If you have had a prior cesarean, you may assume that you have to have another, but if you have a healthy pregnancy and your past cesarean was a low vertical incision, VBAC is an option for you. VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean. Many factors lead women to believe that a VBAC is not an option, but many times, this not the case. If you had a prior cesarean due to failure to progress, for example, that does not mean you cannot have a vaginal birth this time around. Studies show your odds are two out of three … Continue reading →

Women with prior c sections are beginning to question the logic that “once a c section, always a c section”. As a result, more women are attempting a VBAC delivery for their second pregnancy. In some cases, doctors may be hesitant to let the pregnancy continue past the due date. Some are going as far as recommending c sections up to a week before the actual due date. You may be wondering what to do in such a situation. It is really important for both you and your doctor to remember a due date is merely an estimate. There have … Continue reading →

One of the biggest factors in the success of a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is your health care provider. In some cases, the choice of a health care provider can mean the difference between VBAC success and another c section. The first thing you should do after deciding to try for VBAC is to start looking for the right doctor or midwife. The attitude of the doctor has a big impact on achieving success with a VBAC delivery. Some doctors are in favor of VBAC and will be supportive of your efforts. However, not all doctors feel this way. … Continue reading →

All women should write a birth plan. Your plan expresses your wishes for your labor, birth and the time immediately following the birth. Having a well written plan makes it easier for your support people and medical personnel to carry out your wishes. There are special considerations in a VBAC birth that make a good plan even more valuable. Medical interventions are sometimes instituted sooner in a VBAC situation than in a typical vaginal delivery. The concern for complications can cause some doctors to jump the gun in suggesting interventions or a repeat c section. A well thought out plan … Continue reading →

If you have had one previous c section, you may be interested in trying for a vaginal birth with your next baby. You may be worried about your ability to have a successful birth, especially if you didn’t labor with the first baby or labor didn’t progress. There are things you can do to boost your confidence and help ensure a successful VBAC delivery. There is good reason to be optimistic about your VBAC. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology estimates that nearly 80 percent of women who do attempt a VBAC birth are able to have a successful … Continue reading →

Today’s blog topic comes from Elizabeth Stein, a women’s health expert and certified nurse midwife of 25 years. She is also a patient advocate of patient empowerment, so she has put together a list of tips on how to create a birth plan to ensure a positive emotional experience for the mother-to-be, and to give her as much control over her birthing experience as possible. When Ms. Stein’s publicist contacted me to share this list, I just knew I had to share it with you. A birth plan can be a very valuable tool. To learn more about Elizabeth Stein, … Continue reading →