Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Minnesota Birth Center is pleased to support clients who desire a trial of labor after a cecarean birth!
What is a VBAC
A TOLAC (Trial of Labor After Cesarean) refers to the process of attempting labor and a vaginal birth after having had a previous cesarean (often called a C-section). When a TOLAC results in a vaginal birth, it is then referred to as a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).
In other words, TOLAC describes the attempt, while VBAC describes the successful outcome.
For many people, a VBAC can be a safe and healthy option, especially when they are low-risk and supported by an experienced care team.
Benefits of VBAC may include:
- Shorter recovery time
- Lower infection risk
- Less blood loss
- No abdominal surgery
Not everyone is a candidate for a VBAC, and eligibility depends on factors such as the type of previous uterine incision, overall health, and pregnancy history.
Eligibility for a VBAC with Minnesota Birth Center
To be eligible for a VBAC with Minnesota Birth Center providers (delivering at United or Abbott Northwestern Hospital), clients must meet the following criteria:
- No more than two previous cesarean births
- A prior cesarean performed with a low-transverse uterine incision (a horizontal incision made low on the uterus)
Routine Prenatal Care
- As a VBAC client, you will receive the same comprehensive prenatal care as all of our clients at either of our clinic locations. Your midwives will guide you through every step of your pregnancy.
Labor & Delivery for VBAC Patients
Because vaginal birth after cecarean (VBAC) carries increased risks, all VBAC patients at Minnesota Birth Center will:
- Plan to give birth at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis or United Hospital in St. Paul.
- Be cared for by our midwives, who have hospital privileges at both locations.
- Have your midwife accompany you as your primary provider througout your hospital birth.
Orientation
- Attending our birth center Orientation is optional for VBAC clients.
- Feel free to join us if you’d like to meet a midwife, birth assistant, and get a feel for our philosophy of care. Go to our orientation page here.
Get scheduled with us!
If you plan to use insurance for our services, please visit our insured patients page and follow the steps to verify your coverage.
Call us to schedule an appointment: Minneapolis 612-545-5311, ext. 1 or St. Paul 651-689-3988, ext. 1.