01/11/2026
I’m a VBAC mom myself! It is something I am incredibly passionate about. 🤗
✨ What is a VBAC?
VBAC = Vaginal Birth After Cesarean.
It means giving birth vaginally after having had a previous C-section.
And yes, for many families, it is a safe, evidence-based, reasonable option.
🤍 Why do people choose VBAC?
Many parents choose VBAC because they want:
✨A physiological birth experience
✨Faster physical recovery
✨Lower risk of infection and blood loss
✨Less impact on future pregnancies
✨More autonomy in labor
✨To avoid repeat major abdominal surgery
VBAC isn’t about “proving your body works.”
It’s about choice, safety, and informed consent.
🌿 Benefits of VBAC?
✔️ Shorter hospital stay
✔️ Lower risk of surgical complications
✔️ Less postpartum pain for many
✔️ Easier bonding and mobility after birth
✔️ Lower risk of placenta accreta in future pregnancies
✔️ Higher chance of spontaneous labor in future births
⚠️ Risks of VBAC (being honest matters)?
The main risk discussed is uterine rupture, which is:
📌Rare (about 0.5–1% depending on factors)
📌But serious when it occurs
📌Why informed monitoring and individualized planning matter
Other risks can include:
🔶Emergency C-section
🔶Labor not progressing
🔶Emotional stress if unsupported
VBAC is not risk-free but neither is repeat C-section.
There is no risk-free way to give birth.
There is only risk-aware, informed choice.
🧠 What increases VBAC success?
✅Prior vaginal birth
✅Spontaneous labor
✅Supportive provider/team
✅Upright movement in labor
✅Patience with labor length
✅Avoiding unnecessary induction when possible
VBAC success rates are often 60–80% when properly supported.
🔥 The real issue?
VBAC is often framed as “dangerous” while repeat surgery is framed as “safe.”
But both carry risks.
The difference is who gets to decide.
VBAC is not reckless.
VBAC is not selfish.
VBAC is not anti-medicine.
VBAC is informed autonomy.
You do not owe anyone a repeat surgery.
You do not owe anyone a vaginal birth.
You owe yourself truth, support, and real options.
Birth after cesarean deserves honesty and not fear tactics.
-Love
Flor Cruz
Badassmotherbirther
