Proposal of Success for a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section

Don’t set yourself up for failure.

▪Discuss your wishes with your care provider early – bring them up at

your first visit. Make sure your care provider is supportive of VBACs and has a VBAC success rate higher than 80%. Not every doctor/midwife have

the same policies so if your first choice is unwilling, keep looking.

Evaluate your medical history.

▪After you find a care provider, they will evaluate you and ensure that you are a candidate. Some

cesarean scars are at high risk for rupture during labor. Some

women are not good candidates for VBACs.

Get support!

▪ Women who use a doula to help them through labor are 50% less likely to have a C-section, have a 25% shorter labor, 60% less will request

an epidural, and have a 40% reduction in forceps delivery. If you are uncomfortable with

a doula or unable to afford one, consider enlisting a close

friend of family member. Sometimes you may be able

to utilize a student doula for a lower cost.

Seek out childbirth education classes or books.

Read a labor support book or attend a childbirth class

together with your support person of

choice. This will help your support person support you during

labor.

Avoid induction if possible.

Induction makes uterine rupture much more likely and creates a dangerous environment for mother and baby. Use natural methods approved by your healthcare provider to

encourage your body to be more favorable to labor.

Create a birth plan & make copies.

Prepare a birth plan. Do not become discouraged if every detail is not met perfectly, it is only an outline and not every wish is likely to be met. Every birth is different – unexpected circumstances may arise. Make copies for your healthcare

provider, nurses, and labor support.