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481 CBA2C + Ways to Protect Your Birth Experience When VBAC Plans Change | Courtney

November 4, 2026 · 55 min

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How do you cope if you don’t get your VBAC?

Courtney D’Avella, a 2x CBAC mom, birth doula, and kids’ yoga teacher, shares some incredible wisdom today on how to find understanding and healing when the VBAC you were hoping for doesn’t happen.

Courtney’s first birth began with an induction at 41 weeks, a HELLP syndrome diagnosis, magnesium sulfate, and an emergency cesarean under general anesthesia. For her second birth, Courtney switched to midwifery care and prepared for a VBAC. After another induction at 41 weeks, she ultimately had a CBAC after a posterior baby, no contractions, and exhaustion. Her third pregnancy brought another preeclampsia diagnosis at 38 weeks and another CBAC.

Courtney shares the empowering and healing moments, right along with the really sad ones. We talk about the value of hiring a doula without expecting a guaranteed outcome, communicating with your birth team, and preparing birth preferences that reflect what matters most to you. Courtney shares why every VBAC plan should include a cesarean plan, how identifying your why can help soften the sadness of not having the birth outcome you hope for, and what it looks like to hold grief and gratitude simultaneously.


Courtney’s Birth Preferences Workbook PDF

Kids Yoga Teacher - Courtney

The CBAC Link Community

Find a VBAC Doula

The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents

Online VBAC Doula Training


Keywords: VBAC, CBAC, CBA2C, HELLP syndrome, preeclampsia, posterior, doula, birth trauma, birth healing, informed consent, family-centered cesarean




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