Understanding the Role of Doulas in VBAC Deliveries

Choosing a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is a big step for many moms who want to experience normal childbirth after a previous caesarean. It’s an empowering choice, but it can also bring its fair share of questions and challenges. That’s where having a doula by your side can make a world of difference. If you’re thinking about a VBAC delivery in Bangalore, learning how a doula can support and guide you through this journey is definitely worth exploring!

Who is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Unlike midwives or obstetricians, doulas are not medical practitioners. Their role is to focus on the mother’s well-being, offering continuous support to help her feel confident, informed, and empowered throughout her birthing experience.

Why VBAC Delivery Needs Extra Support

VBAC delivery is a safe and feasible option for many mothers. However, it often requires additional emotional and physical support to address concerns about safety, pain management, and the previous cesarean experience. Having a supportive team, including a doula, can help create a calm and reassuring environment for the mother.

How a Doula Supports VBAC

Doulas play a pivotal role in ensuring mothers feel heard, respected, and supported during VBAC delivery. Here’s how they help:

Emotional Encouragement

VBAC delivery can be emotionally intense, especially for mothers who may feel uncertain or anxious about the process. A doula provides continuous reassurance, helping mothers stay focused and calm during labour.

Physical Support

From offering massages to suggesting labour positions, doulas provide hands-on support to ease discomfort.. Their techniques are especially helpful for labour progression , thus increasing the chances of a successful VBAC.

Informational Guidance

Many mothers have questions about VBAC, from risks to recovery. Doulas provide evidence-based information, ensuring mothers feel informed and empowered to make decisions during labour and delivery.

The Difference a Doula Makes in VBAC

Doulas have a positive impact on birth outcomes. For VBAC, specifically, doulas:

• Help Reduce Stress: A calm and relaxed mother is more likely to have a successful VBAC. Doulas use breathing techniques and emotional support to help mothers stay composed 
• Shorten Labour: Continuous support often leads to shorter labour durations, which is particularly beneficial during VBAC 
• Help Lower Intervention Rates: Mothers with doulas are less likely to require medical interventions like epidurals or labour-inducing drugs

A Collaborative Approach 

At Aastrika Midwifery Centre, we understand the unique needs of mothers opting for VBAC delivery. Our philosophy is centered on informed consent, respectful care, and empowering mothers to take charge of their birthing journey. While our team doesn’t include doulas, we wholeheartedly support mothers who wish to bring their own.

This collaborative approach ensures that every mother feels supported, whether through her chosen doula or our experienced medical team. Our facilities are designed to create a peaceful and empowering atmosphere, making Aastrika the ideal place for VBAC delivery in Bangalore.

Whether you choose to bring a doula or rely on our highly skilled midwives and obstetricians, we prioritise creating a supportive and respectful environment for your VBAC journey.