Yay! Breaking news...

In a long overdue press release, the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists finally steps forward to revise the old guidelines that had once caused so many hospitals and doctors to “ban” VBAC. In a revision released today, The ACOG now states,

“a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery, including for some women who have had two previous cesareans…”

March of Dimes says...

New guidelines on vaginal birth after c-section

Posted: 22 Jul 2010 08:00 AM PDT

It used to be that once you had a c-section, you’d always have a c-section. Now, health experts are rethinking this idea and believe that many women may be able to safely have a vaginal birth after a c-section (called VBAC).

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists today released guidelines to make it easier for more women to have VBACs by encouraging health providers to consider VBACs as an option for healthy pregnant women. In fact, about 6 to 8 out of 10 women who try a VBAC are successful in having a vaginal birth. Even women who are carrying twins and had more than one c-section in the past may be able to have a VBAC safely.

While there may be some risks in doing a VBAC (as with childbirth in general), it can be safe for many healthy women and their babies. The benefits of having a VBAC include a lower chance of infection, blood loss or other health complications associated with c-sections as well as a shorter recovery time after giving birth. You’re more likely to have a successful VBAC if:
• Your c-section cut was made in the lower part of the uterus
• Your health and baby’s health are well during pregnancy.
• Your labor starts on its own and continues naturally at 37 to 40 weeks of pregnancy.

If you had a c-section and are pregnant again, talk to your health provider to see if a VBAC is the right choice for you.

A little history (from the FeministBreeder) who said, "They confirmed what we already knew."

"... they didn’t come to this decision on their own. Back in March, the National Institutes of Health held a conference on Vaginal Birth After Cesarean – a conference that I attended, wrote about, and was even featured in during the "Mother's Stories." I was so proud to see that at that conference, birth activists from all walks of life – doctors, researchers, midwives, and mothers – gathered to help try to convince the panel to see what we’ve all been seeing, which is that women’s rights are being trampled on when they are denied the safe option of vaginal birth. The ACOG President himself sat in a theatre listening to stories of doctors who couldn’t help their patients because their hands were tied. They heard stories from mothers who had to battle hospitals for the right to birth vaginally, or instead birthed unassisted at home because they could not find a provider able to help them. And they listened to highly respected doctors and researchers present the latest available evidence, which is that VBAC is a safe option, and in fact, it is a safer option than a repeat cesarean for most women.

They were also shown a slide listing grassroots organizations and activists who tirelessly battle to preserve patient autonomy and protect the rights of childbearing women. Thanks to those women who stood up and demanded that this was a human right’s issue, the ACOG also included this in their statement:

“restrictive VBAC policies should not be used to force women to undergo a repeat cesarean delivery against their will if, for example, a woman in labor presents for care and declines a repeat cesarean delivery at a center that does not support TOLAC.”

Do they know how long we’ve waited to hear those words?

I know many of us don’t care what the ACOG says, and we’d be VBAC’ing whether they got on board or not. But this statement could actually change maternity care in this country. They have now admitted that women are being “forced” into surgeries they do not want or need. They now admit that cesareans have risks, and that the risks of vaginal birth are much lower than previously implied. They are now admitting that despite their claim as the authority on All Things Obstetric, it took a government panel to investigate this issue for the Truth about VBAC to be exposed.

http://thefeministbreeder.com/jules-michael-birth-story/

Doula

What can help reduce the cesarean rate by 50%, length of labor by 25%, epidural requests by 60%, oxytocin use by 40%, forceps delivery by 40% and analgesia use by 30%?

A doula is a birth coach who can be there to teach you exercises to reduce pain, back strain before labor and help you get through labor with another hand to hold, another coach to cheer you on and help you have strength, courage and decreased fear. She can make you feel special during a time when you deserve it most! The word, "doula" comes from ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves." Today we refer to the professionally trained, experienced helper who participates in the birth process at the invitation of the mother.

Your spouse or partner might be all you need, but most of us would welcome another friend, especially when he is feeling unprepared or helpless. A doula has the experience and empathy that is "just what the doctor [or patient] ordered". She has skills in communication, labor, breastfeeding, and resources for childbirth classes. She uses a variety of comfort measures to help you, including massage, relaxation, breathing techniques, music, imagery, etc.

For more information, call the Utah Doula Association at 1-888-838-1456. Fees vary, but are often negotiable to ensure every woman the support she needs. At this time, no insurance benefits apply, however.

C/S Awareness Month

The U.S.hit a record 31.8% C-section rate. While cesarean is a life-saving event when it is necessary, it is not without its risks and often these risks are downplayed, leaving women with the impression that it is a safer way to give birth. Not true! It is safer in some instances, but our high rate of cesarean deliveries reflects liability concerns, convenience, impatience, and more risk in many instances.

International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) states:

"The Cesarean Awareness Ribbon debuted in April of 2004 for Cesarean Awareness Month. The burgundy color of the ribbons represents birth and the wearing of the ribbon upside down symbolizes the state of distress many pregnant women find themselves in when their birthing choices are limited. The loop of the inverted ribbon represents a pregnant belly and the tails are the arms of a woman outstretched in a cry for help."

Check her out for VBAC info too (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). Good source of information here.