Resources for VBAC or Repeat C-Section
Childbirth Connection's Pregnancy Topic on VBAC or Repeat C-Section
We provide in-depth coverage through our Pregnancy Topic to help inform you about vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) or repeat c-section:- VBAC or Repeat C-Section introduction explains why this decision is important and the trustworthy guidance available in this section
- Options for VBAC consists of a comparative look at which is safer for you, your baby, and any future pregnancies you may have: a planned cesarean section or VBAC
- Best Evidence on VBAC presents results of recent systematic reviews that can help women compare risks of planned VBAC and of planned c-section
- Tips & Tools Related to VBAC provides tips for having a safer, more satisfying VBAC and for having a safer, more satisfying repeat cesarean
- Cesarean Section Trends: Graph & Links: up to date links and graphs on c-section and VBAC
Other Childbirth Connection Resources Relating to VBAC vs. Repeat C-Section
- Cesarean Section, an in-depth Pregnancy Topic to provide general information about cesarean section and how it compares with vaginal birth
- Preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, an in-depth Pregnancy Topic to help women avoid pelvic floor injury when giving birth
- Advice for Women About Cesarean and Vaginal Birth
- Comparison of Former and Current Policy towards VBAC, from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (PDF)
- Transforming Maternity Care Data Center - includes data such as VBAC rates by state and, where available, by hospital.
- Why Is the National U.S. C-Section Rate So High?
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) versus Repeat C-Section for Women Who Had a Cesarean in the Past
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Birth Choices (2006), by Allison Shorten. This decision making tool will enable women who have had a caesarean birth to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of elective repeat cesarean or a vaginal birth. Based on research and developed through a consensus process involving customers, midwives and doctors, it has been tested through a multi-site randomized controlled trial to assess its effectiveness. Learn more about Birth Choices  |
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Birthing Normally After a Caesarean or Two: A Guide for Pregnant Women; Exploring Reasons and Practicalities for VBAC (2011), by Hélène Vadeboncoeur. Part 1 focuses on the decision to plan a vaginal birth after cesarean or to plan a repeat cesarean, and Part 2 focuses on preparing for a safe, successful VBAC. Learn more about Birthing Normally After a Caesarean or Two from Amazon |
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: New Insights - NIH Consensus Development Conference Final Report, prepared by independent panels of health professionals and public representatives on the basis of the results of a systematic literature review and the proceedings of a public meeting of scientists and stakeholders.
A Woman's Guide to VBAC: Navigating the NIH Consensus Recommendations, a consumer primer summarizing the NIH Consensus Development Conference and offering support for decision making about VBAC versus repeat cesarean section, available from Lamaze International.
International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC); includes a page of ICAN White Papers.
VBAC.com, provides childbearing women and maternity care professionals access to research-based information, resources, continuing education and support for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean).
Videos of Cesarean Surgery
Hartford Hospital: Birth by Cesarean Section
University of Michigan: Surgical Video, Cesarean Delivery
Resources to Help Find Hospitals and Caregivers that Offer VBAC
The VBAC Policy Database from the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) is compiled by volunteers who call all hospitals in the U.S. to ask about their VBAC policies and usual procedures. You should call hospitals in your community and nearby to confirm their policies. If they offer VBAC, find out if there are any limitations.
International Cesarean Awareness Network: ICAN Chapters, a local chapter can provide invaluable assistance to women seeking information about hospitals and caregivers who support vaginal birth after cesarean; chapters can also offer peer support and advocacy activities.
Local childbirth educators may point you to VBAC-friendly hospitals and caregivers (Childbirth Connection's labor pain resources page can help you find local childbirth educators).
Local doulas may point you to VBAC-friendly hospitals and caregivers (Childbirth Connection's labor support resources page can help you find local doulas).
Resources for the Cesarean Experience and C-Section Recovery
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Cesarean Recovery (2004), by Chrissie Gallagher-Munday. A personal trainer gives special attention to exercise, with color pictures the book covers psychological adjustments, tips for regaining strength, effective exercise and breast-feeding techniques. Learn more about Cesarean Recovery from Amazon |
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Cesarean Section, information for the public (click "NICE guidance written for patients and carers" link).
International Cesarean Awareness Network White Paper: Recovering from a Cesarean Birth: Tips on Healing, information on emotional and physical recovery from cesarean surgery.
CSectionRecovery.com: Practical Tips for Cesarean Recovery, includes online forums and pages on the following topics: general c-section resources, emotional recovery and postpartum, depression, postpartum doulas, breastfeeding, exercise, medical and statistical information.
Emotional Recovery From a Cesarean, in-depth discussion about many dimensions of this topic, including grief, bonding, breastfeeding, future pregnancies, and resources.
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The Essential C-Section Guide: Pain Control, Healing at Home, Getting Your Body Back, and Everything Else You Need to Know About Cesarean Birth (2004), by Maureen Connolly and Dana Sullivan. This book provides answers to important questions about what the surgery entails, what a woman can expect as she recovers, and what considerations should be made for future pregnancies and deliveries. Learn more about The Essential C-Section Guide from Amazon |
Resources for Help During C-Section Recovery While Caring for a Newborn
It would be wise to line up friends and family to provide help if you will be having surgery alongside the challenges of caring for a new baby and one or more older children. You may also want to consider arranging for services of a postpartum doula.
DONA International: Find a Postpartum Doula, online directory for support, advice and assistance with your recovery, your baby's needs, your relationships, and household tasks (see also DONA International's position paper: The Postpartum Doula's Role in Maternity Care).
DoulaMatch.net, online directory of postpartum doulas providing information about availability, training and certification, and customer feedback.
Resources for Peer Support for Thoughts and Feelings About Cesarean Birth
International Cesarean Awareness Network: ICAN Chapters, online directory for finding local chapters; also provides information for finding local contacts and starting a chapter.
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Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality of maternity care through research, education, advocacy and policy. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families.
Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality of maternity care through research, education, advocacy and policy. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families.
Most recent page update: 11/16/2012