Finding a VBAC Supportive OB or Midwife
When looking for a VBAC supportive provider, the absolute best place to start is locally. Attend a local ICAN chapter meeting or connect with them online. Chat with doulas, childbirth educators, and nurses who work in your community. They have the unique experience of observing providers over long periods of time, so they can give you the inside scoop. I also think it’s worth your time to call your local hospital and talk to the L&D nurse manager. Ask them who attends VBAC.
Here are some additional resources:
- The ICAN Facebook page
- The Birth Survey
- Birth After Cesarean email support group
- The ICAN Professional Subscribers list
- VBAC Meetup Groups
- Mothering.com VBAC Forum
- AP Doctor Referral yahoogroup
- Your local La Leche League chapter
- Attachment parenting groups
- Extended breastfeeding groups
- Local homeschooling groups
- RateMDs.com
Note that some of the groups are not explicitly about childbirth. However, there is a tremendous amount of overlap between say, those who homeschool, plan homebirths and those who plan VBACs.
Also, those who have unmedicated births, or VBAC, or homebirth, are more likely to breastfeed beyond the first year, which is called ‘extended breastfeeding,’ and go to La Leche League meetings. They are also more likely to seek out fellow crunchy moms at Holistic Moms groups or attachment parenting groups.
You might have never considered yourself ‘crunchy’ because you think that only hippies are crunchy, but rest assured, VBACs, homebirth, homeschooling, and extended breastfeeding are things that appeal to the super liberals, the super conservatives, and everyone in between. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, you will find someone just like you in these groups.
Also keep in mind that there are traveling midwives, so if there are no care providers in your area, this is an option. Check out the ICAN email support group for referrals.
Once you have found a provider, you are going to want to ask a ton of questions. Call and make an appointment to discuss VBAC. Don’t go in for an exam and try to have an intelligent conversation while sitting on an exam table wearing a thin paper gown. This is not a position of power. Remember, you are hiring someone to support you with your VBAC.
Please interview at least as many vendors as you would to paint your house or install your air conditioning. This is a huge decision and you will be very happy if you take the extra time to screen your care provider.
Since finding a VBAC supportive care provider can be a lengthy process, I would recommend starting your search before you even become pregnant. That way you won’t feel like you are on a timetable or be fighting morning sickness and exhaustion. And won’t it feel nice to have all your ducks in a row so when that little plus sign appears, you feel excited and supported? But, if you are already pregnant and looking, it’s not too late. Take the time to find a provider, you won’t regret it!
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Jen Kamel
Jen Kamel is the CEO and Founder of VBAC Facts® whose mission is to increase access to vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). VBAC Facts® works to achieve this mission through their educational courses for parents, online membership for professionals, continuing education trainings, and consulting services. As an internationally recognized consumer advocate, Jen speaks at conferences across the world, presents Grand Rounds at hospitals, advises on midwifery laws and rules that limit VBAC access, educates legislators and policy makers, and serves as an expert witness and consultant in legal proceedings. VBAC Facts® envisions a time when every pregnant person seeking VBAC has access to unbiased information, respectful providers, and community support so they can plan the birth of their choosing in the setting they desire.
Jen Kamel
Jen Kamel is the CEO and Founder of VBAC Facts® whose mission is to increase access to vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). VBAC Facts® works to achieve this mission through their educational courses for parents, online membership for professionals, continuing education trainings, and consulting services. As an internationally recognized consumer advocate, Jen speaks at conferences across the world, presents Grand Rounds at hospitals, advises on midwifery laws and rules that limit VBAC access, educates legislators and policy makers, and serves as an expert witness and consultant in legal proceedings. VBAC Facts® envisions a time when every pregnant person seeking VBAC has access to unbiased information, respectful providers, and community support so they can plan the birth of their choosing in the setting they desire.
I am looking for support for vba4c
Anyone who can help
Looking to have VBA2C in Indiana, Indianapolis. Willing to drive. It has been 8 years since my last (forced) C-section. Does anyone know of a midwife or doctor that supports this. Please email me latashadgibbs2012@gmail.com. Thanks
Hello my name is Amy…
I had cs delivery about a year ago and now am planning to get pregnant for another baby…do you have any recommended hospital for vbac in Nigeria… I want a
natural birth this time please…
I am trying to have a VBAC with an inverted t scar on my uterus. I am willing to do a homebirth if possible. Im looking for finding all the risks and educating myself. And have someone go over my report with me and see if they double stitched the uterus etc. I’m in the Virginia Beach , va are. Please help me find all the information I kind as I am TTC
We do not have a database of providers at this time. Your best bet is to use the resources listed above in your community to find a provider. Best wishes. I know it’s not easy.
Hello I’m new to this website.. I have had two prior c sections and all due April 25 2021 I have Kaiser insurance but refuse to have another c section I wantTo give my body a chance no doctor is rolling but I don’t want to have surgery unless necessary I live in upland ca and really need some guidance
Glad you found us!
Kaiser in Southern California generally has a good reputation. I recommend connecting with the ICAN of Los Angeles chapter as they may know specific Kaiser providers who are supportive of VBAC.
Also, download my checklist on planning a VBAC. It gives you an overview of the steps.
I’m looking to have a VBA3C but am in the San Antonio area. Does anyone know of any providers or midwives in the area that would take me on. I’m currently 8 weeks. All of my incisions are low transverse and I was told by my last ob that he left me a perfect candidate for a vbac if I still wanted to try for one. The first 2 c sections I had were done by military docs and I was bullied into them because the docs had no patience whatso ever and they were rushing the labor process. My 3rd wad a c section because baby boy got too big and I wad nearing my due date and was 2 weeks away from moving to a new area. Any help would be appreciated. So far I’m not having much luck!!
I am looking for supportive VBAC Doctors or Midwifes in the Montana area. I am in the Helena area but we are willing to travel to Missoula, Great Falls or Bozeman. Please any advise to finding supportive care would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the great information and support.
In 2000 I vaginally delivered a baby girl. In 2008 I had a c section, twin girls one was breached. Eight years later….I found a doctor who said he was vbac friendly and was not, I found that out too late…They said the baby was over 9 pounds and I had to have a c section, I was already 6cm dilated on my own all natural, baby boy was only 7 pounds 11 ounces. We are planning for one more baby and at this point i’m completely terrified. I need to find an understanding Vbac friendly doctor in Los Angeles.
I also think that you should be aware that a doctor cannot force you into a c-section without your approval. They can tell you that you are having a big baby and they can recommend a c-section but please, be aware of your rights. You do not have to consent just because a doctor is pushing you too. If their only reason for recommending a c-section is a big baby, just tell them no thanks.
I’m not trying to criticize you. I just know many women take what a doctor says as gospel and blindly go with what they suggest because they don’t realize they can say no.
I had a c section on 2013 and another one in December 2016 and pregnant now I’m due January 20, 2018 but I’m having Another c section can I still try for a vbac in New Jersey
Susana,
Anything is possible, but it all depends on your individual situation and what options are available in New Jersey.
Use the list above to get started.
Best wishes,
Jen
Hi my name is Lola.
I’m looking for a friendly vbac dr in houston who’s also affiliated with Oak Bend hospital. I’ve only had one cesarean and that was a year ago. Just found out that I’m pregnant again and i really want to go all natural this time. Pls any information will be highly appreciated. Thanks
Hi Lola!
Houston has an active ICAN chapter. Google “ICAN Houston” to connect with them. They would be your best resource.
You can also go to my Facebook page and search for Houston to read past discussions about Houston based providers.
Best of luck!
Jen
These are all great ideas on how to find a provider. I am a Midwife supporting VBAC in Connecticut. My clients VBAC success rate is 88% and VBA2C success rate is 75%. My website is http://www.primalrootsmidwifery.com
Hi Jen,
I had a c section 5 years ago and am expecting again. I went through a normal labor and dialated to 8 cm without epidural. My Doc at that time sensed something is not right and did an ultrasound and found out my baby was breech. So I had to go thru a c section. But he did say I have a good chance of vbac next time. Unfortunately I have moved and could not go back to my previous ob due to distance. I live in north Brunswick, can you suggest any Doc and hospitals closer to my place that are vbac friendly
Looking for a vbac supportive OB in Long Island,Ny. I’ve had one prior c-section
Am in the same situation myself I live in Cumberland county hospital here there is no support doctors .
Hello.
My name is Lamide
I want to have a vbac ie after 2 cesareans. I had discussed this with my O&G and was looking forward only to be told the risks are too high etc.
I really want this vbac and dont have much time left. Please help refer me to someone who will support my decision and walk through this to success.
Thank you
Lamide
Hi Lamide,
I’m sorry you are going through this! Where do you live? Perhaps we can find a doctor or midwife in your area who will be more supportive.
Best,
Jen
Hi I’m wondering if you were able to have your VBAC and had success??
We are a group of 4 CNMs who work out of an office in Gahanna, OH (Carepoint Gahanna) and attend deliveries at The OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, OH. We also have an active facebook page called “Columbus Midwife.” We are very VBAC supportive and also attend VBA2C. Thanks!
I’m planning a vbac in New Jersey but its illegal here for midwives to attend vbac’s. I hate the idea of going to the hospital and most around here have horrible vbac rates. I’m wondering what my options are, I’m very willing to travel. Ny is an hr away and PA is about 30 mins. Would it be possible to say vbac at a birthing center out of state? I’m so lost, but have plenty of time as I’m only 9 weeks. I need leads! Many thanks in advance!
Hi Marcela!
I’ve posted your question on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vbacfacts/posts/4679854605965.
Best,
Jen
Currently looking at hbac options. Can’t seem to visualize myself giving birth in a hospital. Thank you.
I can’t believe how exactly like my story this is..my dr was supportive about me wanting a vbac and did exactly what this says..the ultrasound for size, scheduling the csection at 39 weeks against my wishes, the scare tactics! wow! Now I’m 40 weeks and scrambling to find a vbac friendly hospital in LA, CA.!
Keila,
I posted your question here and over on the VBAC Facts page… follow those threads and maybe we can connect you with a referral!
Best,
Jen
Thanks Jen!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dr Payne is THE vbac doctor in Albany, GA! He does vbacs up to 2c sections and is the only one in this area if you could add him to the list. He is my current vbac dr:)
I am currently looking for a doctor that delivers at winnie palmer in orlando fl supporting vbac and that accepts medicaid. Please help? I am also 30 weeks which makes it even harder
Alexandra,
I’ve heard that Mark Bielawny MD and the Winnie Palmer OB Group are both VBAC supportive. But what VBAC supportive means varies greatly from mom to mom. I recommend you get a copy of your medical records, make appointments with each of those options, and then ask the right questions. Hopefully you can find a supportive and qualified care provider!
You are welcome to join us on the VBAC Facts Community. 🙂
Warmly,
Jen
Yes, I am currently in the care of a very good provider, almost halfway through my second pregnancy at this point. She gave me the go-ahead at this point for a VBAC, and the university hospital I am delivering at has a 90%+ VBAC success rate, which is just amazing! I am torn about the requirement for continuous fetal monitoring, because I’m extremely physically active and don’t anticipate doing labor well strapped to a bed, but after reading many birth stories realize it’s not something to butt heads about ahead of time, but when the time comes I can ask to take a short walk, quick shower, or go to the bathroom as needed. And if the VBAC success rate is 90% with this requirement in place, clearly it’s not something that is prohibitive.
Jenn,
Sounds like you have a great plan in place! Best of luck and keep me posted!
Warmly,
Jen
Unfortunately, even though I live in a fairly large city (1 million +) there is no local ICAN chapter here, and contacting the nearest one did not yield much help at all. Also, the hospital I previously delivered is listed on ICAN’s website as allowing VBAC’s, when in fact they have an extremely VBAC unfriendly environment. My OB who did my c-section previously performed VBAC’s at a different local hospital told me during my first post-partum appointment that I would be having another c-section, to which I said no thanks. 🙂 I did post on ICAN’s website about this hospital
So I actually found the best local resource for me in finding a VBAC friendly OB was calling around to talk to doula’s to get their perspective and experience on the best local hospital and doctors. I did this before I got pregnant with my second child.
Fortunately for me, when I contacted a local doula group, a lovely woman emailed me and set up a phone conversation where we spoke for about an hour about my previous pregnancy and my hopes for a VBAC and weighing different doctor’s and hospital choices. That lovely woman I later found out has a very popular blog, none other than Angela Horn! She is as nice in person as she is on e-space. I highly recommend people looking for a VBAC friendly doctor in their area start by contacting doula’s, as with my experience ICAN is not quite accurate enough for making a fully informed decision, and speaking with someone with a wide breadth of experiences with a relatively objective view on different doctors and hospitals is a resource not easily found elsewhere.
Jenn,
That is an excellent point! Doulas are a great resource for finding VBAC supportive care providers. And Angela Horn is lovely. We know each other from Facebook and I have really enjoyed reading her posts. Was she able to point you in the direction of a good, local care provider?
Warmly,
Jen
I live in Georgia near macon. I had a emergency c section in 2018 with my son because he was put in distress. My OB that I see says she doesn’t do vbacs and I’m due in July I haven’t been able to find a doctor to do my vbac because nobody answers voicemails. Since she will not be doing my repeat c section do I have to go by what she says or can I go by my birth plan? I’m 20 and honestly don’t want another c section.
Raven,
Have you reached out to Dr. Bootstaylor in Atlanta? It’s about an hour from you. He is a very supportive provider who has guided countless families through their VBAC journeys.
Best wishes,
Jen
I am looking for a homebirth midwife in or near Johnstown,Pennsylvania. I am willing to travel. I am seeking a VBAC2C. My number is 904-536-7167 ( moved from FL) email is jenredmon@comcast.net
Does anyone know any vbac friendly obs in Utah?
I personally don’t, but check with your local ICAN chapter. That is a good place to start. Are you willing to travel?
There are not any vbac friendly Ob’s listed on your site for my area greater Philadephia area. Is there a way I can find one or does anyone know one off hand. I found midwives willing to do hbac’s but unfortunately our insurance refuses to cover? ANy hlep is greatly appreciated.
Nikki,
I’m sorry, I don’t personally know of any, but use the resources above and I’m sure you will find a provider. Philadelphia is a huge metropolitan area.
Warmly,
Jen
At the Midwifery Group at Swedish we fully support all women who are seeking VBAC. Our coordinating Physician is very supportive as well. We are in the Denver Colorado area (Englewood to be specific) feel free to visit our website and see if we can help support you in your healthcare decisions.
Thank you Tammy for your comment and your link! Hopefully this will help connect your group with women in the Denver area.
Dr. Leach in Walnut Creek, CA is VBAC friendly even with twins as long as you have a low transverse incision. He also suggested if you have never delivered vaginally before the first twin should be head down. If the second is breach it is still ok as you know the first was able to come down the vagina successfully.
I called Dr Leach’s office today, and was told that he will do a VBA1C, but he will not do a twin VBAC.
Also, in Stamford, CT with an OB in Riverside, CT who claims VBAC supportiveness, but I’m not sure this OB really is supportive. Would like to deliver my twins vaginally. Currently 32 weeks and Baby A is vertex, Baby B transverse. I welcome any birth practitioner recommendations. Would love to do a HBAC, but would be perfectly happy with a successful hospital VBAC, if possible, of course.
Hélène Vadboncoeur is a researcher in perinatality in Montreal, a VBAC-er, and an author of an amazing book, entitled, Une autre césaréenne? Non merci! (Another c-s, no thanks!). An English edition will be out in th efall, she promised me. The French version of the book is a must-read for any francophones. She will also get back to vbac moms personally, by e-mail or by telephone..even if it is long-distance, as I learned. She is a great vbac advocate, has compiled otns of stats in her book on c-s in general, but esp. for example, the rates of c-s in Quebec hospital’s etc.
If you read French, get the book! And watch for it in English coming this fall. It will be a FABULOUS resource for all VBAC advocates.
I NEED A VBAC FREINDLY PROVIDER IN NE INDIANA ASAP! I AM WRITING THIS FOR MY SISTER IN LAW. SHE IS 37 WKS ALONG AND HER DOC SAID SHE HAD TO HAVE ANOTHER C SECTION AND SHE DOES NOT WANT ONE!!! I NEED SOMEONE WHO WILL TAKE HER SINCE SHE IS SO FAR ALONG! PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I live in AZ I live in an area that prohibits vbacs. So for my first birth I was induced & crap hit the fan & had an emergency c/s so my second delivery 17 months later was a scheduled c/s. I have been in & out of therapies for PTSD over this ordeal. I am obsessed with having a vaginal birth. My youngest is now 2 yrs old & I would like to get pregnant again. Anychance anyone knows if I’d have a fighting chance to find someone to allow me to vbamc in AZ? Please help!
im looking for a v-back supportive ob or midwife around the athens ohio area any suggestions?
I live in CT, stamford. I would like to find a VBAC Supportive OB
appreciate your help
I am available to assist HBAC moms in SE PA. I have years of experience with HBAC, with over 75% of planned HBACs working beautifully and a few HBA2C.
please know there ARE midwives that support you and believe in this process.
best wishes to all VBAC moms
kate
I live in Metro Detroit. I have had 2 c-sections, both for breech babies. If baby #3 is NOT breech, I’d like to attempt a VBAC. Will anyone support me in a hospital setting (which my husband prefers)?
This is all good information, and so true, you could also try Birthrites.com.au, some very good info available.