Frequently asked questions
Why are VBAC births increasing in the U.S.?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saidVBAC deliveriesrose from 2016 — the first year that statistics on VBAC births were available — to 2018. A 2020 story inU.S. News & World Reportsaid the CDC has a goal of reducing the number of first-time Cesarean sections and increasing the number ofVBAC birthsin the U.S. It is not clear exactly what the CDC is doing to reach their goal, but for our part here at TheVBACLink, we are promotingVBAC birthsand training parents anddoulasin the techniques of how to make achieving a VBAC easier and safer.
Are VBAC deliveries dangerous?
VBAC deliveries are have a slightly higher risk than a typical vaginal birth, but they are often not as risky as some doctors and hospitals would lead parents to believe. Many doctors believe that it is better and easier to simply do a repeat C-section on pregnant women who have had them before than to attend them through a VBAC delivery. However, we believe that foregoing an attempt at VBAC birth just because the risk is slightly elevated is short-sighted. After all, C-sections come with their own risks. Women’s bodies are built to deliver babies vaginally. If they cannot, or in an emergency, then using other methods is warranted, but the mother’s wishes for the type of delivery she wants should be respected.
How do I find a VBAC doula near me?
At TheVBACLink, we provide an easy-to-use directory ofVBAC doulasin your area. They have completeddoula training onlineand have achieved theirVBAC doula certification. While all ourVBAC doulasare qualified to assist at yourVBAC delivery, we encourage you to contact a few in your area and reach out to them in order to find theVBAC doulayou are most comfortable with.
Is it hard to become a VBAC doula?
Learning any new skill is challenging, but that’s what makes it worth doing.Doulasshould undergo training in order to support any type of birth, and extra training is even more important to attend aVBAC delivery.Becoming a doulawho helps mothers achieveVBAC birthsis extremely rewarding. As difficult and painful as many typical vaginal births are,VBAC deliveriescan be even more stressful. If we did not haveVBAC doulas, not as many pregnant women would be able to attemptVBAC births. We offerVBAC doula trainingbecause we want more women to have choices about how they deliver their babies.
What will I learn in online VBAC doula training?
As adoula, you are already intimately familiar with the birthing process. However, being aVBAC doulais adding an important skill set to your repertoire. In ourVBAC doula training online, we teachdoulashow to recognize warning signs during aVBAC birth, how to support and advocate for parents committed to attempting aVBAC deliveryand how to help them prepare for aVBAC birth.