If you’ve had a cesarean birth before, you may be wondering what your options are for your next delivery. Can you give birth vaginally? Can that happen at home? For many people, the answer is yes. A VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, can be a safe and powerful choice, even at home.
At Midwife360, we believe in giving you clear, supportive information to help you make the best decision for your body and your birth. Many people who had a cesarean go on to have a healthy, safe vaginal birth in their own home with the support of a midwife team.
What Is a VBAC?
A VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, is when you give birth vaginally after having a previous cesarean. It allows your body to go through labor and birth naturally. Many people find they recover faster and feel more emotionally connected to their birth when it happens vaginally.
Choosing a VBAC at home gives you the comfort of familiar surroundings, freedom to move as you like, and a chance to be fully in control of your experience. Home birth often means fewer interventions and more personal care.
Still, VBAC at home is not for everyone. It depends on your health history, how your current pregnancy is going, and how close you are to a hospital in case of emergency.
Is a VBAC At Home Safe?
Safety is one of the biggest concerns people have about having a VBAC at home. Research shows that for healthy people with low-risk pregnancies, home birth can be just as safe as hospital birth when properly planned. Many studies show that home births also have fewer interventions and lower rates of repeat cesareans.
You may be a good candidate for VBAC at home if:
- You are having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy
- Your midwife has experience with VBAC at home
- You are close to a hospital in case of an emergency
- You have a solid plan in place in case you need to transfer
Having had a cesarean before does not automatically mean you are high risk. Many people can safely plan a home VBAC with the right team and support.
Why Choose To Have a VBAC at Home?
There are many reasons to consider a home VBAC. Being in your own space helps you feel calm, confident, and supported. You get to decide who is with you, how you move, what you wear, and when you eat or rest.
Home birth usually involves fewer medical procedures. This means lower chances of induction, pain medication, or other interventions that might lead to another cesarean. Many people who had a very medicalized first birth are looking for a different, more natural experience the second time around.
It can also cost less than a hospital birth, which is helpful for families with limited insurance or financial concerns.
Most of all, a home VBAC lets you reconnect with your body and trust the process. For many people, it is a deeply healing experience.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for a home VBAC if:
- You had one or two cesareans with a low, side-to-side incision
- Your current pregnancy is free of major complications
- Your previous cesarean was for something that is unlikely to happen again
- There are at least 18 to 24 months between your pregnancies
- You live within 30 minutes of a hospital that can perform a cesarean if needed
Your midwife will help you go over your history, answer your questions, and guide you toward the safest and most supportive choice.
Building Your Support Team for Your VBAC at Home
Having a strong team makes all the difference. Your midwife should be trained in home birth and have experience supporting VBACs. They will monitor you closely and know what to look for during labor.
A doula can offer emotional and physical support during your birth. Doulas help with breathing, movement, massage, and comfort. They also provide reassurance and encouragement. Research shows that having a doula increases the chances of a successful VBAC.
Your partner or main support person is also key. Discuss with them what to expect and how they can assist. It can also be helpful to have a backup support person for childcare or household help during labor.
Make sure your whole team knows your wishes and birth plan so everyone is working together.
Getting Ready Physically
Taking care of your body during pregnancy helps prepare you for a successful VBAC. Regular exercise, such as walking, stretching, and prenatal yoga, keeps you strong and flexible. Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Some people benefit from chiropractic care or prenatal massage to stay comfortable and encourage good baby positioning. Your midwife can guide you in choosing what might help.
You can also practice perineal massage during the last few weeks of pregnancy. This may help prepare your tissues for stretching during birth.
Getting Ready Emotionally
Feeling mentally and emotionally prepared is just as important. If your last birth was hard or traumatic, it may help to talk about it with your midwife or a counselor. Processing that experience can clear space for this new one.
Learn as much as you can about VBAC. Take a class, read books, and ask questions. The more you know, the more confident you will feel.
You can also use tools like breathing, guided imagery, and affirmations to build trust in your body. Many people write or draw their ideal birth to help picture success.
Joining a VBAC support group can also be helpful. Hearing other people’s positive stories reminds you that this is possible.
Setting Up Your Birth Space
Choose a room in your home where you feel safe and relaxed. It should have space to move, change positions, and maybe set up a birth pool if you want to labor in water.
Gather supplies early. Your midwife will give you a list that usually includes towels, absorbent pads, clean sheets, a birth ball, and basic supplies. Set everything up ahead of time so you can focus on your birth when the time comes.
Think about lighting, music, and scents that help you feel calm. Make a plan for privacy and for help with pets or children so your space stays peaceful.
Planning for the Unexpected
Even with the best planning, birth can take a different path. A good transfer plan helps everyone feel prepared. If you need to go to the hospital, it helps to know where you will go, who will drive you, and what to bring.
Talk with your midwife about how to keep your birth plan in place as much as possible, even if your location changes.
What to Expect During Labor
Labor after a cesarean can be different. Some people have a period where labor slows down or pauses, which is normal and not a reason to worry.
Your midwife will check in often to listen to your baby’s heartbeat, check your vital signs, and make sure labor is progressing safely. They will help you try different positions and use comfort measures to keep you moving forward.
When it is time to push, your midwife will help you find positions that protect your scar and support your baby’s descent. Many people find hands-and-knees or side-lying positions comfortable and effective.
After the VBAC at Home
After your baby is born, your midwife will stay with you for a few hours to make sure everything is going well. They will help with breastfeeding, check your recovery, and support you through those first important hours.
Many people recover faster after a vaginal birth than after a cesarean. Still, rest, nourishment, and support are important. Emotionally, many people feel deeply proud and healed after a VBAC. Talking about your experience helps you process and celebrate what you have accomplished.
Let’s Talk About Your Options for VBAC at Home
Choosing where and how to give birth is a big decision. You deserve support, safety, and care that reflects your values. At Midwife360, we believe your body is strong and capable. We are here to help you trust that wisdom and feel confident in your choices.
If you are thinking about a VBAC at home, reach out to us today. We will listen, support you, and help you decide if this path is right for you. Contact Midwife360 to learn more about our home birth options, including VBACs.
