Expert: Catherine Beier MS CBE - 12/8/2011

Question
I had my 1st son in 10/2007, he was emergency Cs because he was face up-face out presentation. I was 40/6 when I went I to labor on my own with him. I progresses well, but in the end it was decided that the best way to get him out was by cs. My 2nd son was born 4/10 at 39/4 by repeat cs, due to scare tactics and I was ignorant to future possible vbac's.

We have discovered we are surprisingly having a 3rd in 6/12. I've been to the one Dr in town that is suppose to have been VBA2C friendly, but he scared me into tears and convinced me he was doing me a favor by doing another cs, when in fact I found out that it's the hospital that he delivers at that has the policy of no VBA2c.

I have been all over the Internet trying to find a birth center that will deliver a VBA2C in the Austin, TX area. We live 25 miles from the nearest Hosptial and I'm having some fears about being too far in case something happens. I'm open to another cs, but only if it comes down to it.

Can you give me suggestions or direct me to a birthing center that will entertain this option?

Answer
Hello Crissy,

My first suggestion is to take a copy of ACOG's position on VBAC2C located at:  http://www.acog.org/About_ACOG/News_Room/News_Releases/2010/Ob_Gyns_Issue_Less_R to your doctor as proof that he is using scare tactics and not evidence-based medicine.  I would also provide a copy to the hospital administrator and file a complaint with him that VBAC2C is not being offered which is not in line with the evidence or current guidelines by ACOG.  If enough women in the area complain about this, you still have enough time in your pregnancy left to possibly see that restriction removed.

Next, to locate a VBAC2C provider or facility in your area, I would recommend contacting your local chapter of ICAN, the International Cesarean Awareness Network, at ican-online.org, where a member can speak with you and help you connect with supportive providers or facilities in your area.


Best,
Catherine