VBAC access and support varies by hospital and provider. A successful VBAC delivery depends on many factors including prior birth experience and overall health. It’s also essential to work with a knowledgeable, VBAC-friendly provider that prioritizes safety of both parent and baby.

Explore VBAC Delivery Benefits for Moms and Babies

Everything you need to know about having a VBAC delivery on the Main Line.

What is a VBAC?

VBAC stands for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. This is usually an option for women who have had a c-section for a previous birth. 

Why Choose a VBAC?

Parents might choose a VBAC delivery because it in many cases carries fewer risks than a second or third Cesarean. Other moms choose a VBAC because complications altered a previous birth and they still long to experience the beauty of childbirth. 

VBACS allow moms to avoid major abdominal surgery. This means less risk of infection, blood loss, blood clots, surgical injuries, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.  

Benefits For Baby

We know moms often heal faster after a VBAC delivery, but there are benefits for babies, too. VBACs often allow for earlier skin to skin contact. This helps regulate baby’s temperature, trigger feeding instincts, and release breastfeeding hormones. 

It’s not that Cesearan mamas can’t be just as successful with breastfeeding. I personally had a much easier breastfeeding experience with my c-section baby than my VBAC baby. Rather, vaginal births tend to remove some of the common barriers families face in the first few days.

VBAC Delivery Success

Christine, a Montgomery County native, successfully delivered her second daughter by VBAC. 

“My providers encouraged me to do a TOLAC (Trial of Labor after Cesearan). I wanted to experience childbirth so badly.” Christine says. “Even though I started with an induction, they didn’t count me out. They believed in me and allowed my body the time to do the work.”

As a VBAC mama myself, I know how critical the support is around childbirth. I was cared for at Axia Women’s Health and delivered at Einstein Montgomery. I worked closely with a midwife throughout my pregnancy and during labor. She gave me the tips and encouragement I needed to go through a TOLAC. It was scary, but it was also incredibly empowering. 

VBAC-Friendly Hospitals, Midwives and Doulas on the Main Line

This list includes several options for great maternity care and VBAC support on the Main Line. Many hospitals have VBAC-friendly staff, welcome doulas, and midwives on staff.

Hospitals

These Main Line hospitals support VBACs once it’s deemed safe for both mom and baby.

Paoli Hospital

255 West Lancaster Avenue

Paoli, Pennsylvania 19301

Lankenau Medical Center

100 E Lancaster Avenue
Penn Wynne, PA 19096

Bryn Mawr Hospital

130 S Bryn Mawr Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Pennsylvania Hospital Labor and Delivery

800 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Einstein Medical Center Montgomery

559 W Germantown Pike
Norristown, PA 19403

Midwives & Doulas

The presence of a midwife or doula during the birthing process can transform the experience. Midwives and doulas offer support, advocacy and knowledge throughout the entire labor and delivery journey. These trusted Main Line Parent Members specialize in birth doula services and have been vetted by families in our community. Visit their profiles to read testimonials and learn more about their approach to supporting your VBAC journey.

Connected Doulas and King of Pussia Doulas support the Main Line Parent Community.

Learn more about them and read their clients’ reviews on their Profile Pages, embedded below.

Main Line Doulas

Serving the Main Line and Philadelphia area

Main Line Doulas calls their services the Whole Family Approach of Staged Support. From keepsake belly casting and childbirth classes to labor support and breastfeeding counseling, they support the whole birth experience.

Philadelphia Midwife Collective

6837 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

This 501(c)(3) is on a mission to provide affordable and accessible reproductive and well-person care. Partnered with Einstein Health Network they nurture a space for evidence-based, full spectrum support throughout the reproductive lifespan. 

Well Born Baby Doula Services

Serving Philadelphia, Main Line and suburbs

Well Born Baby has extensive experience offering personalized VBAC support in the region. Founders Christina and Elizabeth set out to help women have the birth and breast feeding experience they want. See two of Well Born Baby’s doulas featured in this VBAC profile video by New Yorker magazine.

Woman Wise Midwifery

1217 Fairview Avenue, Bluebell

WomanWise Midwifery supports VBAC families through individualized, evidence-based care. Their VBAC rate has ranged from 65 to 90 percent for the last five years. This statistic affirms the care, knowledge, and advocacy of Woman Wise Midwives.

Choosing Support for Your VBAC Journey

Opting for a VBAC delivery is a deeply personal experience. Access to supportive providers, midwives, and doulas can make all the difference. With the right care team, Main Line families can feel informed and empowered going into the delivery room. Support and safety are the number one goals for both parent and baby. No matter what path your baby takes into this world, the love, connection and strength of a mother are undeniable. 

Lead photo courtesy of Connected Doulas.