VBAC in Calgary: What you need to know to make an informed choice

If you have had a previous Cesarean and are wondering whether a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and realistic option in Calgary, you are in the right place. As a doula supporting families throughout Calgary and the surrounding areas, I help parents understand their options and feel informed when making decisions about their birth.

In this guide, you will learn what a VBAC is, how VBAC care works in Alberta (including midwives, obstetricians, and hospitals), how to evaluate whether it may be right for you, and what you can do to improve your chances of a successful VBAC.

What is a VBAC? (and what does it mean in Alberta?)

A VBAC is a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. You may also see the term TOLAC (Trial of Labour After Cesarean) to describe planning and attempting a VBAC.

In Alberta, VBAC is considered a safe option in many situations when certain criteria are met and appropriate medical support is available.

Research and Alberta Health guidance indicate that:

• Many people who have had one previous Cesarean are candidates for VBAC.

• The most common requirement is having a low-transverse uterine incision (the standard incision used today).

• VBAC should take place in a hospital with the ability to perform an urgent repeat Cesarean if needed.

In Calgary, care providers use a standardized VBAC/TOLAC checklist that includes considerations such as:

• type of previous incision,

• no history of uterine rupture,

• labour occurring in a hospital setting,

• IV access, and

• appropriate fetal monitoring.

For families in Calgary, this means VBAC can be a realistic option when you are under the care of a midwife or obstetrician who supports TOLAC, and you are planning to give birth at a hospital that meets the required safety criteria.

Why you might choose VBAC

• Choosing VBAC might align with your values, goals, or future plans.
• Avoiding major surgery (a repeat C-section) gives a quicker recovery for many people.
• Fewer future uterine scars — each additional scar can raise future pregnancy risks such as placenta previa or accreta.
• A vaginal birth experience can hold deep emotional, physical, and psychological significance.
• For families planning more children, VBAC may be favourable for preserving birth options.
• In Alberta, accessible midwifery care supports women to make informed choices and birth in hospital or other settings.

Why you might not choose VBAC (or why it may not be recommended)

• If your prior C-section incision was a classical (vertical) or low vertical scar rather than low transverse — higher risk of uterine rupture.
• If you’ve had a prior uterine rupture, major transfundal surgery, or multiple prior C-sections beyond your hospital’s supported threshold.
• If your current pregnancy has complications (placenta previa, multiples, or a non-head-down baby).
• If labour would need to be induced or augmented under conditions that raise VBAC risk.
• If your chosen hospital or care provider does not support VBAC — some Calgary facilities may have limited capacity for emergency C-section.

How to decide if VBAC is right for you.

Here’s a step-by-step decision guide tailored for Calgary families. Use it in tandem with talking to your midwife/OB and your doula (that’s me!).

Step 1: Review your birth and surgical history

• What was the reason for your previous Cesarean? If it was due to a nonrecurring factor such as breech position, your chance of a successful VBAC may be higher.

• What type of uterine incision was used? Most VBACs are considered when there is a low transverse incision. If you do not know, request your surgical report from the hospital and discuss it with your provider.

• Have you had a vaginal birth before or after your Cesarean? A previous vaginal birth improves the likelihood of VBAC success.
  

Step 2: Talk with your care‐team in Calgary & Alberta

• Ask your midwife or obstetrician if they support VBAC and under what circumstances.

• Confirm that the hospital where you plan to deliver supports VBAC and meets standard safety requirements.
  In Calgary, the VBAC checklist includes:

  • an appropriate uterine scar,

  • no history of uterine rupture,

  • labour occurring in a hospital,

  • IV access, and

  • continuous fetal monitoring.

• If midwifery care interests you, explore intake at local practices that support informed choice, such as Briar Hill Midwives or Aurora Midwifery.
  
  

Step 3: Consider your personal values & preferences

• How important is a vaginal birth to you compared with a planned repeat Cesarean?

• How comfortable are you with the possibility that you may labour and still require a Cesarean?

• What are your priorities concerning recovery and future pregnancies?

• Do you have a support team that understands and supports your plan?
  
  

Step 4: Understand success rates & risks

• In many well-selected situations, VBAC success rates are high.

• The risk of uterine rupture is low when there is a low transverse incision and monitoring is available. However, rupture is a medical emergency, and it must be part of risk discussion with your provider.

• Consider benefits such as shorter postpartum recovery and fewer future surgeries, along with risks such as stalled labour or the need for a Cesarean during labour.
  
  

Step 5: Build a plan with contingencies

• If you choose VBAC:

  • Document your intention to attempt VBAC in your birth plan.

  • Choose a hospital that is supportive of VBAC and clarify their processes.

  • Ensure your midwife or obstetrician and support team are aligned with your goals.

  • Prepare for labour with education, realistic expectations, and strategies to cope with contractions. I trained as a VBAC doula through The VBAC Link, this is a wonderful resource for parents too!

• If you choose a repeat Cesarean:

  • This is a valid and safe option. Ensure the timing, plan, and recovery expectations are clear and you feel supported.
    

My role as your VBAC-doula in Calgary

As your doula, my support focuses on preparation, comfort, and emotional well-being. I do not provide medical advice or make clinical decisions, but I help you feel informed and supported throughout the process.

Here is what that looks like:

• Decision support: I help you sort through information about VBAC and repeat Cesarean using evidence-based resources and reflective questions so you can feel confident in your discussions with your care provider.

• Birth preparation: We work on strategies such as movement, positioning, and labour coping techniques. I also help you practice communication tools to use with your midwife or obstetrician.

• Continuous labour support: During labour, I provide hands-on comfort measures and emotional support for you and your partner. My focus is on helping you stay calm and grounded while you work toward your VBAC goals.

• Post-birth processing: Whether you have a VBAC or a repeat Cesarean, I support you in processing the experience and transitioning into postpartum with clarity and confidence.

You make the decisions. Your care team manages the medical side. I am there to support you through the entire experience.

A VBAC can absolutely be the right choice for you — especially when you are well informed, supported by a team that believes in your goals, and birthing in an environment (such as a Calgary hospital) that has the infrastructure and policy to back it up. At the same time, a repeat C-section is a safe and valid choice and sometimes the best one for your circumstances.

Your birth journey is uniquely yours and deserves the time and attention it requires. Reach out, ask questions, explore your options. If you’re in Calgary and you’d like help deciding if a VBAC is right for you — and preparing for it — that’s what I’m here for.