Comments on: I’m pregnant and want a VBAC, what do I do? http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/ Vaginal birth after cesarean? Don't freak, know the facts. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:51:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jen Kamel http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-68194 Jen Kamel Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:35:34 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-68194 Sabrina, If your midwife says you are a good candidate for VBAC, I would trust her assessment. It's understandable to be nervous. You might find comfort in the following articles: http://vbacfacts.com/2011/11/07/a-father-says-why-invite-the-risk-of-vbac/ and http://vbacfacts.com/2010/10/14/nervous-about-planning-a-vbac/. Warmly, Jen Sabrina,

If your midwife says you are a good candidate for VBAC, I would trust her assessment.

It’s understandable to be nervous. You might find comfort in the following articles: http://vbacfacts.com/2011/11/07/a-father-says-why-invite-the-risk-of-vbac/ and http://vbacfacts.com/2010/10/14/nervous-about-planning-a-vbac/.

Warmly,

Jen

]]> By: Jen Kamel http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-63369 Jen Kamel Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:55:36 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-63369 Hi Rae! There are women who have a VBAC after two or more cesareans. I think the hardest part is finding a care provider to attend you. There are rare OBs, like Dr. Tate in Florida, who have attended VBA4C (yes, after FOUR cesareans) in a hospital. Please read <a href="http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/" title="I’m pregnant and want a VBAC, what do I do?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here </a>for more info on how to plan a VBAC. It sounds like your OB is not familiar with the latest <a href="http://vbacfacts.com/2010/07/21/acog-issues-less-restrictive-vbac-guidelines/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ACOG VBAC recommendations</a> where they state: <blockquote>Attempting a VBAC is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery including for some women who have had two previous cesareans.</blockquote> You can see other information and birth stories on vbacfacts by going <a href="http://vbacfacts.com/category/vbac/vbamc/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>. <a href="http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/CSANDVBAC/csvbacindex.html#VBAC%20After%20Multiple%20Cesareans%20FAQs" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Plus Size Pregnancy</a> also has an extensive review of the research as well as birth stories. For what it's worth, women who have cesareans for breech have some of the highest success rates with VBAC. Warmly, Jen Hi Rae!

There are women who have a VBAC after two or more cesareans. I think the hardest part is finding a care provider to attend you. There are rare OBs, like Dr. Tate in Florida, who have attended VBA4C (yes, after FOUR cesareans) in a hospital. Please read here for more info on how to plan a VBAC.

It sounds like your OB is not familiar with the latest ACOG VBAC recommendations where they state:

Attempting a VBAC is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery including for some women who have had two previous cesareans.

You can see other information and birth stories on vbacfacts by going here.

Plus Size Pregnancy also has an extensive review of the research as well as birth stories.

For what it’s worth, women who have cesareans for breech have some of the highest success rates with VBAC.

Warmly,

Jen

]]> By: Rae http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-63183 Rae Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:06:35 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-63183 Hello, I'm wondering what the likelihood of having a VBAC after 2 c-sections. My daughter was born in July of 2008 and I was forced to have her via c-section. She was breech and my amniotic fluid was extremely low, so the doctor felt she would be putting her in distress to try and turn her. When my son came in March 2010, I had another c-section because I did not dilate and went to almost 41 weeks, so my doctor felt it was in my best interest to go ahead with a RCS. I am due with my third in April 2012 and I really do not want to have another RCS. This is my last child and I would really like to attempt a VBAC and have a vaginal birth experience. My doctor said that if I had delivered one child vaginally, it would be a possibility, but since I have had 2 sections and no vaginal birth it is not possible. I like this doctor (she is new to me) but I am going to exhaust all possible options of having a VBAC before I have another RCS. Any advice or help would be great! Thanks! Hello,

I’m wondering what the likelihood of having a VBAC after 2 c-sections. My daughter was born in July of 2008 and I was forced to have her via c-section. She was breech and my amniotic fluid was extremely low, so the doctor felt she would be putting her in distress to try and turn her. When my son came in March 2010, I had another c-section because I did not dilate and went to almost 41 weeks, so my doctor felt it was in my best interest to go ahead with a RCS. I am due with my third in April 2012 and I really do not want to have another RCS. This is my last child and I would really like to attempt a VBAC and have a vaginal birth experience. My doctor said that if I had delivered one child vaginally, it would be a possibility, but since I have had 2 sections and no vaginal birth it is not possible. I like this doctor (she is new to me) but I am going to exhaust all possible options of having a VBAC before I have another RCS. Any advice or help would be great!

Thanks!

]]> By: Dr. Mark Zakowski http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-62776 Dr. Mark Zakowski Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:19:07 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-62776 Dr. Mark Response: Very observant of you, with great questions. One study in 2008 found a 300% difference in c-section rate between hospitals. Another study in 2010 found that induction of labor is associated with an increased risk (double!) of c-section. Women should check with their obstetrician as to why they are being induced – there are medical indications (something not going right with the pregnancy) as well as social ones (tired of being pregnant, timing of delivery for convenience). You have a better chance of vaginal delivery with induction of labor if the cervix is ready (“ripe”) or if you have a favorable Bishop Score, which involved rating of: dilation of cervix, position of cervix, effacement (thinning) of cervix, station (position relative to pelvis), cervical consistency. Bottom line – You may prefer to find an obstetrician and hospital that support your goals for VBAC (also called TOLAC – trial of labor after cesarean). Make sure the hospital you go to deliver at has the 24x7 dedicated support services in case you need an emergency c-section. Disclaimer: All information is for Educational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Current medical recommendations are constantly changing. Always consult a doctor or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition and before beginning any diet or exercise regimen and before taking any dietary supplements or other medications. Dr. Mark Response:
Very observant of you, with great questions. One study in 2008 found a 300% difference in c-section rate between hospitals. Another study in 2010 found that induction of labor is associated with an increased risk (double!) of c-section. Women should check with their obstetrician as to why they are being induced – there are medical indications (something not going right with the pregnancy) as well as social ones (tired of being pregnant, timing of delivery for convenience). You have a better chance of vaginal delivery with induction of labor if the cervix is ready (“ripe”) or if you have a favorable Bishop Score, which involved rating of: dilation of cervix, position of cervix, effacement (thinning) of cervix, station (position relative to pelvis), cervical consistency.
Bottom line – You may prefer to find an obstetrician and hospital that support your goals for VBAC (also called TOLAC – trial of labor after cesarean). Make sure the hospital you go to deliver at has the 24×7 dedicated support services in case you need an emergency c-section.

Disclaimer: All information is for Educational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Current medical recommendations are constantly changing. Always consult a doctor or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition and before beginning any diet or exercise regimen and before taking any dietary supplements or other medications.

]]> By: Sabrina http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-52350 Sabrina Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:02:44 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-52350 I had my son 6 months ago via C-section. I chose to do this because I had horrible hypertension and negative progression during 4 days of labor. I never thought of even considering a VBAC for my next child. Now I may be pregnant again with my second. My incision was low and modern with no complications. Am I a good candidate for a VBAC? Both my midwife and hospital support it, but frankly, I'm a little frightened because of my recent 'section. I had my son 6 months ago via C-section. I chose to do this because I had horrible hypertension and negative progression during 4 days of labor. I never thought of even considering a VBAC for my next child.
Now I may be pregnant again with my second. My incision was low and modern with no complications. Am I a good candidate for a VBAC? Both my midwife and hospital support it, but frankly, I’m a little frightened because of my recent ‘section.

]]> By: Jen Kamel http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-50527 Jen Kamel Sat, 12 Nov 2011 04:59:11 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-50527 Hi Suzanne! Please read my reply <a href="http://vbacfacts.com/2011/11/11/birth-intervals-uterine-rupture/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Warmly, Jen Hi Suzanne!

Please read my reply here.

Warmly,

Jen

]]> By: Suzanne http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-50474 Suzanne Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:38:38 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-50474 Hi. I'm new to your site and just trying to get some more info on VBAC. My daughter was a normal vaginal delivery. My second pregnancy(a surrogate pregnancy) was also a normal vaginal delivery. My third (also a surrogate pregnancy) was twins. I had planned to attempt a vaginal delivery with the twins with the support of my OB as long as Baby A was head down. Unfortunately she was breech and I ended up with a c-section at 36 1/2 weeks. My OB said if I want to attempt a VBAC for my next pregnancy I need to wait at least 2 years between the c-section and getting pregnant again. Is she just being cautious? Or is it really necessary to wait 2 years? Hi. I’m new to your site and just trying to get some more info on VBAC. My daughter was a normal vaginal delivery. My second pregnancy(a surrogate pregnancy) was also a normal vaginal delivery. My third (also a surrogate pregnancy) was twins. I had planned to attempt a vaginal delivery with the twins with the support of my OB as long as Baby A was head down. Unfortunately she was breech and I ended up with a c-section at 36 1/2 weeks. My OB said if I want to attempt a VBAC for my next pregnancy I need to wait at least 2 years between the c-section and getting pregnant again. Is she just being cautious? Or is it really necessary to wait 2 years?

]]> By: Jen Kamel http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-49645 Jen Kamel Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:08:31 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-49645 Taryn, Your current OB has made it clear: if you continue under her care, you will have another cesarean. If you do not want another cesarean, you still have time to find another care provider. If you can get names of three different care providers and meet with each of them, you can get a feel for the different styles of care that are available to you. Hopefully you will be able to find someone with whom you have similar birth philosophies and resulting in an argue-free pregnancy and labor. I don't like to argue either, especially during labor! :) Best of luck! Jen Taryn,

Your current OB has made it clear: if you continue under her care, you will have another cesarean. If you do not want another cesarean, you still have time to find another care provider. If you can get names of three different care providers and meet with each of them, you can get a feel for the different styles of care that are available to you. Hopefully you will be able to find someone with whom you have similar birth philosophies and resulting in an argue-free pregnancy and labor. I don’t like to argue either, especially during labor! :)

Best of luck!

Jen

]]> By: Jen Kamel http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-49641 Jen Kamel Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:58:45 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-49641 Jodi, I'm so sorry about your first birth. That must have been so scary! Now you are pregnant again! Congratulations! I personally would try to go without drugs for as long as I could. Going without drugs gives the birthing mom more options in turns of movement and eliminates the risks they can bring. Second labors tend to go more quickly than the first. Be upright and move in a way that feels good to you. For some women, they like to sit on a birth ball, others like to lend over a bed or cabinet. Read a lot of drug-free hospital and homebirth stories to get ideas on the different way women cope. You can then put these ideas on index cards so you can refer to them during birth. Bradley Childbirth Classes are generally geared toward women who want to go drug-free. This might be a good additional resource for more ideas and strategies. Happy pushing! Jen Jodi,

I’m so sorry about your first birth. That must have been so scary! Now you are pregnant again! Congratulations!

I personally would try to go without drugs for as long as I could. Going without drugs gives the birthing mom more options in turns of movement and eliminates the risks they can bring.

Second labors tend to go more quickly than the first. Be upright and move in a way that feels good to you. For some women, they like to sit on a birth ball, others like to lend over a bed or cabinet. Read a lot of drug-free hospital and homebirth stories to get ideas on the different way women cope. You can then put these ideas on index cards so you can refer to them during birth.

Bradley Childbirth Classes are generally geared toward women who want to go drug-free. This might be a good additional resource for more ideas and strategies.

Happy pushing!

Jen

]]> By: Jodi http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-49627 Jodi Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:32:25 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-49627 Thank you for all of your information on VBAC's. I am 28 wks pregnant with my second baby and have found a doctor and hospital who will do a VBAC. I am ready to do it but have a lot of concerns. For my first baby I was in labor at a birthing center for 3 1/2 days and finally went to the hospital because my son was stuck. He had his hands up by his head and never dropped and I only got to 5 centimeters. My back up doctor (who happens to be amazing and now going to do my VBAC) went in to move his head and when he did a ton of water came out along with the cord. So I was rushed into an emergency c-section and was completely knocked out for the birth of my son who is perfectly healthy. My worst fear is to be knocked out again for my second birth. I don't want an epideral and I know the chances of a cord prolapse hapening again are slim to none but if any emergency happens such as my uterus rupturing then they will have to. So do I try to do a no pain med VBAC or do I go ahead with the epideral in case an emergency situation does happen? In order to do the VBAC my doctor says I have to come in as soon as I go into labor to be monitored and he will stick around the hospital until I'm ready to deliver. So what happens if Im in labor as long as my first? And how do you labor for so long in a hospital. It does not sound like fun but I will do anything to have a natural drug free labor. Thank you for all of your information on VBAC’s. I am 28 wks pregnant with my second baby and have found a doctor and hospital who will do a VBAC. I am ready to do it but have a lot of concerns. For my first baby I was in labor at a birthing center for 3 1/2 days and finally went to the hospital because my son was stuck. He had his hands up by his head and never dropped and I only got to 5 centimeters. My back up doctor (who happens to be amazing and now going to do my VBAC) went in to move his head and when he did a ton of water came out along with the cord. So I was rushed into an emergency c-section and was completely knocked out for the birth of my son who is perfectly healthy.
My worst fear is to be knocked out again for my second birth. I don’t want an epideral and I know the chances of a cord prolapse hapening again are slim to none but if any emergency happens such as my uterus rupturing then they will have to. So do I try to do a no pain med VBAC or do I go ahead with the epideral in case an emergency situation does happen? In order to do the VBAC my doctor says I have to come in as soon as I go into labor to be monitored and he will stick around the hospital until I’m ready to deliver. So what happens if Im in labor as long as my first? And how do you labor for so long in a hospital. It does not sound like fun but I will do anything to have a natural drug free labor.

]]> By: Taryn http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-49437 Taryn Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:56:01 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-49437 Hi, I'm at 19 weeks with my second pregnancy and was told from week 3 that I would have to have a repeat C-Section. I'm not very assertive and didn't argue at the time, and haven't since. This issue is very important to me because of the struggles I had after my first child was delivered via emergency c-section. I plan on talking to my doctor about this at our next appointment, but I'm wondering if it's too late for me to change doctors if she is not supportive or does not allow VBAC. Is half way, 19-20 weeks, too far along for me to find the help and support I need to attempt a VBAC? Thanks! Great information overall, I've learned a lot and gained confidence is voicing my needs and wishes. -Taryn, Portland, Oregon Hi,
I’m at 19 weeks with my second pregnancy and was told from week 3 that I would have to have a repeat C-Section. I’m not very assertive and didn’t argue at the time, and haven’t since. This issue is very important to me because of the struggles I had after my first child was delivered via emergency c-section. I plan on talking to my doctor about this at our next appointment, but I’m wondering if it’s too late for me to change doctors if she is not supportive or does not allow VBAC. Is half way, 19-20 weeks, too far along for me to find the help and support I need to attempt a VBAC?
Thanks! Great information overall, I’ve learned a lot and gained confidence is voicing my needs and wishes.
-Taryn, Portland, Oregon

]]> By: Jen Kamel http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-43930 Jen Kamel Sat, 01 Oct 2011 02:02:00 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-43930 Anthony, I had the opportunity to attend the March 2010 <a href="http://consensus.nih.gov/2010/vbac.htm" rel="nofollow">National Institutes of Health VBAC Conference</a> where the ability of rural hospitals to safely attend VBACs was extensively discussed. One doctor spoke during the public comment period and stated that her rural hospital had a VBAC rate of over 30%! It turns out, if a hospital is supportive of VBAC and motivated, they can absolutely offer VBAC safely. (I also welcome you to read the commentary of <a href="http://vbacfacts.com/2008/04/14/two-doctors-respond-to-the-hastings-indian-medical-center-vbac-ban-and-encourage-native-american-women-to-vbac/" rel="nofollow">two obstetricians</a> and one <a href="http://vbacfacts.com/2008/04/12/a-midwife-responds-to-the-hastings-indian-medical-center-vbac-ban/" rel="nofollow">certified nurse midwife</a> who argued against the VBAC ban instated at their local rural hospital.) Read more about the policies that this hospital impleted: <em><a href="http://vbacfacts.com/2010/07/22/vbac-ban-rationale-is-irrational/" rel="nofollow">VBAC Ban Rationale is Irrational</a></em>. VBACs can absolutely be offered safely without 24/7 anesthesia present. All it takes is a motivated staff that acknowledges that while the risk of infant death or oxygen deprivation in VBACs is 0.05%, the maternal mortality in repeat cesareans is 0.04% (Landon, 2004). Whose lives do we save? And in fact Henci Goer’s analysis shares with us that the 0.05% rate is inaccurately elevated. In the Landon (2004) study, women whose babies had died before labor were encouraged to VBAC. Those infant deaths were included in the 0.05% figure even though their deaths could not be attributed to a labor after cesarean. (For more information, please <a href="http://www.lamaze.org/Research/WhenResearchisFlawed/VBACLandon/tabid/175/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow">Henci’s analysis</a>.) There was an entire lecture at the NIH VBAC Conference about uterine rupture, oxygen deprivation and blood gases. You can find a summary in the <a href="http://consensus.nih.gov/2010/vbacabstracts.htm" rel="nofollow">Program and Abstracts</a>. Warmly, Jen Anthony,

I had the opportunity to attend the March 2010 National Institutes of Health VBAC Conference where the ability of rural hospitals to safely attend VBACs was extensively discussed. One doctor spoke during the public comment period and stated that her rural hospital had a VBAC rate of over 30%! It turns out, if a hospital is supportive of VBAC and motivated, they can absolutely offer VBAC safely. (I also welcome you to read the commentary of two obstetricians and one certified nurse midwife who argued against the VBAC ban instated at their local rural hospital.) Read more about the policies that this hospital impleted: VBAC Ban Rationale is Irrational.

VBACs can absolutely be offered safely without 24/7 anesthesia present. All it takes is a motivated staff that acknowledges that while the risk of infant death or oxygen deprivation in VBACs is 0.05%, the maternal mortality in repeat cesareans is 0.04% (Landon, 2004). Whose lives do we save? And in fact Henci Goer’s analysis shares with us that the 0.05% rate is inaccurately elevated. In the Landon (2004) study, women whose babies had died before labor were encouraged to VBAC. Those infant deaths were included in the 0.05% figure even though their deaths could not be attributed to a labor after cesarean. (For more information, please Henci’s analysis.)

There was an entire lecture at the NIH VBAC Conference about uterine rupture, oxygen deprivation and blood gases. You can find a summary in the Program and Abstracts.

Warmly,

Jen

]]> By: Anthony http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-43920 Anthony Fri, 30 Sep 2011 23:42:14 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-43920 Make sure they have a surgical team ready to go 24-7 If you are attempting VBAC'S. They have about 15 min's to get the child out, without serious damage after complete uterine rupture. It won't be a Bikini cut either. Make sure they have a surgical team ready to go 24-7 If you are attempting VBAC’S.

They have about 15 min’s to get the child out, without serious damage after complete uterine rupture. It won’t be a Bikini cut either.

]]> By: sonya http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-41005 sonya Sat, 03 Sep 2011 19:19:31 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-41005 this is a wonderful source of information!! i had a c-section with my first because she was breech. my doc told me her head was down, and that if she didn't start dropping or if i didn't start dilating (she told me this 2 WEEKS BEFORE my due date!!) that we would talk about inducing. if i had known she was breech, i could have tried to turn her, and avoided a c-section altogether! and on top of that, i had no idea you could even try to deliver a breech baby vaginally! i was so looking forwards to having a natural drug-free labor. but my dreams were shattered due to lack of info/misinformation. i thought i was gonna be stuck with another c-section, but your website has opened my eyes to the fact that i can still have my natural delivery!! the 3 things i have been dead-set against since the beginning of my 1st pregnancy are a) induction/augmentation, b) c-section, and c) epidural. not necessarily in that order. this time i plan to avoid all 3!! thank you so much for this website!! this is a wonderful source of information!! i had a c-section with my first because she was breech. my doc told me her head was down, and that if she didn’t start dropping or if i didn’t start dilating (she told me this 2 WEEKS BEFORE my due date!!) that we would talk about inducing. if i had known she was breech, i could have tried to turn her, and avoided a c-section altogether! and on top of that, i had no idea you could even try to deliver a breech baby vaginally! i was so looking forwards to having a natural drug-free labor. but my dreams were shattered due to lack of info/misinformation. i thought i was gonna be stuck with another c-section, but your website has opened my eyes to the fact that i can still have my natural delivery!! the 3 things i have been dead-set against since the beginning of my 1st pregnancy are a) induction/augmentation, b) c-section, and c) epidural. not necessarily in that order. this time i plan to avoid all 3!! thank you so much for this website!!

]]> By: Jen Kamel http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-40317 Jen Kamel Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:43:32 +0000 http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/15/im-pregnant-and-want-a-vbac-what-do-i-do/#comment-40317 Emily, Thank you so much for your kind words. As you may of read, I too grappled with the post-cesarean birth choice and it can be very difficult to decide. I want you to know that you are not alone. There are many women who have their options drastically limited either by their insurance plan or their geography. I am very fortunate to live in Southern California where we have a handful of VBAC supportive providers. My heart goes out to women who do not have these resources available to them. Have you had a chance to read the <a href="http://consensus.nih.gov/2010/vbacstatement.htm" rel="nofollow">National Institutes of Health 2010 VBAC Statement</a> as well as <a href="http://vbacfacts.com/2010/07/21/acog-issues-less-restrictive-vbac-guidelines/" rel="nofollow">ACOG's latest VBAC Practice Bulletin</a>? I highly recommend it and you might even want to bring them in with you at your next doctor's appointment. I am shocked how many doctors are not aware, or simply choose to ignore, these very important recommendations. Also, I encourage you to read <a href="http://vbacfacts.com/2010/07/22/vbac-ban-rationale-is-irrational/" rel="nofollow">VBAC Ban Rationale is Irrational.</a> That might also be a good piece to share with your doctors. Best of luck in your decision making process. Would you please keep me posted on your birth? Warmly, Jen Emily,

Thank you so much for your kind words. As you may of read, I too grappled with the post-cesarean birth choice and it can be very difficult to decide. I want you to know that you are not alone. There are many women who have their options drastically limited either by their insurance plan or their geography. I am very fortunate to live in Southern California where we have a handful of VBAC supportive providers. My heart goes out to women who do not have these resources available to them.

Have you had a chance to read the National Institutes of Health 2010 VBAC Statement as well as ACOG’s latest VBAC Practice Bulletin? I highly recommend it and you might even want to bring them in with you at your next doctor’s appointment. I am shocked how many doctors are not aware, or simply choose to ignore, these very important recommendations. Also, I encourage you to read VBAC Ban Rationale is Irrational. That might also be a good piece to share with your doctors.

Best of luck in your decision making process. Would you please keep me posted on your birth?

Warmly,

Jen

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