Preparing for a VBAC: Tips for a Confident and Empowered Birth Journey

Choosing to plan for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) is a deeply personal and empowering decision. At Nest Birth & Wellbeing, I honour every woman’s right to make informed choices about her birth, and I am here to support you physically, emotionally, and holistically through your VBAC journey.

While there are many factors to consider, preparation plays a key role in increasing your confidence, comfort, and readiness. Here are my top tips for preparing for a VBAC, from a place of knowledge, trust, and self-advocacy.


1. Build a Supportive, Aligned Birth Team

Your birth team matters—immensely. Choose care providers who are experienced in and supportive of VBACs. Ask clear, direct questions about their VBAC philosophy, hospital policies, and how they manage risk.

At Nest, I work collaboratively with midwives and obstetricians to ensure you have a team that truly respects your goals, listens to your voice, and prioritises informed consent every step of the way.


2. Understand Your Previous Birth

Processing your previous birth story—emotionally and physically—can be powerful. Whether your first caesarean was planned or unplanned, take time to reflect. What were the circumstances? What would you like to do differently this time?

This is where  childbirth education and doula support come in. We can  explore what happened without judgement together, and move into this next birth with clarity, strength, and intention.


3. Get Educated, Get Empowered

Knowledge is one of your greatest tools. Learn about:

  • The benefits and risks of VBAC vs. repeat caesarean

  • The signs of labour and when to head to hospital

  • Natural pain relief techniques and labour positioning

  • VBAC-friendly policies in your chosen hospital or birth centre

Nest’s online childbirth education classes are specifically designed to support women planning VBACs. We focus on evidence-based information and hands-on techniques to prepare you for the reality of labour and birth.


4. Support Your Body with Pregnancy Chiropractic and Bodywork

Pelvic alignment and balance can play a key role in how your baby navigates the birth canal. Our pregnancy chiropractic care—informed by techniques like Spinning Babies—helps create optimal space for your baby to get into the best position for labour and birth. 

Regular bodywork and online yoga classes also help ease tension, reduce discomfort, and support your nervous system—so you feel grounded and ready.


5. Practice Mind-Body Connection and Affirmations

VBAC preparation isn’t just physical—your mindset matters. Incorporate daily practices like:

  • Visualising your ideal birth experience

  • Repeating positive affirmations (e.g. “My body knows how to birth my baby”)

  • Breathwork or meditation to reduce fear and tension

At Nest, I believe birth is both a physical and emotional journey. As a doula I can guide you through gentle practices to help you connect with your body, your baby, and your inner wisdom. As a pregnancy chiropractor I can help you prepare your body.


6. Plan… and Surrender

It’s important to have a clear VBAC birth plan—but also to hold it with flexibility. Birth is dynamic. What matters most is that you feel heard, supported, and empowered in the moment, no matter how your baby enters the world.

We’re here to hold space for all the possibilities, and to walk beside you with compassion, knowledge, and care.


You Deserve Support. You Deserve a Voice. You Deserve to Be Informed.

At Nest Birth & Wellbeing, I walk with you through every stage of your VBAC journey—from early pregnancy chiropractic, to childbirth education, to doula care during labour and beyond.

Your birth. Your body. Your story. Let’s make it one of empowerment, connection, and strength.