VBAC

Vaginal birth after a previous caesarean (VBAC) is increasingly popular and increasingly available to women, assuming they know about it. Practitioner recommendations and poor previous birth experiences are just two of the factors leading many women to assume that they need a caesarean next time round. Two of the four most common reasons for having a repeat caesarean currently are previous caesarean and breech. In fact, both are a matter of opinion and decisions should be based on individual circumstances.

Caesarean Birth: A positive approach to preparation and recovery dedicates whole sections to the question of VBAC, its benefits and risks. There is also lots of information about how to try and avoid a caesarean, if that is your preference. There is a list of VBAC specific resources at the back of the book too.

We believe a VBAC ought to be a valid choice assuming, as when expressing a preference for a planned caesarean, that such a preference is grounded in realistic expectations and balanced information.