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Is VBAC safe?

Writer: Katelyn CommerfordKatelyn Commerford
Oct 7, 20243 min read

When we talk about VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean), a very common question that comes up, particularly for those new to the topic, is: Is it safe? And it's a question that I tend to answer with another question... What does "safe" really mean? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because every woman defines safety differently. The concepts of safety and risk aren't black and white, especially when it comes to childbirth.


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Understanding Risk in Birth


Birth, whether it’s a planned VBAC, a repeat caesarean, or a first-time vaginal birth, comes with risks. What this means in essence is that there is no guarantee of a perfectly smooth birth, no matter what mode you choose. The key here is informed decision making. What feels safe for one woman might not for another, and that’s okay.


When exploring VBAC, you might hear about the small risk of uterine rupture, a serious but rare complication. But it’s important to understand that risks also exist with planned repeat caesareans—things like infections, blood clots, and complications from surgery. So, the real question is: What risks are you comfortable with?


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Defining ‘Safety’ for Yourself


The safety of VBAC isn’t just a medical conversation; it’s personal. For some women, the idea of vaginal birth feels like the safer, more empowering option. For others, the certainty of a planned repeat caesarean feels like the best path. Neither choice is inherently better or safer across the board— it’s about understanding what’s right for you.


Here’s some things you might want to consider when defining safety and making informed birth decisions:


  • Your Health History: Your individual health and previous birth experience could play a big role in shaping the safest option for you. Discussing your history with a VBAC-supportive provider will help you make an informed decision.


  • Your Future Birth Plans: How many children are you planning for? This is a really important part of the conversation often forgotten about, as the physical risks associated with caesarean sections increase with each additional surgery.

  • Your Emotional Well-being: For many women, feeling in control and empowered is a significant part of safety. Do you feel confident about the idea of a VBAC, or does it cause stress and anxiety? Does the thought of surgery feel more reassuring, or would you rather try for a vaginal birth? How you feel emotionally is just as important as physical safety.

  • Your Birth Preferences: Some women feel strongly about experiencing a vaginal birth for personal, physical, or emotional reasons (yes, simply 'wanting to experience labour/a vaginal birth' is a perfectly valid reason to want to go for it!) Others prefer the predictability of a planned caesarean. Knowing what you value most will guide you in defining your own sense of safety.


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Informed Birth Choices: Knowledge is Power


The real power lies in informed decisions. VBAC is 'safe' for most women, but it’s not for everyone, and that’s why understanding your individual situation is crucial. Finding a provider who truly supports VBAC and can offer you balanced, evidence-based information is key. It’s about knowing the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives, and feeling fully supported in whichever path you choose.


Some women are comfortable with the uncertainty of labour and prefer to avoid surgery. Others feel safer knowing exactly when and how their baby will be born. Neither choice is wrong, and both deserve to be respected.


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So, Is VBAC Safe?


In the end, safety is subjective. The medical data can give us an overview of risks, but no birth is without them. The safest choice is the one that aligns with your values, your body, and your intuition. You’re the expert in your own experience, and the decision about how to birth after a caesarean is entirely yours.


What matters most is that you have the information, support, and confidence to choose what feels right to you. That’s where true safety comes from—feeling empowered in your decisions, knowing you’ve considered all the facts, and being supported in every step of the journey.


 

My name is Katelyn Commerford and I am a birth and postpartum doula, and birth after caesarean guide, located in Western Sydney. If you want to know more about what I do and how I can help you, please visit my website (where you can also get your free cheat sheet of my favourite VBAC resources), or find me on instagram @katelyn.doulaandnbac where I answer commonly asked questions about planning the next birth after caesarean and share loads pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting content.

  

Katelyn Commerford - Doula and NBAC Guide

Phone: 0431 369 352


 
 
 

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