Women's Perceptions of Contributory Factors for Successful Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

BACKGROUND: In July 2008, a new midwife-led “Next Birth After Cesarean” (NBAC) service was launched at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) in Perth, Western Australia. Midwives from the NBAC service provide antenatal care, evidence-based information about birth choices, tailored birth preparation classes, and assistance with developing birth plans to pregnant women who have had a previous cesarean birth. OBJECTIVE: To determine the contributory factors that women who were cared for by the NBAC service and experienced a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) perceived to be associated with achieving their desired mode of birth. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was used for this study in which semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 participant women who have achieved a VBAC and were analyzed using a modified “constant comparison” technique. FINDINGS: Two key themes reflecting personal and professional factors comprising eight subthemes emerged from analysis of interview data. CONCLUSIONS: These findings offer a unique perspective on the phenomenon of achieving a VBAC and provide maternity care practitioners and policy makers around the world with valuable insights into how the care environment might be enhanced for women who would prefer a vaginal birth after their previous cesarean section.