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 →

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 →

In the US, women often choose c sections even when there is no medical indication for the procedure. Often this is done after a previous c section for convenience, personal preference or pressure from a doctor who is opposed to vaginal birth after cesarean or VBAC. Organizations such as the World Health Organization have expressed concern about the high c section rate and set goals for lowering this rate. This is due to the increased risk of surgery for both the mother and the baby. Figures from WHO show that worldwide, about 18 percent of all c sections are done … Continue reading →