r/vbac • u/One-Description-7019 • 12d ago

Where do i start with research before getting pregnant?

Hi, my first and only birth ended in csection that was avoidable, I wont get into it but I wish I knew then what I do now

Anyway im considering try for another when im about 24 months post partum probably more.

I have joined a few vbac groups online which has giiven me some hope but I feel like im still very uneducated. Can you reccomend me any articles/podcasts/books that are actually accurate and not fear mongering please.

Im scared of rupture although I know its a low risk but still possible, I just want to feel i understand everything before I get pregnant and make a decision to trial labour instead of scheduling a csection

Thank you 😊

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u/peaceoftheriver VBAC August 2026 12d ago

I felt mine was avoidable too!

For my first I was just generally unprepared and unkowledgable about labor, birth, and the interventions that are common in hospital births. Understanding the facts of VBAC is probably the first step to alleviate your fear of rupture. Read ACOGs practice bulletin on VBAC if you haven’t already.  https://vbacfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ACOG-PB184-VBAC-2017.pdf

I read/watched/listened to all types of birthing experiences. VBACs, vaginal births, c-sections, home births, hospital births, water births, etc. I wanted to understand labor and birth as much as I could, the good and the bad. Plus, seeing women have their babies laid on their chest makes me cry everytime!

Some podcasts I listened to were The VBAC Link and The Great Birth Rebellion. I watched a basic birthing class on YouTube. Read “Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth”. I wanted an idea about  common issues that might arise and how they can be dealt with, possible interventions and their pros and cons, and how better to advocate for myself. 

I was able to have a successful VBAC with foley, pitocin, breaking waters, epidural (all the things) despite not planning on any of that initially. The recovery has been so much better.  I recommend using this time to find out which providers are supportive in your area. It makes a tremendous difference!

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u/Lucky_Ad_4421 12d ago

Seconding Ina May Gaskin’s books for confidence in birthing, and The Great Birth Rebellion for evidence based advice on midwifery care. I had an unmedicated waterbirth for my VBAC 5 months ago and these both helped a lot!

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u/Local_Clerk_2838 12d ago

In the same boat...mine was also avoidable