Considering a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)? A labour supporter (doula) can help you prepare. Parents like you have a great track record with ParentLink: more than 80% of the families we've supported who have wanted a VBAC have had one.

Medical evidence is in, and looking at the experience of hundreds of thousands of women, the message is clear: vaginal birth after caesarean is safer than another caesarean most of the time. Still, you may be concerned and confused. Is VBAC right for you?

You may feel worried about what might happen if complications arise. You may be remembering a difficult experience with your previous labour, and feel scared the same thing will happen again. Your partner may also be concerned – perhaps he is remembering feeling out of control and afraid for you and the baby during your previous birth. You both may just want to do whatever you can do to have a healthy baby.

It's okay to feel worried! Talking over your concerns with a trained doula can help you begin to understand the circumstances of your first caesarean, put your fears in perspective, and gain new knowledge of how you can have the safest, healthiest pregnancy and birth possible, by whatever means you ultimately decide.

Preparing for a VBAC takes some effort, no doubt about it. Confronting your worries is one hurdle. Another is ensuring your doctor is supportive of VBAC, and that his or her policies bear that out. We can help you sort through what medical practices help your chances of VBAC, and which ones hurt your chances. We can help you put in place a plan to have the very best chance for a vaginal birth. Your doula will be by your side the whole way.

The International caesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) is an international nonprofit organization devoted to support and information related to VBAC, caesarean recovery, and caesarean prevention. Click here to visit ICAN.