How to Prepare for a Successful VBAC Birth: What Every Mama Needs to Know
If you’ve had a previous cesarean birth and are now considering a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), you might be feeling a mix of emotions—hope, excitement, maybe even a little fear. You’re not alone. I literally stood in your shoes over a decade ago, and everything I’ve build at Looma Birth is because of my first VBAC experience. So many mamas considering a VBAC have heard conflicting advice, encountered skepticism, or even been told they can’t do it. But here’s the truth: VBAC is possible, safe, and an empowering option for many women.
At Looma Birth, we believe you deserve evidence-based information, expert support, and a birth team that believes in you. If you’re planning for a VBAC birth in Los Angeles or Orange County, let’s talk about how you can set yourself up for success.
1. Find a VBAC-Supportive Provider
Not all OBs and midwives are truly supportive of VBAC, even if they say they are. Some hospitals also have outdated policies that make it harder to labor freely.
Here’s what to look for:
A provider who has a high VBAC success rate and low repeat C-section rate
Someone who is open to evidence-based, patient-centered care
A hospital or birth center that supports VBAC-friendly policies (like continuous labor support and intermittent fetal monitoring)
Try this: When interviewing providers, ask: “What is your VBAC success rate?” or “How do you support VBAC parents during labor?” Their answers will tell you a lot!
Bonus: Don’t think that language like “TOLAC” Trial of labor after caesarean is actually VBAC friendly!
2. Educate Yourself on VBAC Safety & Benefits
Many parents are told that once they’ve had a cesarean, they will always need a cesarean—but that’s simply not true. Studies show that 60-80% of women who attempt a VBAC have a successful vaginal birth.
Benefits of VBAC include:
Faster postpartum recovery compared to a repeat C-section
Lower risk of surgical complications and infections
Increased chance for future vaginal births
More immediate skin-to-skin bonding after birth
Pro tip: Read up on ACOG’s VBAC guidelines, and find support groups with other VBAC parents who have successfully done it!
Bonus: Check out VBAC Link comprehensive resources to help you navigate your journey.
3. Prepare Your Body for VBAC
A successful VBAC isn’t just about labor day—it starts in pregnancy with strengthening and aligning your body.
Ways to physically prepare:
Chiropractic care & pelvic balancing (Spinning Babies techniques are amazing!)
Prenatal movement & stretching to encourage optimal baby positioning
Breathwork & relaxation techniques to help manage surges during labor
Example: If your first baby was posterior (sunny-side up) and led to a long or stalled labor, focusing on pelvic alignment and baby positioning in pregnancy can make a huge difference in your VBAC experience!
4. Build an Unshakable Support System
You need people around you who believe in your ability to birth. This means: 🗸 Hiring a VBAC-experienced doula for continuous, one-on-one support 🗸 Choosing a provider who trusts your body’s ability to birth vaginally 🗸 Surrounding yourself with VBAC-positive stories (unfollow the negativity!)
Did you know? Studies show that having a doula present significantly increases the chances of a successful VBAC by reducing the likelihood of unnecessary interventions.
5. Advocate for the Birth You Want
Hospitals have routines, but you have choices. Knowing how to advocate for yourself can help ensure your birth is led by informed decision-making, not hospital policies.
Ways to advocate for your VBAC:
Create a birth plan that clearly outlines your VBAC preferences
Ask about hospital VBAC rates before choosing your birth location
Know your rights as a birthing person—you have the right to refuse interventions
Example: Some hospitals have “VBAC policies” that require continuous fetal monitoring, which limits movement. You can ask for wireless monitors or intermittent monitoring to keep labor moving! Do some googling for your nearby hospitals, because their policies can vary widely even if geographically close!
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Your VBAC Birth?
Your VBAC journey deserves education, preparation, and unwavering support. At Looma Birth, Elizabeth, our founder is a 2x VBAC mama! Elizabeth still takes a few select clients a year and many of our doulas are VBAC specialty trained! Let us help you feel confident, informed, and supported.
Book a free consultation today to find the right doula or class for your journey. Let’s make your VBAC experience empowered and positive!
Have You Considered a VBAC? Let’s Chat!
Are you planning a VBAC or curious to learn more? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
