If you’ve had a cesarean delivery in the past, you may still be able to deliver vaginally for your next baby. At Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery in Clifton, New Jersey, Paola Escobar, MSN, CNM, and the team of midwives provide vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) delivery options for mothers who want to deliver as naturally as possible. Call Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery or schedule a consultation online today to find out if you’re a VBAC candidate.
VBAC stands for vaginal birth after a cesarean (C-section). With nearly a third of babies delivered via C-section, it’s common to want to try a natural, vaginal delivery for later children. While historically, it was believed to be safer to continue to have C-sections, today approximately 90% of women who have had previous C-sections are candidates for VBAC.
Your reasons for wanting a VBAC are your own, but many women want to have a natural pregnancy with few interventions. The vaginal birthing process provides benefits for your baby, such as helping to clear their lungs.
As the mother, you also benefit from a VBAC. You don’t need to have surgery, which reduces the number of risks and allows you to go home with your baby more quickly. If you’re planning on having more children, a VBAC also reduces the risks associated with multiple C-sections such as placental problems.
Your midwife needs to consider several factors to determine if you are a good candidate for VBAC. For example, if you’ve had a baby vaginally either before or after your last C-section, your chances of successful VBAC increase. Other factors include:
If you want to have a VBAC, you will need to deliver in a hospital so that if your labor doesn’t go as planned, you are in a facility that can accommodate an emergency C-section. At Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery, Dr. Charles Haddad, MD, FACOG, is the consulting OB/GYN who is available for C-section deliveries.
If you’re considering a VBAC, talk to your midwife about your wishes and be honest when you answer questions about your health and previous pregnancies and deliveries. While the team at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery work with you to accommodate your wishes, the health and safety of you and your baby are paramount.
Call Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery or make an appointment online today to learn more about VBAC and if it’s a delivery option for you.
