Why Nurse Staffing Matters for VBAC and Lower Cesarean Rates

VBACC-Section

Feb 21

Did you know that the number of nurses available during your labor could potentially impact your chances of having a successful VBAC?

According to a recent study in Nursing Outlook, having better nurse staffing can decrease c-section rates by up to 11% and increase VBAC rates.

It’s a reality that doesn’t get talked about enough. The truth is, nurse staffing levels in hospitals can play a huge role in whether you achieve your VBAC or end up with another c-section. If you’re preparing for a VBAC and planning a hospital birth, this is information you can’t afford to miss.

In this blog I’ll break down how nurse staffing affects VBAC outcomes, why it matters for lowering cesarean rates, and what you can do to ensure you have the support you need. As I’ve mentioned before, people are also interventions to consider when preparing for your VBAC.

Why Understanding Nurse Staffing is Important for VBAC Preparation

If you want to have a low-intervention hospital VBAC you may worry about having the right support. You might have already heard conflicting advice or felt that not everyone in your life believes in your body’s ability to birth vaginally. Nurse staffing is one of those behind-the-scenes factors that can either support or hurt your birth goals.

Most people are worried about selecting the most supportive provider when it comes to VBAC prep but nurses are the ones who spend the most time with you during labor. They monitor your progress, assist with comfort measures, and often advocate for your preferences when your doctor isn’t in the room. But what happens when there is a shortage of nurses at the hospital?

You may not get the continuous support you need
There could be delays in recognizing changes in labor patterns
Decisions about interventions, like a repeat c-section, might be made sooner than necessary

At the end of the day, it’s clear that better nurse staffing equals better support and better support increases your chances of having a VBAC.

How Nurse Staffing Affects VBAC Success and Cesarean Rates

Recent research shows that hospitals with better nurse-to-patient ratios have lower cesarean rates by up to 11%. This matters because the fewer unnecessary c-sections performed, the more opportunities women have to achieve a VBAC. When nurses have the time and capacity to support you fully, they can:

Provide continuous labor support.
Help you change positions to encourage labor progress.
Offer emotional reassurance, reducing stress and fear that can stall labor.
Recognize early signs that labor is progressing normally or when additional support is needed.

On the flip side, when nurses are juggling too many patients, interventions may be recommended more quickly. It’s not always about what’s medically necessary but sometimes about what’s manageable in the moment.

Labor and delivery nurse supporting woman through labor

What You Can Do to Navigate Nurse Staffing Challenges for Your VBAC

You may be wondering, “If nurse staffing is out of my control, what can I even do?” The good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting the support you need.

Ask the Right Questions About Staffing

How many patients does one nurse typically care for during labor?
Are there times when staffing levels are lower, like nights or weekends?
Does nurse support change since I will be having a TOLAC/VBAC?

These questions can give you insight into what to expect and whether you’ll have the level of care you need and can help you determine if the hospital is a right fit.

Hire a Doula

A doula provides continuous support throughout your labor, regardless of hospital staffing.

Doulas can:

Help with comfort measures.
Advocate for your preferences.
Offer emotional support when you need it most.

This extra layer of support can bridge the gap when nurses are unavailable and significantly increase your chances of a successful VBAC.

Prepare Yourself and Your Partner with Education and Advocacy for VBAC

If hiring a doula isn’t an option you and your partner can still be fully prepared. Educating yourselves and building advocacy skills is essential:

Take a childbirth education or VBAC-specific preparation class.
Practice communication and advocacy strategies.
Learn comfort techniques and position changes.
Review your birth plan together and how to advocate for it.

Empowering yourself and your partner with knowledge and advocacy skills ensures that you have the support you need, even without a doula.

My Personal Take on Nurse Staffing and VBAC Success

When I planned my VBAC I was slightly concerned about the nurse I would have. One of the nurses I had during my first labor was NOT great. During my VBAC labor I experienced firsthand how nurse availability made a difference in the care I received. My nurse was absolutely AMAZING and was super supportive of my husband and doula as well.

It was a wake-up call. This experience taught me that having someone by your side—whether a well-staffed nursing team or a doula—is critical. Your VBAC journey deserves that level of care and attention.

Actionable Steps for an Empowered VBAC Experience

Here’s how you can take action today to start preparing for your hospital VBAC:

Download my free guide, "First 3 Steps to Prepare for an Empowered Hospital VBAC."

This guide will help you:

Ask the right questions about hospital support and nurse staffing
Build a supportive birth team that aligns with your VBAC goals
Develop a plan for labor that puts you in control

What Questions Do You Have About VBAC?

Have you considered how nurse staffing could impact your VBAC experience? What questions do you have about ensuring the right support during your hospital birth?

Keep flowing,
Hannah

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Hannah Gill VBAC Doula and Childbirth Educator

Hey there, I'm Hannah - lover of podcasts, true crime, and dessert.

I’m a childbirth educator, doula, and VBAC mom. After my own birth experiences, I’m on a mission to help moms own their strength, trust their bodies, and take ownership of their births. Whether it’s sharing my own journey or cheering you on in yours, I’m here to help you keep flowing through it all.