Considering VBAC? Questions to Ask and How a Doula Can Help
Understanding the Big Picture
The U.S. cesarean rate hovers around 32 percent, confirmed through birth-certificate data collected by the CDC NVSS—not from voluntary hospital reports (CDC Data Brief 2023; NVSR 2023).
The World Health Organization suggests population rates above 15 percent rarely improve outcomes (WHO statement).
That gap explains growing interest in TOLAC—a Trial of Labor After Cesarean.
Evidence on VBAC Safety
Guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasize shared decision-making.
Most people with one prior low-transverse incision are candidates for VBAC when resources for emergency surgery exist (ACOG Practice Bulletin 184).
The rare but serious complication is uterine rupture, requiring immediate surgical response.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
“What’s your VBAC rate in the past year?”
“Is anesthesia available 24/7 on this unit?”
“What’s your approach if labor slows?”
“How do you present benefits, risks, and alternatives during labor?”
A red flag: “You can try, but it’s 50/50.”
A green flag: “Here’s how we’ll support you and monitor safely.”
My Role as Your Doula
I help you:
Clarify history and preferences before appointments.
Practice calm, confident communication.
Track an objective timeline during labor to aid later reflection.
Debrief afterward—what worked, what felt empowering, what deserves follow-up.
Advocacy Scripts
“Before proceeding, could you review benefits, risks, and alternatives?”
“Please document that I requested ___ and it was declined.”
Need language support? Request a qualified medical interpreter—your right under ACA §1557 (HHS OCR).