In this article:
Having a general understanding of their role and support helps you in shaping a positive experience.
What Is a VBAC and Why Do Many Women in India Choose It?
A Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) can be understood as giving birth naturally after having a previous C-section. It is actually possible, depending on factors such as the type of previous incision, the patient's overall health during pregnancy, and hospital policies.
C-section rates have doubled in the last 20 years, reaching almost 20% births by VBAC in several regions of India. With this rise, more mothers are now learning that a VBAC can be a safe, empowering alternative when done under proper medical guidance.
A successful VBAC can help you:
- Recover faster after delivery
- Experience fewer complications in future pregnancies
- Feel a sense of confidence and healing after a previous surgery
Who Are Doulas and Midwives, and How Are They Different?
These two roles may appear similar, as they are often mentioned together, but they aren't the same.
- Someone who offers emotional, physical and help to cope with pregnancy, labour and stepping into motherhood is a "doula". She is not certified to provide medical treatment, but her focus is on comfort, confidence, and emotional well-being.
- A midwife, on the other hand, is a trained individual in healthcare who guides you with prenatal care, labour, and birth. She can perform medical checks, monitor your baby's heartbeat, and guide your labour progress.
They create a perfect balance of emotional and physical reassurance when they work together; something every soon-to-be mother wants to.
How Can a Doula Help You During a VBAC Journey?
Choosing a VBAC can bring excitement along with some anxiety, especially if your previous birth was challenging. Here's how a doula can make a real difference:
- Emotional reassurance – A doula listens to your fears, answers your questions, and reminds you of your strength
- Pain relief techniques – She teaches breathing methods, movement positions, and relaxation practices to naturally ease discomfort
- Continuous presence – Unlike doctors or nurses who may come and go, a doula stays with you throughout labour, offering calm, steady support
- Advocacy – She communicates respectfully with your medical team on your behalf about your birth preferences
- Post-birth support – A doula smoothens your motherhood journey by helping you with your first breastfeeding and supporting you in emotional recovery
A doula becomes your anchor during one of life's most intense yet rewarding experiences.
Why Are Midwives Important for VBAC Births in India?
Midwives are slowly yet steadily gaining more recognition in India, particularly in birth centres and progressive hospitals. For VBAC mothers, midwives play a key role in ensuring safe, evidence-based care.
- Close monitoring – They monitor you and your baby, reducing unnecessary interference
- Encouraging natural birthing positions – They make you feel comfortable enough to choose different positions for labour, moving freely
- Balanced decision-making – A midwife takes logical and informed decisions while working with a doctor, if any complication arises
- Respectful maternity care – You're treated with respect, given time, and involved in every choice regarding your birth
A midwife gives a motherly presence, helping you feel comfortable and calm, even during the rigorous procedures of a hospital.
How Can You Prepare for a VBAC with Doula or Midwife Support?
- Look out for hospitals that allow doulas or midwives to attend deliveries while offering VBAC
- Inform your doctor about your medical condition
- Look for doulas and midwives at the start of pregnancy to understand their roles
- Stay active with light walking or prenatal yoga to prepare your body for labour and delivery
- Involve your loved ones and doulas in the birth experience, helping them support you effectively
The Emotional Side of VBAC
Choosing a VBAC after a C-section emotionally heals soon-to-be mothers. They describe it as an experience that empowers them or makes them feel reborn. Fear from the last C-section still lingers, but it helps them to overcome many emotional feelings. Having a doula or midwife by your side helps you feel understood and supported throughout your pregnancy and childbirth journey.
Your mental state directly affects how your body responds to labour. When you feel safe, respected, and cared for, your body naturally relaxes, allowing labour to progress more smoothly.
A VBAC is not just a way of delivering; it's a choice connected with a personal and emotional journey. Doulas and midwives can help you walk through it with confidence, safety, and compassion. Their presence reminds you that birth isn't just about the baby being born; it's about you stepping into a world as a stronger, more empowered mother.
Whether you live in a town or a city, learning about your options and seeking the support of professionals can significantly impact your VBAC experience.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on The Role of Doula and Midwives in Indian VBAC Births
- Is it possible to have VBAC in India if you had a C-section a few years ago?
Yes, if the previous scar has healed, then you can opt for VBAC, but still, your doctor and midwife need to track your medical history and confirm that you can proceed. - How should you look for a certified doula or midwife in India?
You can look for certified professionals through organisations like the Birth India Network or Doula India. Some hospitals and birthing centres also offer in-house midwifery care. - Is a VBAC more painful compared to a surgical birth?
Pain experiences vary for every individual. With a doula's comfort techniques and a midwife's guidance, you can manage labour naturally and often recover faster than after surgery.
