Navigating VBAC with Confidence 

VBAC: What It Is and Why It Matters

VBAC is an abbreviation for vaginal birth after caesarean section.With the rates of caesarean section now sitting at 40 percent in Australia, the number of mothers researching how safe a VBAC is  will also grow.Navigatinga VBAC with confidence is often difficult for mother sin our health system , but it isnt impossible

There are risks involved in VBAC BUT there are also risks with a repeat caesarean section.

The benefits of VBAC are

  • Avoiding major abdominal surgery
  • Lower risk of infection and blood loss
  • Shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery
  • A more active role in the birth experience
  • Improved breastfeeding rates
  • Lowered chance of baby requiring nursery care

My Role as a Midwife in your VBAC Journey

As your midwife , my role is to support you with knowledge and evidence to support you in your choice for a VBAC

When mothers and their support person are provided with tools for an empowered and active birth, they have a greater chance of a successful VBAC

  • Personalised care and continuous support
  • Creating a safe space for open communication and informed choices
  • Choosing the best care provider for your choices
Upright positioning

Navigating a VBAC with confidence and calm.Upright positioning in labour helps mothers birth better

  • Choose a VBAC-friendly provider and birth setting
  • Developing a birth preferences template that communicates what is important to you
  • Maintaining physical and emotional well-being during pregnancy
  • Understanding the importance of birth spacing (18-24 months after a caesarean if wanting a VBAC) and monitoriing of babies heartrate during labour
  • Avoid induction of labour if possible .

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Overcoming Challenges and Fears

The main risk factor is uterine rupture, however the risk of uterine rupture is less than 1 percent in mothers aiming for VBAC .

A mother who has had a previous caesarean section will be monitored closely in labour .

VBAC Success Stories

Over the past 12 years I have had many women requesting supportive education for their preferred VBAC.They benefit from the knowledge gained from my hypno-birthing classes. During classes, second time parents often recognise that some of the possible reason for thei first c section may have been an induction before their body was ready, fear and tension during a birth where they didnt feel supported and often were not aware of the benefits of an active birth.

Extra Reading Here

Many women are discouraged from pursuing a VBAC due to risk-averse healthcare providers and institutional policies. This can be especially d

Risk-Averse Providers and Hospital Policies

Despite guidance from reputable organizations like the RANZCOG (Royal Australian College of Ob and Gynea), which supports VBAC as a safe option for many women, some hospitals and doctors refuse to perform them.

This hesitancy often stems from concerns about potential complications, such as uterine rupture, which, while serious, occur in less than 1% of cases for those with a low transverse (horizontal) uterine incision—the most common type used today. Additionally, some providers may be influenced by liability concerns or institutional policies that limit VBAC options.

WHAT CAN I OFFER YOU?

Emotional Support: I acknowledge the emotional aspects of the decision-making process and provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for women to  discuss their frustrations

If youd like to book a chat please BOOK here

Medicare rebates apply