Childbirth/vba2c

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Expert: - 5/18/2009


Question
I had a c/s a yr. ago. Not my first. First c/s was in 2001. I was allowed a "tol" last year. I got to 7cm and was told I wouldn't progress after only an hr. of trying to get passed 7cm. But I got to 10 cm w/ my first. My first c/s was for fetal distress. I think I was fooled into c/s both times. Anyway, would a vba2c be a healthy choice now? I am due 7/4/09. Hospitals have banned vbacs here. Now what are my options? I would like to try to vbac, is that too risky?

Answer
Hi Regina,

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

I would suggest, if you haven't already, that you get on the ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) website at www.ican-online.org and also get in touch with the local ICAN chapter in your area and find out what your local options are for attempting a VBA2C.

ICAN also has statistics on VBA2C that are very encouraging as well.

Do your research so that you know your options. A VBa2C is probably not as risky as you might think - study the research (available on the ICAN website) so that you can see what the risks are.  Remember too that repeat cesarean carries its own risks, which doctors are not as likely to discuss.

It may not be easy, but I wish you the best in finding a care provider that will support what you want for your birth.  

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Dorothy H, LCCE

Expertise

As a certified childbirth educator and birth doula, I can answer questions dealing with preparing for birth, childbirth classes, pregnancy, what happens during labor and birth, doulas, VBAC, natural childbirth, cesarean birth, interventions in labor, labor, birth, helping someone through labor, concerns or fears about labor and birth, doulas, breastfeeding, and other topics dealing with pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Experience

Since 2004, I have taught childbirth education classes focused on helping couples gain confidence, make decisions for their birth, and give them tools for helping them get the birth they want. Since 2004, I have also attended births in local hospitals as a birth doula (as of 8/10, I have attended 120 births) so I am able to see firsthand what is working in helping couples deal with labor. I am also a mom of five children, and have various birth experiences myself, including unmedicated birth and a cesarean.

Organizations
Lamaze International DONA International

Publications
International Doula Magazine

Education/Credentials
I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator. I am a DONA-certified birth doula.

Past/Present Clients
I work with approximately 4-6 couples a month with my childbirth classes. I attend 2 births a month with doula clients.

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