Reclaiming Birth: Understanding the Rise in VBAC Choices Among Parents Healing from Trauma
- grainne35
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
The experience of childbirth shapes many parents’ lives in profound ways. For those who have had a caesarean birth, especially an unplanned one, the memory can carry feelings of loss, confusion, and even trauma. Increasingly, parents are turning to VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) not just to have a vaginal birth, but to reclaim their sense of control, heal emotionally, and rebuild trust in their bodies. This shift reflects a deeper need for preparation, healing, and empowerment rather than luck or chance.
Recent data shows a sharp rise in caesarean births, with caesareans (planned and emergency) increasing to 46% of all births in England. Fewer than half of births are straightforward vaginal deliveries. While caesareans save lives and are sometimes necessary, the emotional impact of an unexpected surgical birth often remains unaddressed. Many parents feel unheard, disrespected, or sidelined during their birth experience. This blog explores why more parents are choosing VBAC as a path to healing and empowerment.
The Emotional Impact of Caesarean Births
A caesarean birth can be a life-saving intervention, but it often comes with emotional consequences that are less visible. Many parents describe their caesarean experience as one where they felt like passive observers rather than active participants. The loss of control during labour and delivery can lead to feelings of grief, guilt, or anger. These emotions do not always stem from the surgery itself but from the way decisions were made and communicated.
Parents often ask themselves:
Did I have enough information to make informed choices?
Was my voice heard and respected?
Did I feel safe and supported throughout the process?
When the answers are no, the birth experience can feel like something that happened to them, not with them. This disconnect can leave lasting scars and a desire to reclaim the birth experience in future pregnancies.
Why Parents Are Choosing VBAC
When parents consider VBAC, their motivation often goes beyond simply wanting a vaginal birth. Many express a desire to:
Trust their body again after feeling betrayed or uncertain following a caesarean.
Be involved in decisions about their care and birth plan.
Understand what happened during their previous birth to process and heal.
Feel strong and capable rather than scared or powerless.
VBAC offers a chance to rewrite the birth story with more agency and confidence. It is a step towards healing from past trauma and reclaiming the power that was lost.
Preparing for a Successful VBAC
Preparation plays a crucial role in the VBAC journey. Parents who choose VBAC often invest time in learning about their options, understanding the risks and benefits, and building a supportive care team. Key steps include:
Educating themselves about VBAC guidelines and what to expect during labour.
Finding a supportive healthcare provider who respects their wishes and provides clear information.
Creating a birth plan that outlines preferences while remaining flexible.
Building physical strength through prenatal exercises tailored to support vaginal birth.
Addressing emotional healing through counseling or support groups focused on birth trauma.
This preparation helps parents approach VBAC with confidence and realistic expectations.
Reclaiming your power
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is: "I don't really have a choice." You do! The NHS offers choices. The challenge is that many parents don't know what those choices are, how to access them, or how to have conversations that ensure their wishes are properly heard.
As a doula, I help you understand:
Your rights within maternity care
The evidence surrounding VBAC
NHS guidelines and recommendations
Questions to ask your care providers
How to make informed decisions
How to advocate for yourself confidently
How to create a birth plan that reflects your values and priorities
I don't make decisions for you. I help you understand your options so you can make decisions that feel right for you. Because informed choice is empowering. And empowered parents make different decisions than frightened parents.
Addressing Common Concerns About VBAC
Many parents worry about the safety of VBAC, especially after hearing stories of uterine rupture or other complications. While risks exist, research shows that VBAC is a safe option for most parents with a previous caesarean. In the NHS the sucess rate of a VBAC is currently 70%. Knowing the facts helps reduce fear and build trust in the process.
Healing Beyond the Physical Birth
VBAC is not only about the physical act of giving birth vaginally. It is also about emotional healing and reclaiming a sense of self. Many parents find that VBAC helps them:
Process unresolved feelings from their previous birth.
Build confidence in their body’s ability to give birth.
Experience a birth that feels more aligned with their values and desires.
Strengthen their bond with their baby through a more connected birth experience.
This healing can have lasting positive effects on mental health and family well-being.
Why a Positive Birth Matters
A positive birth is not defined by whether your baby is born vaginally or by caesarean.
A positive birth is one where you feel informed, respected, supported and involved.
But for many parents who have experienced a difficult first birth, achieving a VBAC can be profoundly healing. I've watched parents walk into their second birth carrying fear and leave carrying something entirely different.
Strength
Pride
Confidence
Trust in themselves
A renewed connection to their bodies
They stop seeing themselves as someone whose body "failed"
They begin to see themselves as capable
You Deserve More Than Just Another Birth
If you are pregnant after a caesarean and wondering whether a VBAC is possible for you, know this:
You are not asking for too much.
You are not selfish for wanting something different.
You are not chasing an unrealistic dream.
You deserve information.
You deserve support.
You deserve to understand your options.
You deserve to feel powerful in your birth journey.
And whether your next baby arrives through a VBAC or another caesarean, my role is to help you approach that birth feeling informed, confident and in control. Because healing begins long before labour starts. And when preparation meets belief, incredible things can happen.
That transformation doesn't just affect birth. It will change how you enter parenthood.
How you care for yourself. How you bond with your baby and how you remember your story.
Parents choosing VBAC are not chasing luck or a perfect birth. They are seeking preparation, healing, and a way to reclaim their power after a birth experience that may have left them feeling unheard or disconnected. As caesarean rates rise, understanding and supporting this choice becomes more important. With the right information, care, and community, VBAC can offer a meaningful path to healing and empowerment for many families.
At Pod to Pea Doula Services, I help parents move from fear to confidence, from uncertainty to understanding, and from simply hoping for a VBAC to truly believing it is possible.
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