“Once a cesarean, always a cesarean” is a common phrase that many mothers hear time and time again from both care providers as well as family and friends. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) used to be unheard of! Even today, some doctors believe in the practice of repeat cesareans rather than risk uterine rupture, but many C-section women do not want to go through this major abdominal surgery again. With many reasons stemming from physical recovery times and the mental stress of “feeling robbed” of a traditional delivery, many women are pushing for a VBAC. The good news is —VBACs are becoming more common and acceptable among OBGYNs, midwives, and doulas.
If you have had a C-section and are looking to increase your chances of a successful VBAC, One Core Repair provides you with the best core strengthening exercises and education to help you reach your delivery goals. In addition to finding a supportive VBAC care provider, there are many things you can do to help prepare your body physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Read on to learn more and begin your VBAC journey.
VBAC Success Rates
With repeat C-sections carrying a greater risk for infection than vaginal delivery, The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has declared VBACs a safe and viable option for women who have previously experienced a C-section, with studies showing a 60 to 80% success rate. While uterine rupture (a tear in the wall of the uterus) is the main concern in a VBAC, studies have shown that “for women who have had one prior C-section with a low-transverse (horizontal) incision, the risk of uterine rupture is less than one percent.” A failed VBAC can result in an emergency C-section, which is why it is important to speak with your doctor about your VBAC success likelihood, taking into account the associated risks along with your personal health goals and medical history.
Start Early & Remain Consistent
At One Core Repair, our program has been specifically designed for parents by parents. We too have been in your shoes considering the possibilities of VBAC after a C-section. While everyone’s reasons and health needs are different, our core mission is to provide expecting mothers, postpartum mothers, and major abdominal surgery or hysterectomy patients, with the best core strengthening exercises to help them regain their strength and confidence.
If you are considering VBAC, the most important thing you can do is to start early in your preparation and remain consistent. Some helpful tips for preparing your body include:
- Revisit your last labor and delivery story
- Review your medical records
- Find a supportive VBAC provider
- Confirm you are a good candidate for VBAC
- Read positive birth stories
- Talk with a support person or therapist about any fears or concerns
- Enroll in a core stability and strengthening program
Pregnancy Exercises to Prepare for a VBAC
At One Core Repair, we are committed to helping you rebuild your core after a C-section, allowing you to accomplish your health and future reproductive goals. A key component to your VBAC success is your physical well-being. As many postpartum C-section women know, the care you receive from providers is quite lacking often leaving you feeling lost, discouraged, and in pain — and worst of all believing all this is normal. While common due to the lack of pelvic floor support and therapy care, lower back pain, abdominal bulging, pain during intercourse, and incontinence are not normal. In addition to addressing the underlying core instability and weakness that is the root cause of many of these postpartum issues, One Core Repair provides the best core strengthening exercises to help women prepare for their next pregnancy journey including:
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Abdominal exercises
- Pelvic floor therapy
- And More!
Preparing your Mind, Body, and Soul
Are you ready to take control of your next pregnancy journey? One Core Repair is here to help you prepare your mind, body, and soul for a successful VBAC. Explore our available programs and find the support you need with One Core Repair.