Jen Kamel, VBAC Facts Founder
- What will the class cover?
- Does the class offer any continuing education hours?
- How can I bring “The Truth About VBAC” to my area?
- Do you offer webinars (on-line classes?)
- Do you offer a video of the class?
- When and where will the classes be held?
- What feedback has the class received?
- How do I become an VBAC Facts Attendee Affiliate?
- Is the goal of the class to convince women to have a VBAC?
- Do I need to be pregnant to attend?
- What if I live far away from the in-person class location?
- What is your refund policy?
- Disclaimer
What will the class cover?
Have you had a cesarean? Do you want to understand your future birth options? Are your friends and family worried about your desire to plan a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)? Are your clients or patients seeking accurate information? Can you speak intelligently on the risks and benefits of VBAC and repeat cesarean?
Developed and presented by Jen Kamel, Founder & Executive Director of VBAC Facts, “The Truth About VBAC: History, Politics & Stats” delivers an evidence-based review of interesting and hard to find information relative to post-cesarean birth options to parents, birth advocates, and medical professionals. It is jam packed with statistics, analysis, and recommendations directly from respected medical journals, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the National Institutes of Health.
The class answers many questions such as:
- What are the current VBAC guidelines?
- Why are VBACs banned in one-half of American hospitals?
- What is uterine rupture and what are the factors influencing a woman’s risk?
- What is the “immediately available” recommendation and how does it impact access to VBAC?
- Is it possible to plan a successful hospital VBAC?
- How long should a woman wait after a cesarean until she gets pregnant again?
- How do the risks and benefits of VBAC vs. repeat cesarean compare?
- What are the outcomes for moms and babies?
- What are the risks and benefits of out-of-hospital birth?
- How does mode of delivery impact gut colonization?
- What is the “VBAC double standard?”
- What are the factors for understanding obstetrical risk?
- How do you tell the difference between birth myths, scare tactics, and informed consent?
- What are a patient’s legal rights when it comes to birth?
Does the class offer any continuing education hours?
Yes! Whether you attend an in-person class, webinar, or watch the video at your own pace (within 30 days of receiving the video link), you will earn 6 continuing education hours through DONA International. Other organizations such as Lamaze and ICEA and some State Nursing Boards also accept DONA accredited continuing education hours. Not all organizations accept continuing education hours earned via on-line classes or videos. Check with your particular organization.
In addition, some in-person classes have been approved for continuing education through other organizations. Check an individual class’ registration page for more information.
To earn the continuing education hours, you must attend the entire class and submit the evaluation form at the classes’ completion to info at vbacfacts dot com. No partial credit will be given.
How can I bring “The Truth About VBAC” to my area?
Jen loves to travel and share her class! If you are interested in hosting a class in your area and earning a little money for yourself or your organization along the way, please review the Local Sponsor Agreement for more details.
After you sign the Sponsor Agreement, Jen will create and supply you with various marketing materials. See samples here and click on individual flyers to see the various links provided. You will also be invited to join a group of current and mentor Local Sponsors who can give you tips, ideas, and encouragement on how to plan and market a successful event.
Do you offer webinars (on-line classes?)
Absolutely! Webinars are a great way for people around the world to attend the class right from their computer! VBAC Facts webinars do not require you to “call in” to a telephone number avoiding costly phone calls and the use of limited cell phone minutes. You can see Jen, hear her voice, see all her slides, ask questions, and interact with others in the class directly from your computer.
It is recommended that, while attending the class, you connect to your internet source via a network cable and not wifi for the best experience.
Subscribe to the VBAC Facts E-List to be notified of future dates. Questions? Email info at vbacfacts dot com.
Do you offer a video of the class?
Work full time? Have an unpredictable schedule? Busy chasing small kiddos? Is it hard for you to find a 6 hour block of time? For those who can’t attend a live event, Jen also offers a video of the June 2013 webinar. Those who register will be emailed the link which is valid for 30 days. You can start and stop all you want and watch it in 15 minute increments if that is what suits your schedule. Everyone’s account is allotted with enough time so they can watch it twice. If you want to earn DONA continuing education hours, please be sure to watch the whole video and then fill out and return the evaluation form.
When and where will the classes be held?
What feedback has the class received?
“Bravo! I absolutely loved the VBAC Facts Class– I learned SO much! Jen does an amazing job of summarizing the latest evidence on VBACs and repeat Cesareans in a way that is easy to understand. I also loved when she talks about informed consent versus scare tactics, how to find a supportive care provider, and how to prepare for a hospital VBAC. If you’re worried that Jen is going to try and talk you into a VBAC– well, that’s not how she does things. In this class, Jen simply presents accurate facts and lets the evidence speak for itself. Every woman and family needs to make the decision that is best for them. In this class, Jen has created a non-judgmental environment for people who are exploring their options. I strongly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in learning about VBAC!” Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN, APRN of www.evidencebasedbirth.com. Read Rebecca’s entire review.
“This webinar was just as valuable for me as it was to sit in four yrs of midwifery school!! You did an incredible job Jen and I just want to thank you again for all of the trillions of little (and big) labors of love (that I can only imagine) that went into birthing this. Everything you have pulled together is priceless and as a birth professional, brings a huge sigh of relief to me to know that others are out there just as passionate and just as dedicated to educating the people. This makes *my* work much easier as a birth professional. Looking forward to next weekend’s webinar!!” Serena Lynch, midwife, left this review after attending the 3/16/13 webinar
“Thanks so much for an awesome class! I want to tell mamas… please don’t be afraid to look at the stats. They do support what we intuitively know. Our bodies are made to give birth. Even in a climate that is unfavorable the majority of women who attempt VBAC are successful. Imagine what we can do as we spread the information, change this climate, and become empowered birth consumers. The conditions will become more favorable and that can only produce positive results for us. Share stats. Take classes like this and share them with other women. Go into a VBAC in full knowing, if you choose to VBAC after seeing accurate info. That is empowerment. These stats prove to me that I can trust my body. We are all at different places when it comes to accepting and evaluating risks. What might seem risky to one mama, might not to me or you. That is why this info is a must. Full knowledge can promote emotional healing and empowerment among birthing women. We can demand evidence based care. We can be familiar with the stats. We can go into our VBAC intuitively and trusting. This is not an one way or the highway game. This is a you know what is best for you scenario. As someone who works with emotional, mental, spiritual preparation for VBAC and birth quite often, I love the marriage to the intellectual preparation. They are great team members. Ok… probably don’t make a lick of sense, but I’m pumped. 
Thanks!” – Kelli B. Haywood, Educator and Birth Doula at Birth True Childbirth Education
“Thank you Thank You THANK YOU! Jen, I just LOVED The Truth About VBAC Webinar we finished up today [November 17, 2012]. I am definitely an advocate of following your intuition and trusting innate maternal wisdom, but knowing this information will help cast away those doubts about what moms’ bodies are capable of. A cesarean is not the ‘birth handicap’ we are led to believe it is by the mainstream. I encourage all doulas and childbirth educators and VBAC seeking moms and partners to take this class, capture this information and use it to win support from your birth team. You can VBAC with confidence having the data to reference, and Jen did an amazing job putting it all together in a clear manner, looking at the issue from myriad perspectives. Bravo Jen . . . well done!” -Jenn D’Jammos, CCCE at Earth Mama Birth
“Jen’s VBAC Facts webinar is interesting, organized, and most importantly, evidence-based! Some of my favorite parts included the many charts Jen created, which illustrate statistics regarding Cesarean section and VBAC in the U.S. I’m a visual learner, and putting those numbers in perspective really made it click for me. This class would be a great fit for parents, educators, doulas, and any health professional working with mothers and babies. A fabulous educational opportunity!” – Lindsey Rupp, CD(DONA), CLS, PCD (DONA) at Blissful Transition Doula Services
“You rocked your presentation. I learned sooooo much!” — Ana Paula Markel, Founder of BINI Birth, Doula Trainer, and Childbirth Educator
“I teach my clients and students that educating themselves is one of the most powerful paths to freedom. When it comes to birth—whether or not a woman is planning a VBAC–information is power. Jen Kamel has a masterful understanding of the research and she delivers it to mothers and birth workers in a clear, accessible, and applicable way. Thanks to Jen and www.VBACfacts.com this powerful body of knowledge can be used by all of us to cultivate the best possible birth experiences.” — Christy Diane Farr, Life Coach with Seeds and Weeds Coaching
“This class is all about the facts. It is low pressure. It gives you information from scientific journals that will help you make the best decision for you and your baby. At the end, you get to decide which set of risks you are willing to accept. It opened my husband’s eyes. Even though I’ve been telling him, he needed to hear the research and the numbers. Thank you!!!” — Mom seeking VBA2C
“Thanks for an outstanding class! It was very nice meeting you. Your hard work and dedicated research is incredibly impressive. Knowledge is Power, wish it would rub off on the whole OB community. I think the trend to eventually turn that direction for women’s choice of birth options will happen as more people put that kind of pressure on the issue. Bravo to you!” — Labor & Delivery Registered Nurse seeking VBA1C
“My husband and I certainly felt even more confident after the class. I would definitely recommend it to anyone considering a VBAC.” — A mom planning VBA1C
“Jen Kamel blew me away with the personable nature in which she delivered stats and figures. She clearly explained how women can use them to understand their options. I wish every person out there who feels strange when dealing with the numbers vs intuition question would take this class and get a good look at what the integration of the two looks like.” — Shannon Mitchell, Doula & Birth Advocate
“What an amazing and informative presentation!! Thank you so much for doing this ever-important work for birthing women!!! ” — Teresa Stire, PhDc, MA, student midwife, and VBA3C mom
How do I become a VBAC Facts Attendee Affiliate?
Use the links below to become a VBAC Facts Attendee Affiliate. Then promote VBAC Facts events and earn a 5% commission when people register via your unique link. Affiliates will be paid after the completion of each class.
- Video Recording of the June Webinar
- Buffalo, NY in July
- Bear, DE in August
- Yucca Valley, CA in September
- Louisville, KY in October
- Tampa, FL in November
Is the goal of the class to convince women to have a VBAC?
While Jen had a wonderful VBAC with her son and it was the right choice for her, other women find that the right choice for them is a hospital VBAC or a repeat cesarean and that is their decision to make with their body. The objective of the class is to make hard to find and interesting information relative to post-cesarean birth options easily accessible to the people who seek it, not to convince anyone to make a specific decision. This class is a respectful environment and as such, your choices will be respected. Learn more about Jen’s unique style of advocacy.
Do I need to be pregnant to attend?
If you have had a cesarean and are considering your birth options, the best time to collect information is before you get pregnant. Then you have time to conduct your research and assemble your birth team without a due date looming. That said, it is never to late to learn.
What if I live far away from the in-person class location?
The average person who attends the in-person class drives 45 minutes one way. 21% drive between 1 – 2 hours and 18% drive over two hours! Don’t let distance be a barrier to learning. That said, remember that the webinars are available so you can take the class from the comfort of your home and have a 30 second commute from the coffeepot to your computer
Refund policy
A full refund, minus a $25 processing fee will be provided upon request up until three weeks before any class begins. After that time, refunds will not be issued unless the attendee misses the class due to attending a birth. When class is missed for any other reason, attendees are welcome to take a future class (either an in-person or on-line class) or watch a video of a previously recorded class. Whatever works best for you.
Disclaimer
VBACfacts.com (Website) and “The Truth About VBAC” classes (Class) are designed to share interesting and hard to find information on post-cesarean birth options.
Information is shared via the Website and Class with the understanding that Jennifer Kamel is not a medical professional and she is not qualified to provide medical advice. If medical advice is required, the services of a competent medical professional should be sought.
It is not the purpose of the Website or Class to provide all the information that is otherwise available, but instead to complement, amplify and supplement other texts. The Website and Class are not comprehensive resources and should not be used as such.
Every effort has been made to make the Website and Class as accurate as possible. However, there may be mistakes, both typographical and in content. Therefore, the Website and Class should be used only as a general guide and not as the ultimate source of birth after cesarean information. Furthermore, this Website and Class contains information on birth after cesarean that is current only up to the published date.
You are encouraged to perform your own research and analysis and together with your qualified care provider, make a medical decision appropriate for your individual situation. For more information, see the many resources listed in the bibliography.
The purpose of the Website and Class is to educate and entertain. The author shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in the Website or Class.
If you do not wish to be bound by the above, you may refrain from reading the website or attending the class.
Iam a supporter of vbac and vbamc. I had a wonderful healing, empowering VBA3c on October 27, 2008, I was in active labor for 22 hrs, pushed for 20 minutes, Iam so thankful for all the research that was available, so I could make a decision on the birth of my son. Iam was glad to do the vba3c, I just wish I would have known my options earlier, I believe the other three c-sections could have been avoided especially them just being repeats from the first which was only done due to not dialating fast enough,which is not a medical reason to even perform a c-section.
Hi, I support your efforts and wonder if you might be interested in collaborating on some programs in the future. Dr F.
Would you consider doing a class on skype with women in KY? Or in the east? I would love to participate but the distance doesn’t allow me! This web server is free and allows several people to talk live and see each other. Thanks, Gladys
Hi Jen! So cool to see that you’ve got some local classes coming up in the fall. We’re still doing VBACs over here at AquaNatal (because someone has to in our area, right?) and think it’s so great that you are working to get the word out about safe vbac options in the IE. I just saw your banner at Jodi’s PBi site, and was wondering if you wanted to do a banner exchange with us at AquaNatal … let me know what you think! =)
This class looks great. So glad it is being offered. I am interested in hosting a class in Santa Clarita.
I am glad to hear that someone is showing the statics of C-sections. I just had a VBAC in June, and while my first was a vaginal birth, it was so empowering to give birth to our third vaginally also!!
[...] VBAC Class [...]
I’m a recent VBAC mother. My 2nd child was a C-Section two years ago last month. I was pleased to be offered a chance to do a VBAC by my Ob-gyn. I delievered a health baby girl last week (September 2009). Yes, you heard correctly – my ob-gyn prompted me to do a VBAC for my third child before I could ask him for a VBAC. That says a lot about the doctor that supports VBAC; its less drama for you. When the doctor supports you, that’s half the battle.
I had an emergency csection with my daughter in Aug 2007. I am due Nov 6th 2009 with our second….a boy this time. My doctor recommended the vbac for me. This is something I want to experience so badly! I have a lot of concerns about this because most doctors in my area refuse this procedure. I am happy I found this site so I can get as much info as I can!
Can someone please calm my nerves for me? I have had two vaginal births, but my last one (April 2008) was a c-section due to dystocia. I am now 8 months pregnant with my baby being due on November 19th. My OB does do VBACS and the hospital I am going to be delivering at, does allow them as well (thank God). Anyhow, I signed a consent form at my last DR visit and it really scared me. I know the DR had me sign it in the event that something goes wrong, but it still scared me to death. Now I am all freaked out about uterine rupture and everything else.
What makes matters worse is that I read an article on the internet which stated that certain factors increase the risk of uterine rupture. Some of those factors were maternal age (being over 30 which I am – I am 34), type of c-section scar (mine is the low horizontal one), and how long between pregnancies (I only had 10 months in between).
Anyway, how on earth do I calm down? LOL
I do not want another c-section. The one I had was awful! They couldn’t stop the bleeding and I was about to get a blood transfusion which I also did not want. I also did not like the effects that the epidural had on me. never again do i want a c-section.
[...] for VBAC Classes presented by VBAC Facts in your [...]
Will you be offering any online courses again? I missed the ones you offered before. Thanks!
[...] Facts – Jennifer, teacher of The Truth about VBAC classes, deeply believes that women, after educating themselves on the risks and benefits, should be the [...]
I was just looking at your info cards/banners and saw the link to these classes. Have you ever thought about sharing your curriculum to have other CBEs, midwives, etc. do classes in other states? I’m in Oregon and would be very interested in offering some classes like this!
Emily,
I have thought about that, but it would be to great of a project for me to undertake with my kids being so young. I am in the process of turning the class into a book so that I can still have complete control over content and tone, but people who live outside of Southern California can obtain the information. I am hoping to get a jump start while I fly cross country to attend the NIH VBAC conference in a couple weeks. I would also like to travel more and teach the class in person starting in 2011. I’d love to stay in touch and maybe you can host a class in 2011?
Warmly,
Jen
That would be great! I’ve wanted to do a VBAC class in my area for some time. Most of our area hospitals have an over 50% cesarean rate and none officially allow VBACs. There are 2 providers at a local hospital who will attend VBACs but only if the mom goes into labor before her due date and only if the baby is estimated under a certain weight – ugh!
I am also a doula and chilbirth educator in Mesa, Arizona that is VERY interested in holding a class like this here! I had a VBAC myself and know the power of information and a local advocate. I’m looking forward to your book – if you ever come to share your curriculum, please let me know! Thanks for what you’re doing!
hello i had a csection on november 28,2009. honestly my plan was to have my baby vaginally but my dr said she was too big for me and she was only 6 lbs, anyways i have a question and i really hope you can answer it for me, how many months after my csection can i get pregnant and have a VBAC??? is 5 months too soon???
Hi Adriana!
I’m so sorry that you had your cesarean for suspected big baby only to find that you had a small baby. Unfortunately, I’ve heard many similar stories from other women such as this one. Did you know that the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) only recommend a cesarean for suspect big baby when the baby is estimated to be 11 pounds or more? You can read ACOG’s Practice Bulletin No. 22 on Guidelines for Fetal Macrosomia published in the November 2000 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology for more information.
While I cover interbirth intervals in the class, I haven’t had a chance to type it all up in an article. The short answer is: evidence suggests that it’s best to have a 18-24 month interval between your cesarean birth and subsequent births. In other words, wait 9 to 15 months after your cesarean to get pregnant. That said, the studies that have been conducted are rather small, and it will be nice if/when larger studies are conducted so we have a better idea of the risk differential, if any, between births occurring less than 18 months post cesarean versus more than 18 months. I personally think it’s always a good idea to give your body plenty of time to heal and wait at least 9 months to get pregnant.
You can read some of the studies available by looking for the terms ‘interbirth’ (time between cesarean birth and subsequent birth) and ‘interpregnacy’ (time between beginning of cesarean pregnancy and the beginning of subsequent pregnancies) by looking through my bibliography.
Warmly,
Jen
I’m so bummed to see that these classes are on hiatus. I’ve been looking all over for a VBAC class and can’t seem to find one anywhere. I was pretty set on a scheduled C-section at the start of my pregnancy, but I’ve been doing a lot of reading online and I think I’ve decided to go for the VBAC. After looking at the hospital statistics on this website I’m considering switching hospitals and therefore doctors mid-pregnancy which is kind of scary, but I want to give my VBAC the best chance of success. I’m too scared to go for the homebirth and I don’t think my husband/family would allow it anyway. Thanks for the great info! I wish your book was out already.
Hi there,
Just posting the date of my VBAC Preparation class for Irish Mums for the end of 2010 and first half of 2011.
December 4
Feb 5
April 2
June 12
Thanks!
Please visit http://www.VBACIreland.com for more information
Tracy
I would like to know how you register for this online class. I am in Canada, would the information be also applicable here? Hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Julie!
Much of the class would be applicable to non-Americans. I do discuss the history and politics of VBAC in America.
You can register via this link: http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=E057DA848849.
Warmly,
Jen
I’m in the Eastern Time Zone, which would have me hitting the hay around 1am each night of these webinar sessions (which, with a 4yo and 16mo at home sounds unwise). Is there any capacity to watch these after they’ve aired, so-to-speak, for those of us in inconvenient time zones?
Darlene,
Check out these future times: http://vbacfacts.com/2012/09/17/when-should-the-next-on-line-class-be-offered/. Do either of those work for you?
Jen
Hi Jen,
We’d love to register for next week’s class, despite that fact that class for us would start at 4am (we’re near Geneva in Switzerland!) I just want to check the timing with you, since I don’t know your location, only that you are on PST-please confirm that you are on Daylight Savings, which means that there should be a 9-hour time difference? Also, with two of us participating from the same computer, what is the cost, please?
Thanks much, Shannon
Hi Shannon!
Yes, we are on Daylight Savings time.
In theory, the price is per person, but I have no way to enforce that. If you wanted to make a donation towards my Womb Ecology campaign in lieu of a second registration, I would be grateful: http://vbacfacts.com/2012/09/16/help-send-vbac-facts-to-the-womb-ecology-conference/
Warmly,
Jen
Will do, under the name [...], who is the second participant. Looking forward to your webinar! And thanks for all the great work you are doing to empower women and their partners in their birth choices;)
Are CEUs still pending? I would like to apply CEUs for DONA recertification. Thanks.
Rebecca,
I’m in the process of adding information from the 2012 Mic-Pacific Conference which means I will need to amend by application and miss the 6 week deadline. Hopefully I will be able to offer then for February 2013.
Warmly,
Jen
Hi Jen,
I am just wondering whether your webinars are available in Australia, and is there a cost involved?
Warm Regards,
Stephanie
Stephanie,
People from Australia can absolutely attend! Cost is $85/person for the webinar and you can still register for the March series here. Upon registration, I will email you a link to the video of Part I, which we recorded last Saturday, and then you can join us live this Saturday at 9am PST or you can watch the video of Part II at your leisure. The video link will be valid for 30 days. Start and stop all you want. Everyone’s account is allotted with enough time so they can watch it twice.
The next webinar will likely be the first two weekends in June. Join the elist to be notified as soon as registration opens.
Best,
Jen