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VBAC
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Ask A Doula
Questions and Answer

Q. I have 3 children all c-sections. #1 wont progress beyond 2cm. #2 induced same thing. #3 planned. I'm pregnant again and I was wondering what are the chances of VBAC. How long should I be in labor before another c-section is preformed? Would I take this labor is my first because I never went beyond 2cm. Please get back to me I'm trying to avoid another. I think I scared myself out of having my other vaginal.

A. Dear Dana,

I'd like to congratulate you on your pregnancy and desire for a vaginal birth this time. There are several ways to go about having a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). The first is of course to choose a caregiver that supports your decision. Next is to read everything you can get your hands on about VBAC.

With a doula at your side during labor, you should be able to labor for as long as it takes to get that baby born. There is no set time limit because of your previous history. The cervix will be opening for the first time, and sometimes that can seem like it does for a mother in labor for the first time. A doula will be able to help you with comfort measures and position suggestions that might help the cervix to dilate and the baby to descend.

Ilana Stein has been working professionally with pregnant women since 1983 as a childbirth educator, labor assistant and breastfeeding consultant. She was originally certified by the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (The Bradley Method), The Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), and Doulas of North America (DONA). She teachs the ALACE Labor Assistant training workshop nationwide. She has spoken at conferences and at the New York University Graduate Program in Midwifery about labor support. She is a Positive Pregnancy and Parenting Fitness (PPPF) instructor and La Leche League Leader. She is also a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor at the local YMCA. She volunteers as the coordinator of the annual New York Area YM-YWCA Women’s Wellness Weekend.