to determine if you are a match with your current care
provider.)
Prepare yourself emotionally
You did not fail at birth. Remember that most
women who attempt to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean, do so.
Hire professional labor support (A
Doula)
"Professional birth attendants serving as 'mother's
advocate' provides uninterrupted emotional and physical support throughout
labor and offers a low-cost means of supplying continuous one-to-one coverage
shown to reduce cesarean rates."
Make informed choices regarding your
care
Insist that your care provider obtains your informed consent
(see Birthplan Guidelines) before intervening in your labor.
Learn what you can about the birth
process
Know what is normal and the risks/benefits of common
interventions.
Make healthy choices during your
pregnancy
Watch your posture to encourage baby to engage properly.
Eat healthy foods to help baby grow properly and not get too large. Get
exercise - consider a prenatal yoga or aqua-aerobics class.
Believe
in yourself
A Gentle Start Childbirth
Services
Every
baby deserves a gentle start to life. . .
