Giving Birth Vaginally After a C-Section. What Should I Choose?Is it Safe? (VBAC VS Repeat C-section, Evidence & Guidance)
- Anne Matei
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 27
Not an easy choice
For many parents, pregnancy after a cesarean brings a ton of questions:“Can I give birth vaginally this time?”“What’s safest for me and my baby?”“How do I decide when both choices feel so big (and maybe scary)?”
When you had a previous c-section, your uterus has a scar, Hence, the main concern with a "VBAC" (Vaginal Birth After C-section) is usually uterine rupture. But really, what are the risks? the pros and cons of both options?
As a doula, I am not a medical professional. I will never tell anyone what is safe/unsafe, good or bad for them. But I encourage you getting informed and talking to your medical care team openly about your preferences and fears, to make an informed decision.
Making an informed decision
After a cesarean, you’re often told you have two options:
Plan a repeat C-section
Repeat C-section usually avoids the risk of rupture of the uterus (and brings predictability, but it is major surgery with its own challenges for healing, bonding, and future pregnancies.
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
VBAC offers the chance to experience labor and often a faster recovery, less surgery, and fewer risks in future pregnancies. But it does carry a small risk of uterine scare rupture, which can become an emergency.
Both come with benefits and risks. What matters most is that you feel informed, supported, and respected in your choice, and understand what this means for your under your own medical circumstances (yours/baby's)
What really helps in making the decision
What can support you taking your decision is:
Access to clear, unbiased information — not pressure, fear ... get facts not opinions!
Supportive care providers who will answer your questions honestly.
A safe birth setting where you feel well and safe, with skilled providers supporting VBAC are by your side
Space to listen to your own heart: your values, your previous birth story, and your hopes for this birth.
Here is a wonderful worksheet that can help you balance your own pros and cons. Use this as a talking point to talk to your medical care team.
Find the Decision That is Right for YOU!
💜 This is a highly personal decision.
💜 What matters most is that you are the one making the decision.
If you opt for a VBAC: Find a provider that Supports you!
Current ethical guidelines in maternity care recommend that your care providers give evidence-based information about your birth options early in your pregnancy.
Your care provider should explain the benefits and risks of VBAC compared to a routine repeat cesarean and then respect the informed decision you ultimately make. You can find all Berlin birth setting here.
In Berlin many clinics support VBAC (more or less actively), and some Geburtshaus as well (for example if you had a break of 2 years between C-section and due date of next baby, some Geburtshaus will be able to take you in). Contact them, ask to meet them, tell them about your story, wishes, questions. This is the best way for you to get a sense of where , how and with whom you want to give birth.
Get support from a doula
✨ Evidence shows that having a doula can increase the chance of a successful VBAC and reduce the need for another cesarean.
As your doula, I offer more than emotional support during birth, I also provide a listening ear as you weigh your options, so you feel truly heard and never alone in making these big decisions
Your Berlin doula for a treasured birth
Book your free call today
SOURCES
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/sites/default/files/2017-06/Thinking-about-VBAC-English.pdf
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