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Resources for VBAC or Repeat C-Section
Childbirth Connection's Pregnancy Topic on VBAC or Repeat C-SectionWe provide in-depth coverage through our Pregnancy Topic to help inform you about vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) or repeat c-section:
Other Childbirth Connection Resources Relating to VBAC vs. Repeat C-Section
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) versus Repeat C-Section for Women Who Had a Cesarean in the Past
Caesarean.org.uk: Caesarean Birth and VBAC Information, information and support on many aspects of cesarean and vaginal birth after cesarean, including articles and cesarean birth plan International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC); includes a page of ICAN White Papers
VBAC.com, provides childbearing women and maternity care professionals access to research-based information, resources, continuing education and support for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)
VBAC Source Book and Teaching Kit (2000), by Nicette Jukelevics and Ruth Ancheta. Videos of Cesarean SurgeryHartford Hospital: Birth by Cesarean SectionUniversity of Michigan: Surgical Video, Cesarean Delivery Photos of Cesarean and Vaginal BirthPattiRamos.com: Cesarean Birth and Cesarean Scar Gallery, a photographer, birth educator and doula displays side-by-side photos of cesarean and vaginal birth, as well as photos of cesarean scarsU.S. VBAC RatesMap showing state-level VBAC rates in the U.S., with considerable variation across states, which is also the case for caregivers and hospitals (The "VBAC rate" is the proportion of women who have a vaginal birth among those who are giving birth and have had one or more cesareans in the past.)Resources to help Find Hospitals and Caregivers that Offer VBACCall hospitals in your community and nearby to learn their policies. If they offer VBAC, find out if there are any limitations.International Cesarean Awareness Network: ICAN Chapters, a local chapter can provide invaluable assistance to women seeking information about hospitals and caregivers who support vaginal birth after cesarean; chapters can also offer peer support and advocacy activities Local childbirth educators may point you to VBAC-friendly hospitals and caregivers (Childbirth Connection's labor pain resources page can help you find local childbirth educators) Local doulas may point you to VBAC-friendly hospitals and caregivers (Childbirth Connection's labor support resources page can help you find local doulas) www.birthlove.com: VBAC Hostile (and Friendly) Institutions, a list that may be helpful but is not complete and up to date Resources for the Cesarean Experience and C-Section RecoveryNational Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Cesarean Section, information for the public (click "information for the public" link)Caesarean Birth: Making Informed Choices, an online booklet focusing on healing after cesarean, from an Australian peer support organization CSectionRecovery.com: Practical Tips for Cesarean Recovery, includes online forums and pages on the following topics: general c-section resources, emotional recovery and postpartum, depression, postpartum doulas, breastfeeding, exercise, medical and statistical information Emotional Recovery From a Cesarean, in-depth discussion about many dimensions of this topic, including grief, bonding, breastfeeding, future pregnancies, and resources
  The Essential C-Section Guide: Pain Control, Healing at Home, Getting Your Body Back, and Everything Else You Need to Know About Cesarean Birth (2004), by Maureen Connolly and Dana Sullivan. | "A most excellent, comprehensive source for just about any aspect of anticipating or recovering from Cesarean birth. It's almost as good as having an experienced girlfriend in the hospital bed next to you. Take all the hospital days your insurance will give you, rest, nurse your baby and read this book." - Peg Moline, Fit Pregnancy Learn more about The Essential C-Section Guide from Amazon  |
"2020 Vision" and "Blueprint for Action" Reports Available
Collaboration of leaders from across the U.S. health care system contributed to two major direction-setting reports for improving the maternity care system.
Learn about Transforming Maternity Care project 
Read the "2020 Vision"
Read the "Blueprint for Action"
Help implement Blueprint recommendations
Listen to report release event audio, 1/2010
Rising Maternal Mortality
Analysis of maternal mortality data for the state of California, with 14% of the nation's births, strongly suggests that maternal mortality is increasing in tandem with rising rates of cesarean section and obesity.
Read article about maternal mortality in California
Read companion Q&A
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Updated Maternity Care Statistics Available
A fact sheet summarizes U.S. maternity care trends and figures from the latest federal reports. A new table updates state-level maternity statistics. These update background information in the 2008 Milbank Report on Evidence-Based Maternity Care.
Get the fact sheet
Get state-level statistics (PDF)
Read Evidence-Based
Maternity Care
US Cochrane Center (USCC)/Consumers United for Evidence-based Healthcare (CUE)
Visit the USCC/CUE website for the latest pregnancy and childbirth systematic reviews.
Evidence-Based Maternity Care Report Released
A major new report takes stock of the U.S. maternity care system and finds great opportunities for improvement. Childbirth Connection collaborated with the Reforming States Group and the Milbank Memorial Fund to develop the report.
Learn more, get the report
Read companion USA Today article
Read the USA Today article
Read the Consumer Reports story
Take the Consumer Reports quiz
Read Our Bodies Our Blog entry
