Archive for 'VBAC' Category
VBAC – Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section
Is a Vaginal birth after Cesarean section possible? Absolutely! The human body is amazing and woman are amazing. If you have a pregnancy that is normal and healthy, you should be able to have a VBAC and even have it at home. The old rule was “once a cesarean always a cesarean” and this just is not true anymore. The idea behind this thinking was that once the uterus was operated on it could not handle the stress of contractions and could possibly rupture. During the 1970s and earlier, to preform a cesarean a vertical incision was made on the upper part of the uterus, which was the most prone to rupture. However, now the incision is made horizontally on the lower part of the uterus. This type of incision is highly unlikely to rupture. The estimated chance of this happening is very low (0.2%) and therefore doctors should not advise a mother to have a repeat cesarean section because of risk of uterine rupture.
If your goal is to have a VBAC then it is very important for you to choose a midwife or doctor who supports VBACs. If your doctor or midwife is not 100% behind your choice then more than likely you will end up having another cesarean. Just like with any pregnancy take your time to find the right midwife or doctor and if at any time you are not getting the support you need then switch care provider. It is also important to choose a VBAC-friendly birth place. Weather you are planning a homebirth or birth center or hospital you will want to find out the midwife’s or birthing center or hospital’s policies surrounding VBACs. Be weary of the birth place that looks at VBAC pregnancy as “high-risk” or “just too-risky.” Instead find a birth place and birth attendants that realize you are a highly motivated and informed mother.
Finally, if you haven’t already, join a support group such as ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network.) A group such as ICAN is very healing and empowering.