What is a 'VBAC' and why have one?

A VBAC, (pronounced 'vee-back') is the acronym used for the term 'Vaginal Birth After (one or more) Caesarean' births. Other terms used to describe when women plan to labour and give birth vaginally after a previous Caesarean, include Trial of Labour (TOL), Trial of Scar (TOS) or the American term, Trial of Labour after Caesarean (or TOLAC).

Extensive medical research continues to support the safety of a VBAC, when compared to the possible risks involved in having a repeated Caesarean operation for non-medical reasons. Because of this, planning a VBAC has become more commonplace in recent years, as the practice becomes an increasingly more accepted option.

Many women choose to explore the option of planning a VBAC for various personal and / or health reasons. Or they may start to consider a VBAC if it is suggested to them by their caregiver.

Some reasons for planning a VBAC can include one or many of the following:

You'd prefer a vaginal birth next time
You felt that your previous Caesarean was possibly unnecessary
You feel incomplete, unfulfilled or traumatised by your previous Caesarean experience
Taking care of a toddler is much easier if you are recovering from a vaginal birth

You'd prefer a vaginal birth next time. For some women, they feel that their previous Caesarean birth was necessary and the birth experience itself was acceptable and straight forward, but they would prefer to have a vaginal birth next time around, unless there is a medical reason to repeat the Caesarean again.

For other women the Caesarean may have been a negative experience and / or very unexpected. It may be that you or your baby experienced unwanted side effects or complications from the previous operation or anaesthetic that was used. Perhaps you were unconscious for the operation and missed out on having tangible memories of your child's birth.