One of the biggest factors in the success of a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is your health care provider. In some cases, the choice of a health care provider can mean the difference between VBAC success and another c section. The first thing you should do after deciding to try for VBAC is to start looking for the right doctor or midwife.
The attitude of the doctor has a big impact on achieving success with a VBAC delivery. Some doctors are in favor of VBAC and will be supportive of your efforts. However, not all doctors feel this way. Some are against VBAC and discourage it. This is often due to a fear of litigation in the event something was to go wrong.
Ideally, you want a doctor or midwife who is supportive and has knowledge and experience with VBAC deliveries. A health care provider who doesn’t routinely use interventions during labor and believes birth is a natural process is likely to support VBAC births. When choosing a provider, ask about his or her beliefs about birth and prenatal care in general and VBAC specifically.
If you choose a midwife, there will likely be a back up doctor in the event something was to happen that would prevent VBAC delivery. It is important for you to get an understanding of this doctor’s beliefs surrounding VBAC. In most cases, midwives tend to gravitate toward pro VBAC doctors.
Interview at least three doctors or midwives when choosing a health care provider. Call the office to make an appointment for a consultation. You can start with the doctor who delivered your last baby and then call a few others. This will give you more options and you will have a better feel for the philosophy of each provider.
Be prepared with a list of questions to ask during the appointment. Start by asking the doctor how he or she feels about VBAC delivery. Does the doctor support VBAC? Ask about the c section rate and the success rate for VBAC deliveries. Ask questions about prenatal care and care during labor. Are VBAC patients treated any differently than patients who have never had a c section?
There is no guarantee that you will be able to have a VBAC delivery even with the best plan. However, your chances are significantly higher when you are well prepared for the birth and being cared for by a supportive provider who is knowledgeable about VBAC.
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