Women seeking VBAC are sometimes required to sign “VBAC Consent Forms” which usually list the (exaggerated) risks VBAC, the (minimized) risks of cesareans with no mention of the benefits of vaginal birth for mom or baby.  This causes many women seeking VBAC much frustration because, unless you have done your research, you are left with the feeling that VBAC is risky and cesareans are safe.

VBAC consent forms are not usually as balanced as this pamphlet from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Below is a link to an excellent Cesarean Section Consent Form written by a woman who wants a VBAC, but is unable to find a truly supportive care provider.

Read, laugh, and then think about how crazy it is that women have to fight in order to avoid surgery especially when the risks go up with each repeat cesarean, but go down with each VBAC.  Finally, remember that the safety of mom and baby are not why repeat cesareans are performed and there was a time when VBACs were the norm, but due to a confluence of variables, the pendulum has swung to the other side. 

Giselle’s Total Waste of Bandwidth: A Different Kind of Consent Form