[An alternative in childbirth education: vaginal delivery following earlier cesarean delivery]

The cesarean rate in Taiwan, at 33.10 percent, is the third highest in the world. Many women who have had a cesarean section for one birth opt to do so for all subsequent deliveries. The VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) is defined as a vaginal birth subsequent to a cesarean birth. Many women remain skeptical about VBAC, but education can do much to dispel their doubts. Currently, the childbirth education provided by most hospitals in Taiwan is designed solely for women expecting a vaginal birth; it takes no account of those who have previously had a cesarean birth and are considering a vaginal birth. This article describes the current situation as regards VBAC, the reasons why it needs to become a more widespread practice, the necessity for childbirth education to cover the aims and nature of VBAC, and the author's experiences, to serve as a reference for caregivers providing training in VBAC in order to benefit more women.