VBAC Birth Plan (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
A birth plan for attempting vaginal birth after previous cesarean section, balancing safety monitoring with VBAC-supportive practices.
About This Birth Plan
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) gives you the opportunity to experience vaginal birth after a previous cesarean. Many women are candidates for VBAC with proper screening and support.
This plan acknowledges the need for additional monitoring while still supporting your efforts for a vaginal birth. Success rates are 60-80% depending on various factors.
VBAC Candidacy & Preparation
- Previous C-section reason: [specify]
- Type of uterine incision: [low transverse preferred]
- Number of previous cesareans: [specify]
- Time since last cesarean: [specify]
- Reviewed VBAC risks and benefits with provider
- Confirmed as good VBAC candidate
- Hospital capable of emergency cesarean
- Provider supportive of VBAC attempt
- Anesthesia and surgical team available 24/7
Labor Support Team
- Partner/spouse for continuous support
- Doula experienced with VBAC
- Provider who is VBAC-supportive
- Support team to provide encouragement
- Positive mindset and confidence in my body
- Understanding that repeat cesarean may be necessary
Monitoring Requirements
- Continuous fetal monitoring required (standard for VBAC)
- Wireless monitoring if available to allow movement
- Regular vital sign checks
- Assessment of uterine activity
- Watch for signs of uterine rupture (rare but serious)
- IV access required (hep lock acceptable)
- Remain at hospital after admission (no home early labor)
Movement & Positioning
- Freedom to move and change positions within monitoring requirements
- Use of birth ball, peanut ball
- Upright positions when possible
- Access to shower/tub for comfort (check hospital policy)
- Position changes to help labor progress
- Squatting bar or rebozo for positioning
- Avoid flat on back position
Pain Management
- Open to all pain management options
- Start with non-medical comfort measures
- Epidural available if desired
- Pain relief does not equal failure
- IV pain medication option
- Nitrous oxide if available
- Supportive atmosphere regardless of pain relief choice
Labor Management
- Allow spontaneous labor to begin (no elective induction if possible)
- Avoid or minimize Pitocin (increases rupture risk)
- If induction necessary, careful monitoring required
- No misoprostol/Cytotec (contraindicated for VBAC)
- Mechanical methods for induction if needed (Foley bulb)
- Allow adequate time for labor progression
- Patience with labor timeline
- Position changes before interventions
- Discuss all interventions before implementing
Pushing & Delivery
- Push when I feel the urge
- Choose effective pushing position
- Allow time for perineum to stretch
- Avoid episiotomy unless necessary
- Slow, controlled delivery
- Encourage and support during pushing phase
- Understanding that prolonged pushing may prompt cesarean evaluation
Signs Requiring Cesarean
- Fetal distress not responsive to position changes
- Signs or symptoms of uterine rupture
- Failure to progress despite adequate contractions
- Abnormal bleeding
- Immediate explanation of reason for cesarean decision
- Quick but calm transfer to OR if needed
- Understanding this is not failure but safe birth prioritization
Successful VBAC - Immediate After
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact
- Delayed cord clamping
- Partner cuts cord
- Celebration of VBAC success
- Breastfeeding within first hour
- Deliver placenta naturally
- Check incision site from previous cesarean
- Photos and quiet bonding time
If Repeat Cesarean Needed
- Clear explanation of medical reason
- Time to process decision if not emergency
- Partner present in OR
- Family-centered cesarean approach
- Skin-to-skin in OR if possible
- Positive support from team
- Acknowledgment of effort and courage
- Understanding that safe delivery is priority
Newborn Care
- Rooming-in regardless of birth method
- Immediate skin-to-skin (even after repeat cesarean)
- Breastfeeding support
- Vitamin K, eye ointment as per standard preferences
- Delay routine procedures during bonding
- All newborn care explained
⚠️ Important Considerations
- •VBAC success rate is 60-80% for appropriate candidates
- •Risk of uterine rupture is less than 1% but serious
- •Continuous monitoring is required
- •Must deliver in hospital with emergency surgical capability
- •Some hospitals and providers don't offer VBAC
- •Pitocin and certain induction methods increase rupture risk
- •Previous vaginal delivery increases VBAC success rate
- •Multiple previous cesareans decrease success rate
- •Emotional preparation for possible repeat cesarean important
- •VBAC is not "all or nothing" - trying is valuable even if cesarean needed
❓ Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
Discuss these questions at a prenatal appointment to ensure your provider supports your birth plan:
- 1.Am I a good candidate for VBAC?
- 2.What is your VBAC success rate?
- 3.What factors might require a repeat cesarean?
- 4.Is continuous monitoring required?
- 5.Can I move around during labor?
- 6.What pain relief options are available?
- 7.Do you support spontaneous labor start, or would you recommend induction?
- 8.What induction methods are safe for VBAC?
- 9.How long will you allow labor to progress?
- 10.At what point would you recommend cesarean?
- 11.Can I try VBAC if I go past my due date?
- 12.Is your hospital equipped for emergency cesarean?
- 13.How will you monitor for uterine rupture signs?
- 14.Will my previous cesarean scar be checked during labor?
🛍️ Bag & Recovery Picks for Your VBAC Plan
Comfort and preparation products other expecting parents find helpful at this stage. These are convenience picks, not medical advice — always follow your provider's guidance.
Hospital Bag Robe & Slippers
Cozy robe, socks and slippers to make your hospital stay feel more like home.
Check Price on Amazon →Cooling Postpartum Care Kit
Soothing peri-bottle and cooling pads to keep on hand for recovery comfort.
Check Price on Amazon →Nursing & Maternity Bras
Soft, stretchy wireless bras sized for changing curves and easy feeding later.
Check Price on Amazon →Amazon Associates Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These recommendations are editorially chosen comfort and preparation products and are not medical advice.
Create Your Personalized Birth Plan
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This birth plan template is a general guide. Always discuss your birth preferences with your healthcare provider to ensure they align with your specific medical situation, facility capabilities, and safety requirements. Birth plans are flexible guidelines - medical necessity may require changes.