Your Body. Your Birth. Your Choice. - The VBAC Edition.

Your Body. Your Birth. Your Choice.

Hey mama, By my third pregnancy, five years had passed since my last C-section. And for the first time, I was given a choice. A VBAC. A vaginal birth after cesarean. And I didn't dismiss it. I actually sat with it. I thought about it deeply. Because this time, it wasn't just about what was done before — it was about what was possible now. First — What Even Is VBAC? VBAC stands for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean — giving birth vaginally after a previous C-section. And yes, for many women, it is absolutely possible. Research shows that 60–80% of women who attempt VBAC are successful. But here's what nobody told me when I was making my decision: the risks of VBAC were presented loudly. The risks of repeat C-sections were barely mentioned. And that imbalance matters — because both options carry real considerations. What Actually Happened to Me When my provider mentioned VBAC, they didn't sit me down and walk me through what it could look like. They didn't tell me about the 60–80% success rate. They didn't explain how I could prepare my body, what questions to ask, or what factors would make me a good candidate. What they led with was the risk of uterine rupture. No context. No percentage. No "here's what we watch for, here's how we keep you safe." Just — your uterus could rupture. When risk is the first thing you hear — and the only thing — you don't make a decision. You make an escape. And that's exactly what happened. I was scared off before I could even think clearly. I didn't choose a repeat C-section from a place of full information. I chose it from a place of fear. And the worst part? Nobody taught me how I could have safely prepared my body for VBAC. That information existed. I just wasn't given it. My babies tend to run big — 8, sometimes 9 pounds. That's a real factor. My history mattered. But those things deserved a real conversation, not a scare tactic. I deserved to understand all of my options before making one of the most significant decisions of my birth experience. So I chose a repeat C-section. And for me it felt like peace — but I'll always wonder what I would have chosen if I'd been given the full picture first. I'm sharing this because I know I'm not alone. This is the experience of so many mamas — especially Black women — who walk into appointments and walk out with decisions shaped more by what their provider emphasized than by what was actually true. The risk is always put in our faces first. And of course decisions get made from fear when that's all we're given. VBAC is a valid option. For many women it is not only possible — it is successful, safe, and empowering. Which is why it's so important to ask questions, understand your options, and find a provider who will walk alongside you — not just hand you a liability disclaimer. And On the Other Side Choosing a C-section is not giving up. It is not the "easy way out." It is not a failure. It is a decision — one that can be just as informed, just as intentional, and just as courageous. At the end of the day, this isn't about VBAC vs. C-section. It's about informed choices. It's about support. And it's about making sure every woman feels confident in the decision she makes for her body and her baby. If you're considering a VBAC, talk to your doctor. Ask the questions. Understand your history. Know your options. You deserve that. ♥

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." — Proverbs 31:25

Whatever your birth story looks like — past, present, or future — I want you to walk into every decision feeling informed, empowered, and at peace. Not pressured. Not afraid. Not like something just happened to you. As always, I'm here. Reply anytime — I read every one. With so much love, Maame Akua BSN · Birth Doula · Certified Postpartum Doula · MAPS Wellness Concierge