---
title: Jen Kamel on Understanding Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBACs)
date: 2023-04-19T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/finding-your-village-podcast-an-overview-of-vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-vbacs"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Jen Kamel on Understanding Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBACs)

In this podcast episode from "Finding Your Village," former content expert Jen Kamel speaks with host Amanda Gorman about vaginal birth after cesarean. She discusses the language used to describe VBAC, how to understand specific risks and benefits, how to find a VBAC supportive provider, and how to plan a VBAC.

Hearing these personal insights and data helps empower us to make our own choices about VBAC, to dismiss all the myths about VBAC, and to resist the pressure to have another c-section if we don’t want one.

[Listen to the podcast ](https://www.findingyourvillage.com/podcast/episode-40-vbacs-interview-with-jen-kamel)

![gabriel-tovar-_da74khfvBM](data:image/png;base64,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)Gabriel Tovar/Unsplash 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ diverse experiences of pregnancy & labor](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-experiences-of-pregnancy-labor)
- [ birthing options](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birthing-options)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [childbirth choices](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/childbirth-choices)
- [cesarean section](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cesarean-section)
- [vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-vbac)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.

![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADnklEQVRIiXWWbZLEtg1E34M0dnyA5Aq5/+nscmrY/gGQ0sblKZZGuxrho7vRpP/9938gK3zDN/lf+DP5Y+X3ZAUIgEH+Vf5W/Fr+Wn7kLi+9nA8IBAMLA4GEm/3xdVNywXqeecstF1wgqM4F97t5RTj39/NAhIILPih85AvCLR/5FL/Ip7z1lstOZuku0M6TV7k/Oii8jFjmEwNIdUNy611zc5UldVoYfFiAmmlIuUMAhVAixknbUJST4NK+KU/0fnOgDxAXFKwN1KuDZmowVanXuvDcn1+ewofYTKFLDAXBO+wmNxq1K/1bydOiB+ATPazGJ07lsjIcGHaZ2nHv6qsnzcHkR/SOmyz5ZhMbsnMk3NnvFF5yl7d+yruXNJ/XC8BsqaxkwYrfRPi++xKSQyeKUnrr5/JTs1ow3cS7/KSju5JvcOlWe0i27BfcjIgtvfQq7/JT9UtNHydBbbEFkiz8Jt+lxIKQ9WPcWgP3q3yqode7vC8/Vfc0sQnY5Yd8k1pWpc0hwEkjBGHB7RaGWg3IEFD3aUJfCRJYsZLvUCEVdvmpwUgx3BOdYXKAsguvyXc46JlKJllN9CxSJlmLa88wQaeDPT4DlFdZNZT0tV4SSjSDDEUWKdai4CqI2ToL3GONWvRAWf2nVr2uP1yzx4lISGmHTsgicgViC+vux/Vy4LmO8K3D0A95pDASqKIWHaSKK4dknwRtam6x+5g+20dGdo9xJUPebqL0yqNTG6InOiOoDr4N0uytyiPSV3SJaFGhekRm5Bw3rb0vPTL8p7VL2/+xvU1SNt8N2rR9IKJomR9sjgO3l/G1Cz92dnJtAENJZqcZT2ki7mvm4HHhhU/olnxsazxCahHmnaP9ZpzH9X8QlefF8fdvqIeBXFub73nejO5RPRTaTicN0WG294bePb6vbTDLOEKUvHaEc2CQl9AL48zy3bU3B9l7yDdjaSxSLrLgCiXF9gk3QINKA2lpek0H58cOAaYTDNBrsZz15HAXeWjYM8oMqFFwvOgw3RA1g2tl7fKb81eObuXH/nz03h2IwengATR8ZYVKCtfK0iXLRBLi+GW0SG34D1Bsrwmq97MLjkZ7hLIy73cHvYvlbIwb/hge6cz3AarPnEzMR3ZZSPrwlGuP8VZPzjFnbaYfzl9q6mS3L5+ZJsLr6PdkdY6XLFO4kj4kPhA/p8j9Mt4nypSXcas5GczsZ8na/pH0prJPP+frNVEjGfkLWybr8hcyhvMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.

![My Story- Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-overcoming-challenges-during-pregnancy)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Deciding Where to Give Birth

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.

![My Story- Deciding Where to Give Birth](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.

![My Story- Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-cultivating-confidence-during-pregnancy)

[ResourcesLook

## Black Birthing Bill of Rights

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.

![Black Birthing Bill of Rights scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-birthing-bill-of-rights)

[ResourcesRead

## Black Midwives Through Time

This timeline, developed by Black midwife Shafia Monroe, provides a brief overview of the long history of Black midwives, from the Biblical Shiphrah and Puah in approximately 1500 BCE.

![nurse-marguerite-white-gives-demonstration-in-postnatal-care-at-mothers-club-e87d9f-1024](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABfUlEQVRIiZVVQZLDMAizGf7/hDx12QNdKiMgXg6d1HYkITDZz/OY2VrLzvCVtdaGEBERib/rL8zsh8JxZI2BKPj8GnFYXOYrermFeewzYuWTQaJJwjleE4pdDeiOg0E7DlRgZr6riM52pQqnJFCKI/KBIoPZn6CJM9FsiSMTlD528ssCIIeIeJtmAra+o+kEJQ80OcNWBm5ZgyhmvJhUanKQFbE5CSUQ4jf8MTNFIcGBKCUNW9r9PWqwx/4Z5HcE3xqUohJcWcMSNNa/Fi0oF2JhKjNcRyndHU40l1EU719yUswDxh+0eG+MBMccbn0o02QuN+KAjivcjb6iuHQJerm7Y1wPHYKT4B4dcTT1+CXKDI0dr7u/NWU9mQkN4IF2FLlMYigsczDTtwaz9mg+PrDPKZnGsyI6J8FdWCZUjjKPfA/woavB6wTFzLQj5wbFS8szmEE+Fg0qGDoNhq68iDm1KaseRu+q2vT4Htygz7M9fXc9JLYvx1Env1v/BZP1eBElpTDNAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

This timeline, developed by Black midwife Shafia Monroe, provides a brief overview of the long history of Black midwives, from the Biblical Shiphrah and Puah in approximately 1500 BCE.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-midwives-through-time)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Managing My Pregnancy While Dealing With Endometriosis and Asthma

CB shares her experience of pregnancy and birth while managing stage four endometriosis and asthma.

![Carlisa](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB shares her experience of pregnancy and birth while managing stage four endometriosis and asthma.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-managing-my-pregnancy-while-dealing-with-endometriosis-and-asthma)

[ResourcesWatch

## Reflecting on Black Maternal Health

The Boston Neighborhood Network discusses racial inequities in Black maternal health care, and what we can do about this public health crisis.

![Pregnant Black woman with nurse at hospital](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Boston Neighborhood Network discusses racial inequities in Black maternal health care, and what we can do about this public health crisis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/reflecting-on-black-maternal-health)