“Birth Reclaimed: VBAC After Cesarean and How to Prepare for the Birth You Want”

From Disempowered to Empowered: My Journey to a Healing Birth

When I was pregnant for the first time, I believed in my body’s ability to birth. What I didn’t realize was that faith alone wasn’t enough. I lacked support. I didn’t understand my options. And I didn’t know how tension—fear, confusion and pressure—could work against labor.

After 52 hours of labor, I was told I needed a cesarean. I still remember the disappointment and grief that filled my whole body. Not just because of the surgery, but because I felt completely disempowered. In the moment, I didn’t understand how deeply that loss of agency could affect not only me, but my baby.

When I became pregnant again, I was determined to have a different experience.

Even though I was busy chasing a toddler, and hadn’t yet discovered yoga or meditation—I was better informed. I trusted myself more. I got support to help me physically and emotionally. I labored at home as long as I could, set boundaries in the hospital (no TV) and asked for what I needed to relieve the pain.

That VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) wasn’t just about the vaginal birth itself and the benefits for my baby—it was about reclaiming my voice. I made the decisions. I felt safe. I felt seen. And I felt powerful. Too few birthing women feel that in hospital settings today—but it is possible.

So what if you've had a C-section?

You’re not alone, Mama.

Having a C-section can bring up strong emotions like anger, grief, confusion and even trauma. Research shows that debriefing soon after birth (ideally within 72 hours and again at 4–6 weeks) therapeutic and healing. But even if time has passed, it’s never too late to revisit your experience with compassion, curiosity and support.

Before conceiving again, take time to heal—emotionally and physically.  Pregnancy coaching can help you look inward with compassion and grace, while preparing your body, mind, heart, and soul.

It's generally recommended to wait 18 to 24 months after a C-section before trying to conceive again to recovery from birth and to avoid future complications. Use this time to nourish yourself, reflect, and begin assembling your support team—including a VBAC-friendly provider, a birth doula, a mental health counselor, pelvic floor therapist, and acupuncturist. Choose people who make you feel safe, respected and heard.

Is VBAC safe?

In most cases—yes. According to ACOG, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, VBAC is safe for many women and available at institutions that have immediate access to emergency care.

Risks like uterine rupture are low (less than 1%), and research shows that VBAC has about a 70% success rate. A complication like placenta accreta is low too (about 3% after a cesarean).

Of course, safety should always be assessed with your provider—but you get to ask questions, weigh options and make the choice that’s right for you.

Preparing for a VBAC takes more than hope—it takes intention.

Preparing for another baby can bring healing and joy.

It can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling work, family, and a toddler. That’s where a support team comes in.

As a VBAC mama, coach, and doula, I walk alongside you on this journey. Here’s how I support my clients:

During Pregnancy:

• Share evidence-based information so you feel informed, not fearful

• Teach tools to prepare your body, calm your nervous system and deepen your connection to your baby

• Help reframe birth beliefs through neuroscience and compassionate coaching

• Equip partners to support you effectively

• Support toddler transitions as you prepare to grow your family

During Labor & Birth:

• With birth doula support, I Provide physical, emotional, and informational support

• Offer comfort measures like movement, breath work, acupressure, and Reiki

• Encourage and empower you—reminding you of your strength, wisdom and ability to advocate for your care

In Early Postpartum:

• Nurture the entire family with loving care

• Help you integrate the experience and step confidently into motherhood

• Help with meal prep

• Provide support for newborn and toddler care

What the research shows:

• VBAC success rate: ~70%

• VBAC rate in the U.S.: ~16%

• Having doula support: Reduces risk of cesarean, increases positive birth experiences—even when surgery is needed

When you feel supported, safe and connected to your body, birth can be healing—and joyful.

Here’s the invitation:

If you've had a cesarean and feel called to a different kind of experience next time, start preparing now. Learn your options. Begin your empowering and healing journey. Build a team around you that honors your intuition and supports your voice.

You deserve a birth experience where you feel respected, powerful and in control. Your baby deserves to be welcomed into a space of calm and love.
Your whole family deserves to be held—through pregnancy, birth and the early days of postpartum.

Let’s talk about what’s possible for your next birth.
If you're considering a VBAC and want to explore your options, I'm here to support you.

📩 Click the button below to reach out for a free consult.
🌿 Let's create a plan that centers your voice, your values and your vision of birth.

You don’t have to do this alone.

Get the birth your want and deserve.