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What is VBAC! VBAC is an anacronym for Vaginal Birth after previous Caesarean, and was coined in 1974 by Nancy Wainer Cohen joint author of the now famous 'Silent Knife'. With 29.7% of South Australian women birthing their children by caesarean section in 2001 you would think that the term VBAC is quite well known in Adelaide. Unfortunately, the knowledge of this term is mixed. We have been astonished to meet midwives who have never heard the term before, and there are those we meet who have heard of it and say 'Oh, but that is so dangerous' with a horrified look on their faces. It isn't surprising to note that our VBAC rate is only 18%, well below the conservative percentages of success rates. VBAC is neither dangerous nor the desire of the foolish. The average woman who aims to birth her baby vaginally is actually following good medical science. The proof is written in reams of research papers in the most trusted and esteemed obstetric journals around the world. VBAC is safe when labour is allowed to progress normally with no unnecessary interventions (and in a VBAC labour that is most), and it is successful in the majority of women (70-85% and higher). What are my chances if I had a caesarean for.......... REASON CHANCE OF SUCCESS AS A PERCENTAGE Cephalopelvic Disproportion (baby too big)/Failure to Progress (Dystocia) 67% (very conservative estimate) Breech 85% More than 1 caesarean 75% 1 caesarean and 1 vaginal birth in the past 84% Oxytocin or induction of VBAC 63% Fetal Distress 78% Twins 79% Active Herpes 87%   A woman who chooses a VBAC is not a selfish, reckless individual. She is a woman who is about to embark on one of the most challenging periods of her life, in order to give her and her baby a safe entry to the world. A successful VBAC will mean a quicker recovery for the mother and probably increased level of self-esteem at having achieved a natural birth. An unsuccessful VBAC may mean a longer recovery, with possibly extra complications (higher rates of infection have been reported), however it may also assist a woman to come to terms with whether the first caesarean was really necessary. This is only true when the VBAC has not been over managed by the health care provider. A repeat emergency caesarean is not such a devastating event in the well supported woman and is definitely not a sign of failure. With the information contained on this website and other wonderful sites, a good empowering birth can still be achieved and you can prepare for this possible outcome. Source: http://www.cares-sa.org.au/