Who says VBAC is a nightmare? Or that VBAC is impossible?
She first connected with us through one of The Birthwave’s online VBAC workshops.
She came in with questions, fears, and a dream - “Can I give birth naturally after a C-section?”
From that very first moment, she chose courage over fear.
- She stayed active throughout her pregnancy.
- She took charge of her nutrition and mental well-being.
- She joined our prenatal yoga program, focusing on strength, flexibility, and breath.
- And when the time came - she waited patiently for her labour to begin.
No rush. No panic. Just quiet faith.
And when her body and baby were ready - she birthed gracefully.
A powerful, calm, natural VBAC.
VBAC isn’t a rebellion.
It’s a reminder - that women deserve to birth on their own terms.
What VBAC Really Means
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) simply means delivering vaginally after having had one (or sometimes more) previous cesarean sections.
For years, women were told:
“Once a C-section, always a C-section.”
But modern obstetrics - supported by global and Indian research - now acknowledges that many women can safely attempt a VBAC when conditions are favorable.
The Science Behind VBAC
- VBAC success rates range from 60–80% globally.
- Studies in India show similar outcomes when performed under expert supervision.
- Risks like uterine rupture remain low (less than 1% in many studies), especially with a well-healed low transverse scar.
When done in a facility equipped for emergency care, VBAC is not only safe - it’s often healthier than a repeat C-section. Women experience:
- shorter recovery
- lower infection risk
- better early breastfeeding and bonding
- fewer complications in future pregnancies.
Her Journey: From Fear to Freedom
1. The First Step - Choosing to Believe
She reached out after one of our online workshops, unsure if she even qualified for VBAC. Her first birth had ended in a cesarean due to fetal distress - not an uncommon story. But this time, she wanted to trust her body again.
When we reviewed her previous reports, incision type, and medical history - we saw no contraindication for a trial of labour after cesarean (TOLAC). Her body had healed. Her heart was ready.
That’s the first truth about VBAC: it begins not in the hospital, but in the mind.
2. Preparing the Body and Mind
We created a VBAC care plan tailored to her - one that combined science and self-care.
Physical Preparation
- Regular prenatal yoga to maintain strength and flexibility.
- Walks, squats, and pelvic exercises to keep the pelvis mobile.
- Balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and hydration.
Emotional Preparation
- Affirmations like: “My body knows how to birth.”
- A circle of other VBAC hopeful mothers through our Birthwave community.
- A birth journal, writing her fears, gratitude, and visualizations.
Medical Preparation
- Regular check-ups with close scar monitoring.
- Ultrasound for fetal growth and scar evaluation.
- Education on labour signs, pain management, and when to come to the hospital.
By her third trimester, she radiated quiet strength. Her confidence wasn’t naïve - it was informed.
3. The Big Day: When Patience Meets Power
When her due date approached, she experienced mild contractions. We waited. She trusted the process. She didn’t rush for inductions or early admissions. We let her body initiate labour naturally - because spontaneous onset of labour increases VBAC success rates dramatically.
When true labour began, she came in calm, focused, and supported by her partner.
What we did differently:
- Continuous monitoring - but freedom to move.
- Upright positions, birth ball, breathing.
- Minimal interventions - no unnecessary augmentation.
- Emotional coaching - reassurance through every surge.
Hours later, under dim lights, with soft music and deep breathing, she delivered a healthy baby - vaginally. No tears, no panic. Just presence.
When she held her baby, she said: “I feel like I’ve reclaimed something I lost.”
When she held her baby, she said: “I feel like I’ve reclaimed something I lost.”
Why VBAC Matters - Beyond One Birth
VBAC is not just about the mode of delivery. It’s about choice, autonomy, and trust. When a woman achieves VBAC, she’s not just proving statistics wrong - she’s proving to herself that her body is capable, resilient, and wise.
At The Birthwave, we assess every VBAC candidate individually - there’s no blanket rule. Each scar, each body, and each story is unique.
How to Prepare for a VBAC - The Birthwave Way
- Education - Join a VBAC counseling session early in pregnancy.
- Movement - Prenatal yoga and movement programs for flexibility and stamina.
- Nutrition - A VBAC-friendly diet rich in iron, hydration, and anti-inflammatory foods.
- Mental Readiness - Guided meditations, visualizations, and affirmations.
- Labour Support - A partner, doula, or support person who knows your plan.
What Makes The Birthwave Approach Unique
At The Birthwave - Holistic Women’s Health & Integrative Fertility Centre, Chennai, our philosophy is simple: birth is not a protocol; it’s a partnership.
We blend evidence-based obstetrics with holistic mind-body wellness, prenatal yoga, nutritional and emotional guidance, and 24/7 obstetric support for safe, monitored VBAC.
The Role of the Doctor in VBAC
A VBAC-friendly doctor doesn’t promise that every attempt will succeed - but promises that every woman will be given a fair chance. That’s what we strive for at The Birthwave.
After the Birth: Recovery and Renewal
VBAC recovery is often faster and lighter. Women are usually up and walking within hours. Breastfeeding starts earlier. Emotional bonding feels immediate. Our postnatal team supports every new mother with pelvic floor recovery exercises, lactation and newborn care counseling, and emotional healing sessions.
When VBAC Isn’t Possible - And That’s Okay Too
Not every woman is an ideal candidate for VBAC - and that’s not a failure. Sometimes medical safety must take priority. But even then, the difference lies in choice: being heard, being part of the decision, and having your dignity intact.
To Every Woman Who’s Been Told “You Can’t”
If you’ve been told your only option is another cesarean, pause. Ask questions. Seek a second opinion. Because sometimes - you absolutely can. With the right care, preparation, and support team, VBAC is not just possible; it’s beautiful.Book Your VBAC Consultation in Chennai
If you’re in Chennai, South India, or anywhere in India and dreaming of a natural birth after a C-section - we’d love to help you explore your options safely.Book your personalized VBAC consultation with Dr. Santoshi Nandigam at The Birthwave - Holistic Women’s Health & Integrative Fertility Centre, Chennai.
Together, we’ll:
- Review your prior reports and scar details
- Assess your VBAC eligibility
- Create a personalized prenatal plan
- Prepare you mentally, physically, and emotionally for a confident birth
Or call us: +91 9363031925 | Email: thebirthwave@gmail.com
VBAC is not defiance. It’s not an act of rebellion. It’s a bridge between two worlds - science and instinct, courage and caution, faith and medicine.
To birth after a scar is to say: “I am more than my past. My body remembers how to heal, how to open, how to bring life.”
And that’s the essence of what we believe at The Birthwave, Chennai - that every birth deserves to be safe, supported, and sacred.
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