When I first started exploring VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), I felt a swirl of hope, nerves, and a million tabs open on my phone. Could my body do it? Would my hospital support it? And what about the “what-ifs”? I’ve been there, friend.
Here’s what changed everything for me: swapping scary unknowns for clear facts, then pairing those facts with gentle, flexible planning. I learned which things raise the chance of a smooth VBAC (hello, spontaneous labor and a supportive team), what the true risks look like (rare, but important to understand), and how to make my voice heard from triage to pushing. That mix—knowledge + support—turned anxiety into steady confidence.
If VBAC is on your heart, this is your mom-to-mom guide: friendly, practical, and full of little helps you can actually use today. Let’s walk it together. 💛
In this article : [+]
1) VBAC basics : what it is—and what it isn’t ?
A VBAC is giving birth vaginally after a prior cesarean. The attempt itself is called TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean). For many families and in the right setting, TOLAC is considered generally safe, with published success rates commonly around 60–80%—higher if labor starts on its own or if you’ve had a prior vaginal birth.
VBAC is not a “brave-or-bust” test. It’s a personal choice that balances your medical history, your preferences, and the resources of your birth location. The goal is simple: a healthy parent, healthy baby, and a birth you feel good about—whatever route gets you there.
2) Why many parents consider VBAC (benefits in plain language)
- Faster recovery (usually fewer days in the hospital and an easier first couple of weeks) compared with major abdominal surgery.
- Fewer surgical risks now (infection, blood clots, organ injury) and fewer complications later, since multiple repeat cesareans can increase risks in future pregnancies (like placenta previa/accreta).
- Experience of vaginal birth (if that matters to you) and the flexibility to move, change positions, and sometimes go home sooner.
- Family planning: If you hope for more kids, avoiding additional abdominal surgeries can be a big long-term win.
3) What are the real risks ?
Let’s keep it honest and mom-friendly. The rare but serious concern is uterine rupture (the previous uterine scar opening during labor). For most candidates with one prior low-transverse incision, the risk is about 0.5% (1 in 200)—and your team will monitor you closely and be ready to move quickly if needed. Inducing labor can increase this risk, which is why decisions about induction during a VBAC attempt are extra thoughtful.
You’ll likely hear your provider recommend continuous monitoring during labor and delivering in a hospital with the resources to perform an emergency cesarean if needed. Those safety nets are standard and help VBAC remain a reasonable option for many families.
Quick confidence boost : For those who go into labor spontaneously and have had a prior vaginal birth, success rates are especially strong.
4) Am I a good candidate ? (What providers look at)
- Type of prior uterine incision : A low-transverse incision is the most common and is generally considered appropriate for TOLAC; classical or “T/J” incisions are not. If the operative note is unknown, your team will piece together likelihoods and advise you.
- Number of prior cesareans : Many clinicians support TOLAC after one—and sometimes two—prior low-transverse cesareans (with careful selection and resources).
- Reason for previous C-section : Nonrecurring reasons (e.g., breech) often predict higher VBAC success compared with labor dystocia.
- History of vaginal birth : Big plus for VBAC odds.
- Where you plan to deliver: Hospitals/birth centers differ; choose a setting that supports VBAC and emergency readiness. Quality standards (like NICE) also emphasize having a documented discussion about VBAC options.
5) Your VBAC game plan : 9 practical, actionable steps
1) Build your VBAC “Yes, And” plan
Think of your plan as preferences, not promises :
- “Yes to movement and position changes, and I’m open to an epidural if I need it.”
- “Yes to spontaneous labor, and we’ll revisit induction only if medically indicated.”
- “Yes to continuous monitoring, and help me stay mobile (wireless or telemetry if available).”
This flexibility keeps you calm if things shift. (Birth has a way of doing that!)
2) Gather your records early
Ask for operative notes from your prior cesarean so your provider can confirm your uterine incision type. This one step can clarify candidacy and avoid last-minute confusion.
3) Choose a VBAC-friendly location and team
Interview providers. Ask specifically :
- “What’s your approach to VBAC?”
- “How often do your VBAC attempts succeed?”
- “What’s the plan if we need to pivot to a cesarean?”
NICE emphasizes having a documented discussion of VBAC vs repeat cesarean—ask for that to be captured in your notes.
4) Set yourself up for spontaneous labor
You can’t force it, but you can support it: regular movement (walking, prenatal yoga), rest, hydration, and stress reduction (breathing exercises, short naps, warm showers). Spontaneous labor is linked with higher VBAC success and lower rupture risk than some induction methods.
5) Understand induction/augmentation nuances
Induction is sometimes necessary—and still possible during TOLAC—yet it requires careful risk/benefit balancing. Your team may avoid prostaglandin cervical ripening (e.g., misoprostol) because of increased rupture risk in people with prior cesarean scars; mechanical methods or cautious oxytocin may be considered when indicated. Ask: “What methods are safest for my situation?”
6) Make movement your superpower
Rotation, descent, comfort—positions can help with all three :
- Early/active labor : walking, standing sway, birth ball circles, lunges (one foot up on a stool).
- Back labor : hands-and-knees with firm counter-pressure on the sacrum.
- Rest + progress : side-lying with a peanut ball between knees to widen the pelvis.
Switch every 20–30 minutes to keep momentum and comfort.
7) Mix your comfort tools
Your toolbox can include water (shower/tub), breathwork (inhale 4, exhale 6–8), low lighting + music, counter-pressure/hip squeezes, and heat/cold packs. All of these layer beautifully with epidural or nitrous oxide if you choose them—comfort is not all-or-nothing.
8) Advocate with simple, powerful phrases
Teach your partner/doula to say :
- “Could we try a different position?”
- “What are the benefits, risks, and alternatives right now?”
- “Can we have a minute to decide?”
That one-minute pause can lower stress and improve clarity.
9) Prepare for both outcomes—VBAC or C-section
Pack your “calm kit” (long charger, eye mask, lip balm, playlist) and jot a few gentle cesarean touches (skin-to-skin as soon as it’s safe, delayed cord clamping when appropriate, photos). Having a plan B doesn’t “jinx” your VBAC—it protects your peace if you need a pivot.
6) What labor with VBAC is like (and how it’s monitored)
Expect continuous fetal monitoring and a care team that checks in often. You can usually change positions even with monitors (ask about wireless telemetry). If patterns suggest your scar isn’t happy or baby isn’t tolerating labor, your team will talk through next steps—sometimes that’s changing positions or fluids; sometimes it’s heading to the OR. The point is real-time safety, not making you feel watched or pressured.
During pushing, try positions that feel powerful and safe with your monitoring—side-lying (gentle on the perineum), hands-and-knees (great space and comfort), or supported squat (uses gravity). Slow, controlled pushing helps tissues stretch and can protect your pelvic floor.
7) After a successful VBAC : the golden hour and beyond
VBAC or not, the first hour matters. Ask for skin-to-skin, delayed procedures when safe, and lactation support right away (there’s no “VBAC-specific” difference here—just the same beautiful oxytocin rush and bonding time). If you used an epidural, legs may feel wobbly for a bit; that’s normal. Hydrate, snack, and enjoy the warm bubble of “we did it.”
If things pivot to cesarean: your choices still count. Keep those gentle touches on your chart (skin-to-skin in the OR or as soon as possible, music, dimmer lights at your head). A change in route doesn’t cancel the love you poured into this day.
8) Expert insight (bite-size, mom-friendly facts)
- VBAC success rates: Many parents who try TOLAC have a 60–80% chance of a successful VBAC; prior vaginal birth and spontaneous labor improve those odds.
- Uterine rupture risk: With one prior low-transverse scar, risk is ~0.5% (1 in 200); induction can increase that risk, which is why methods are chosen carefully.
- Monitoring & setting: Hospitals often recommend continuous monitoring and emergency C-section readiness during TOLAC to keep VBAC as safe as possible.
- Shared decision-making: Guidance (e.g., NICE) calls for a documented discussion of VBAC vs. repeat cesarean—ask for it early in care.
9) VBAC FAQ (the questions moms ask most)
Often, yes—because “breech” is a nonrecurring reason. Your provider will look at your whole history to personalize your estimate.
Absolutely. An epidural can be part of a successful VBAC and doesn’t “disqualify” you from pushing well or feeling present. (You can still change positions in bed—side-lying with a peanut ball is a secret MVP.)
It’s a case-by-case call. Some methods carry higher risk for those with prior cesareans (e.g., prostaglandin ripening), so your team will weigh your individual benefits and risks and consider safer alternatives if induction is necessary.
This is about resources, not your worthiness. If possible, consider transferring care to a facility that supports TOLAC and can perform a cesarean quickly if needed—your provider can help you explore options.
10) Your printable VBAC prep (save or screenshot)
- ☐ Request prior op note (confirm uterine incision type)
- ☐ One-page VBAC vs repeat cesarean preferences (documented in your chart)
- ☐ Support team lined up (partner cues, doula, childcare plan)
- ☐ Movement list to try in labor (standing sway, lunges, ball, side-lying with peanut)
- ☐ Comfort kit: long charger, eye mask, lip balm, socks, snacks, playlist
- ☐ Plan B touches (gentle cesarean requests) so you’re ready for any curveball
- ☐ Postpartum support: meals, pelvic floor PT info, lactation contact
Wrapping Up with Love & Support
Mama, choosing VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) isn’t about proving anything. It’s about meeting your baby in the way that fits your body, your story, and your safety—with a care team you trust. You’re allowed to hope big and plan flexibly. You’re allowed to change your mind. And you’re absolutely allowed to ask for the support, monitoring, and comfort you deserve.
One contraction, one decision, one breath at a time—you are doing beautifully. You’ve got this. 💛
Thinking about VBAC? What feels exciting—and what’s keeping you up at night? Drop your questions below so we can help. Want my printable “VBAC Prep Playbook” (question list for your provider, movement/position cheat sheet, and gentle-cesarean backup page)? Type VBAC PLAYBOOK in the comments or join my email list, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.