10 Steps to VBAC Success
by Angela Hoy
DISCLAIMER:
This article contains the personal opinions of Angela Hoy, who encountered resistance from the medical community when attempting a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Angela is not a healthcare provider. Before you make any healthcare decisions, or change your medical plans in any way, you must consult your physician or other licensed healthcare practitioner.
If you’ve had a cesarean section (c-section) and you’re now wanting to attempt a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), chances are pretty good you’re encountering resistance from your Obstetrician, the hospital where you plan to give birth, and even family and friends.
If you are willing to fight the system, you can attempt a VBAC. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are NOT allowed a say in your own medical care!
Here are 10 things you can do now to get on the road to attempting a VBAC.
1. Don’t assume your doctor is being honest with you. He/she may very well believe in VBACs, but their liability insurance company or even the hospital’s insurance company may not permit them to offer VBACs. The doctor isn’t likely to share this information with you. You’d be surprised to know how much of our medical care is regulated by insurance companies, not by doctors. We were never told our hospital didn’t allow VBACs. We only learned of their policy after doing extensive research.
2. Don’t completely believe them if they say, “Sure, you can have attempt VBAC!” Research research research! Has your doctor had any VBAC patients who were successful? Does the hospital even allow VBACs? Your doctor may tell you, sure, you can VBAC, but may then find “problems” later and schedule you for a c-section. They know, by that time, it will be too late for you to find a new doctor. My obstetrician told me I could attempt a VBAC. Months later, after I’d fired him, the hospital called me to schedule a consultation with their anesthesiologist for my “scheduled c-section.” A ha!!
Also, when a local reporter asked our nearby hospital, who refused to say they wouldn’t allow VBACs, when their last VBAC was, they didn’t answer the question.
3. Know your doctor’s or hospital’s possible financial motives. It costs a LOT more to have a c-section in a hospital than it does to have a natural birth. Hospitals and doctors would much rather bill your insurance company $10K or more, rather than half that much.
4. Know your doctor’s or hospital’s possible convenience motives. It’s a lot easier, and often faster, for a hospital to schedule an appointment, cut you open, and stick you in a recovery room. Labor often takes a long time, involves a variety of medical specialists who need to be available around the clock, and is completely unpredictable. Rather than allowing your body to do what it knows how to do, some in the healthcare field would rather take complete control of a perfectly natural process, for their own convenience.
5. Listen closely. Your doctor may give you a long, scary diatribe about how dangerous a VBAC can be. He/she may even say something like, “No mother in their right mind would risk their baby’s life by having a VBAC!” The release forms are often downright horrific.
But, has he/she even mentioned the dangers of a c-section? Studies show more can go wrong with a c-section than a vaginal birth - even a VBAC. Sure, you can die during a VBAC, but you can also die during a c-section.
6. Find a provider that absolutely supports VBACs. You can find midwives in your area by searching online. Some midwives will know doctors who support VBACs. Also, ask your primary care physician (not your Ob/Gyn) or his/her nurse or secretary to help you find an obstetrician that allows VBACs. My primary care physician first found a hospital (an hour away - not bad) that allowed VBACs and then found an Obstetrician in that town who also supported VBACs.
7. Consider giving birth at home. Studies show giving birth at home can be just as safe as giving birth in a hospital. Hospitals use interventions that can affect a successful, safe vaginal delivery. In fact, the more interventions they use, the worse things can go wrong. A domino-effect can occur. If you give birth at home, on your own terms, you can avoid these often unnecessary interventions.
IMPORTANT! Studies show that chemically inducing labor can increase the risk of a ruptured uterus in a VBACing mom!
8. READ! READ! READ! The most inspirational book I read about natural childbirth was Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. Another great one that gives a lot of detail about how the medical industry can affect midwives and birthing moms is Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife. I couldn’t put that one down.
9. Believe in yourself and your body’s ability to do what it was created to do! Just because a doctor tells you can’t or shouldn’t do something doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t do it! Almost every woman who has successfully had a VBAC (studies say 60%-80% of women who attempt a VBAC are successful) encountered resistance, not only from doctors and hospitals, but also from their own family and friends!
10. Know you’re not alone. Women have been giving birth since the beginning of time. There are countless women across the globe who are pregnant at the same time you are. There are women in labor when you are in labor. There are women attempting VBACs while you’re attempting your VBAC. You are NOT alone and you can do it! For support, you can come to my blog and share your story. See: http://vbac.angelahoy.com
That said, you should know the possible risk-factors for a ruptured uterus, including the type of incision used during your previous c-section, certain drugs physicians (and some midwives) give to induce/enhance labor, and more. You absolutely MUST research VBACs (and c-sections) thoroughly so you will not only make the best decision for you and your baby, but also so you’ll know if a healthcare practitioner is about to do something to you that may affect your and your baby’s health…and even life.
Angela Hoy was stunned when she was told she could not birth her fifth child vaginally after having a previous c-section. Baby Mason was born naturally, the old fashioned way, on June 22, 2006. Angela Hoy is the author of eight non-fiction titles, including DON’T CUT ME AGAIN! True Stories About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).
THIS ARTICLE MAY BE REPRINTED/REDISTRIBUTED FREELY, AS LONG AS THE ENTIRE ARTICLE, DISCLAIMER, AND BIO ARE INCLUDED.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Your blog entry was dead on! i completely agree with you. Some doctors know full well that VBACs are a safe option to c-section, but don’t want to risk the liability insurance claim if something does go wrong. Complications with C-sections happen every day, so people are less likely to blame the doctor.
April 26th, 2007 at 12:22 am
My daughter was born via emergency c-section after an attempted VBAC. I just hope all moms do their research and know what they are risking before doing this. I was told the risks were low, I wanted the experience, and we tried. After 15 hours of induced labor (not recommended) my uterus ruptured. My daughter was without oxygen for 25 minutes before she was delivered. I could have bled to death. We came so close to losing her. She is now 5 and has profound Cerebral Palsy. She cannot sit, talk, use her hands…she eats baby food or pureed food, drinks thickened liquids from a bottle. She is the joy of my life…I just wish her life (and ours too) was easier. If you have a VBAC, do NOT let them induce you. I would say do NOT have a VBAC to even my worst enemy. I never want another mother to have the guilt I will feel for the rest of my life….
Amanda, mom of Olivia
HI AMANDA,
I’m so sorry for what you and your daughter went through and are going through. This was NOT YOUR FAULT! The drugs they use to induce labor greatly increase the chances of a ruptured uterus. This was your doctor’s fault, not yours! Give Olivia a big hug for me.
-Angela
June 3rd, 2007 at 12:30 pm
I love “Baby Catcher”, too. Great book.
Your list is very good. I wish more moms would do this kind of research before submitting to a c-section! I had my second son vaginally just three months ago. The story is at http://laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com/2007/05/birth-story.html if you want to check it out.
July 15th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Dear Angela, be honest please - how painful was Mason’s birth for you as the mommy??
August 29th, 2007 at 3:28 am
My first pregnancy I read nothing about c-sections in my mind I wasn’t having one I was having a “natural birth”. I had imagined the moment over and over all the hard work, the pain, and the pushing for the greatest gratification a healthy baby. I had allot of scares but overall my baby was healthy although very small for a full term fetus. I had non stress test 2 times a week from 32 weeks to monitor the baby and myself. On a Wednesday at 38 weeks I went to see my doctor and I had began dilating she said that if I wanted she would induce me Friday. I told her “no I wanted the full experience I wanted the moment where I knew I was in labor and the excitement.” On that Friday I was at the hospital for my weekly non stress test and so was my doctor doing her rounds she stopped in to see me and said that she noticed the heart rate didn’t seem normal that she thinks it would be best to induce, afraid for my baby I agreed. Less then 3 hours into labor my babies heart rate drooped and my doctor was in another delivery at another hospital, (her husband who is her OBGYN partner) came into the room and said that a c-section would be safest for the baby, knowing that the heart was so low I new it was safest to but I was still so devastated . After the baby was born I was anxious to feed and hold and see her. They put me back together, then moved me to recovery all I could think is where is my baby and your saying I have to stay here for 2 hours and wait with out my baby!!!! I think I had a nervous break down at that point! The experience was horrible, recovery was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and emotionally I suffered more than anything. Now 2 years later I’m having my second baby I want more than anything to have a VBAC. I decided to go with the same doctors I had with my first pregnancy it’s a husband and wife team and when I had the c-section they said “next time you can try natural” I thought they supported VBAC’s from that comment. On my first visit I asked about a VBAC (this pregnancy I have seen the man most of the time) he said that none of the hospitals allow it in my area, he said if I go in and I’m in labor that their might be a chance that the hospital wont stop the labor. So at that time that was my hope, “I would just have to go into labor!” then I started to read and read and learn everything about my rights with a VBAC and then I started calling hospitals to make sure they had ban VBAC some of the hospitals had but the hospital I chose to go to hadn’t , it was up to the doctor that the hospital allowed it as long as the doctor allowed it. I went back to the doctor and said I want a full attempt at a VBAC that I know the hospital allows it. He told me ok didn’t put up a fight at all. At 36 weeks for the first time in this pregnancy I seen his wife, she told me I needed to schedule my c-section, I let her know that I was attempting a VBAC, she proceeded to tell me negative stories about VBAC’s to scare me. I then felt very upset and looked into changing doctors at 36 weeks, none of the doctors in my area were real supporters of VBAC’s to go to a doctor out of my area I need a referral. I researched the real risks of a VBAC and that 1% isn’t high enough risk for me, although in every woman’s testimony they said “ I never though that I would be that 1%” most woman with uterine rupture they are older, have had more then one c-section, are over weight before pregnancy, and are usually induced or go way over their due date. I think I am the perfect candidate for a VBAC. I am now 38 weeks and still head strong on having a VBAC none of my friends understand and even my husband has tried to discourage me, my mother stands by my side and understands why it is so important for me to have a natural birth rather then another c-section . I also feel my doctors have tried to do mind tricks on me I think that they sometimes want you to things and convince you it’s the best thing for you so you do it. Like being induced my baby properly would have been fine if she wasn’t induced the medication from inducing her made her heart drop if she would of came at her own time I think things would of went smoothly . Thank you for you advice I enjoyed reading it and I want to get the books you recommended.
November 16th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
It is so great to hear from women who actually share my views. I had a c-section with my first child because he was to big. My c-section was a complete nightmare. I am now pregnant with my 2nd baby, and after much resistance from the OB/GYN in my area (who actually REFUSED to allow me to try VBAC), I found a midwife who referred me to a doctor in another area who was very supportive of my choice. It’s a 2 hours drive from my home to the doctor’s office (and hospital where I will be delivering) but it is worth the inconvenience to have a natural birth.
December 18th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Hello Ladies,
C-sections are definitely a scarry thing and I often get criticized for being for them. I’m not, but I do realize that for many women who have health risks it can be very necessary and often life saving, but of course, it can be troublesome with regard to recovery and just plain being scary.
If you can find a qualified doctor to do a vbac and it’s what you really want, by all means please do it, however if a c-section is required please be sure you research, plan and make it a priority to have a swift and healthy recovery.
Warmest Regards,
Elizabeth
January 8th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I had an emergency c-section in 2002 with my first baby after being induced. I was in labor for about 25 hours and only progressed to 4 cm. The nurses said that the baby’s heart rate was dropping and the next thing I knew I was being rushed into have the surgery. I was absolutely devastated and started crying. After the cesarean I was only allowed a few seconds to see my baby and then was sent to a recovery room by myself for an hour. I had to spend a week in the hospital and the recovery was painful. After I came home I had severe postpartum depression. With my second child I was determined to have a VBAC, but when going to my first prenatal visit with the same doctor as before was told he didn’t allow them. He told me the scary stories about uterine rupture and mental retardation and complications that could result from it. He also said that it would be hard to find a doctor who would assist a VBAC. Well, I went home and did my research and discovered that many doctors will not allow them because of medical liability insurance. Also, that c-sections were riskier than attempting VBAC. Long story short… I was able to find a doctor in the same practice who would support me. I unfortunately had to be induced before my due date, because he would be out of town. It all worked out and I was able to have a vaginal birth. It almost didn’t happen because I wouldn’t progress passed 4 cm again until they gave me and epidural which relaxed me. After I rested for an hour I had fully dilated and had the baby in 20 mn. I am so thankful to God that I had the opportunity to have a vaginal birth. I love hearing how other mothers have also had the chance.
July 18th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I am 38 weeks pregnant with my second child. My first was born via c-section because I was dialating at a slow pace and I got tired of waiting and the pain got too intense. Basically, I chickened out and ended up regretting it afterwards. The recovery was awful.
16 years later I find myself pregnant and want to desparately have a VBAC. My doctor initially agreed and we really didin’t discuss it anymore until he filled out my family medical forms for work and listed a c-section as delivery. After questioning it, he began to tell me all of horror stories and insisted that I take the route suggested. I resisted the thought and we didn’t discuss it anymore until a few weeks ago when he asked me what date I wanted him to schedule my c-section.
I told him that I wanted a VBAC and he got really mad at me and even yelled at me. He refused to even discuss it and scheduled me. I went in top have my bloodwork done and was crying on the inside the entire time. My spirit was broken and I went home to prepare myself for the surgery. I began to cry and pray to God for help in hopes that I would go into labor before the date and have my baby on my own. After praying and talking with some of my church members and family I realized that this was MY body and so I decided not to go. I called the doctor’s office to cancel and then the hospital. My doctor called my husband and told him that if I didn’t show up for surgery I would have to find another doctor. I was floored considering I have been with this doctor since I was 15, I am 37 now, he delivered my first baby.
I must say that I was quite disappointed as I can’t find anyone to take me at this late date. My doctor had his receptionist call me and tell me what hospital I would have to deliver at. I thought that he was being sarcastic and shook it off as such. After feeling a bit despondent from the rejection I decided to call the hospital. They were so encouraging. They told me that they supported VBACs and that all I needed to do was show up when I went into labor. I was absolutely stunned bit I knew it was God that had made a way for me.
I am due in 6 days and pray that everything will be fine. I really appreciate all of your testimonies and I look forward to posting my testimony of victory in a few days.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I had a c-section with my son who is now 18 years old. 4½ years later I had a VBAC, successful, no complications, and I was induced (I guess my younger son and I are very lucky nothing went wrong). Now, 13½ years after the VBAC, I am pregnant again and am told I must have a c-section. I am 33. Even though it has been so long and a successful VBAC later, it doesn’t matter to the doctors or the local hospitals. I am very discouraged but don’t have any other hospital choices.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Hello!
I had a c-section with my third child because of complications with a car accident I had then. Now after 11 years, having a tubal ligation, then a tubal reversal and being 35 I’m pregnant again! I just moved to this state a few months ago and I have to choose a doctor just by reference. She is not happy I’m choosing VBAC but I put up a fight. She end up giving me a disclaimer form stating I’m aware of all the risks and so on. But I’m afraid she’s going to pull up an act when the time for my delivery is near. On top of everything else, everytime I call to consult her with some issues I’m having she don’t even check me! I’m very dissapointed with this doctor and seriously considering changing her. I wanted to get induce so my family, who lives far from where we are can be here, and they say no because medications they use to induce can encourage a uterus rupture. I’m very confused! I’m only 23 weeks and don’t know if I have enough time to change doctors.