VBAC –
a Safe
Alternative
To a Repeat Cesarean
Did You Know?
Women who deliver vaginally after a previous cesarean are less likely to experience birth-related morbidity such as blood transfusion, ruptured uterus, unplanned hysterectomy, and admission to the Intensive Care Unit than women who have repeat cesareans.”
Failure to provide informed consent during pregnancy and childbirth is a violation of a woman’s fundamental human rights.“
Do you know what one of the biggest risk factors is for having a C-section that you don’t need? It’s the hospital and healthcare providers you use. No matter which hospital you’ll deliver at, talk to your doctor, nurse, or midwife at your pre-natal appointments. Let them know that you only want a C-section if it’s absolutely needed.“
The VBAC Education Project a Review
Holly Smith, CNM, MPH, FACNM
The VBAC Education Project is a well-researched, timely, in-depth resource for women, birthing people, and families. The VBAC Education Project was intentionally created with a focus on patient-centeredness and a human rights approach to decision-making about birth. Cesarean birth continues to be one of the most common surgeries in the United States, and with that comes the predictable consequences such as hemorrhage, blood clots, infection, and—with every subsequent cesarean—a higher risk of placenta accreta spectrum disorder and the associated risks of morbidity and mortality.
Although the United States HealthyPeople 2030 goals to improve maternal health include reducing the number of first cesareans among low-risk women and reducing maternal deaths, increasing access to VBAC is no longer a national priority.
Combining this with recent reports showing the United States with the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed country in the world and the simultaneous far-reaching restrictions on reproductive rights, now more than ever there is a need for clear, concise, unbiased information that gives women and birthing people the tools they need to make informed choices for themselves.
Holly Smith, CNM, MPH, FACNM
Lead editor and author of the Toolkit to Support Vaginal Birth and Reduce Primary Cesareans (CMQCC) Content Advisor to the VBAC Education Project, 2022
VBAC: A Safe Alternative to a Repeat Cesarean
This Slide Set was designed to provide transparency, clarity, support, and guidance regarding birth options available to women and pregnant families who had a prior cesarean to empower them to make decisions that are right for them.
Download the Modules for Free
Introduction
VBAC: A Safe Alternative
to a Repeat Cesarean
Module 1
Maternity Care is Changing –
You Will Have Decisions to Make
Module 2
VBAC: The Benefits and Risks
for Mothers and Babies
Module 3
What Are the Odds of a Uterine Rupture
While Laboring for a VBAC?
Module 4
A Closer Look at Repeat Cesareans:
Benefits and Risks
Module 5
What Are My Chances
of Having a VBAC?
Module 6
The Four Main Reasons for a First Cesarean.
What You Can Do Differently This Time.
Module 7
Helpful Positions for Labor and Birth
Module 8
Coping With the Pain of Labor
Module 9
A Cesarean Can be Traumatic for Both
Parents: A VBAC Can be a Healing Experience
Module 10
Planning a Hospital VBAC
Module 11
Planning a VBAC in a
Free-Standing Birth Center
Module 12
Planning a Home Birth After a Cesarean
(HBAC)
Module 13
Your Rights in Pregnancy and Childbirth
Download All
Download the Introduction and all 13 PDF Modules
Blog
Empowering Expectant Parents: Discovering Your Rights in Pregnancy and Childbirth with Module 13
You have the right to choose how, where, and with whom you want to give birth. To make decisions that are right for you, it’s important to have evidence-based information about the benefits and risks of the care that is being recommended. As expectant parents, you deserve to feel empowered, informed, and in control throughout your pregnancy and childbirth journey. That’s why we are thrilled to introduce Module 13: Your Rights in Pregnancy and Childbirth. This educational slide set provides you with the knowledge and understanding of your rights, enabling you to make informed decisions and advocate for your desired birth. Module 13, a part of the VBAC Education Project, is available as a free download from vbac.com.
Introducing Module 12: Planning a Home VBAC (HBAC) – Making an Informed Decision
We are happy to announce the release of Module 12: Planning a Home VBAC, (HBAC), the latest...
Planning a VBAC in a Free-Standing Birth Center – Module 11, Just Published
We are thrilled to announce the release of Module 11, Planning a VBAC in a Free-Standing Birth...