Understanding Your Options: Choosing Your Type of Birth - Vaginal Birth, VBAC, and Caesarean Birth

In this episode of the Building Birth Confidence Podcast, we dive deep into the different birth options available to you—whether you’re considering a vaginal birth, a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean), or a planned Caesarean. Hosted by Katie, a mental health midwife, antenatal teacher, and hypnobirthing instructor specialising in pregnancy after traumatic birth, this episode is designed to provide evidence-based information and emotional support to help you make informed decisions that feel right for you.

We’ll explore the pros and cons of each birth option, share practical advice on how to navigate discussions with your maternity care team, and offer trauma-informed insights to help you feel more empowered, confident, and prepared for your upcoming birth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What VBAC is and who might be a good candidate
• The benefits and risks associated with VBAC and Caesarean births
• How to approach a vaginal birth after a traumatic experience
• Tips for making informed, confident decisions about your birth plan
• How to prepare for a change of plans and cope with the unexpected

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction: Welcome and Overview of Birth Options
• [03:43] What is VBAC? The Pros, Cons, and Key Considerations
• [05:58] Planned Caesarean Birth: What You Need to Know
• [08:44] Vaginal Birth After a Traumatic Experience: How to Heal and Prepare
• [11:00] Making Informed and Confident Birth Choices
• [13:32] Outro: Take Care and Continue the Journey to Birth Confidence

Resources Mentioned:

• RCOG Guidelines on VBAC Success Rates Birth after previous caesarean | RCOG
• Birthrights - Birthrights - your human rights during pregnancy and maternity care
• NICE Guidelines - Recommendations | Caesarean birth | Guidance | NICE
• NICE Guidelines - Intrapartum Care - Overview | Intrapartum care | Guidance | NICE

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @birthcarewithkatie
• Share your thoughts or ask questions—your feedback helps shape future episodes!

Thanks for Listening! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit from this information. Together, we can make the birth experience more empowering for everyone. See you next time!