VBAC: Know the Facts – Make a Choice

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is an option for many women.  There are risks, and benefits, as there are for many things in life. Ultimately, the choice to have a VBAC is up to the individual who is having the baby. It is most important to learn what is true and what isn’t, about the risks and benefits.
 
Generally speaking, cesarean-section is major abdominal surgery. Layers of skin are cut through, as is the uterus.

I have actually watched a cesarean surgery as they pull out the uterus and place it on the woman’s abdomen. It is fascinating, and also a major ordeal to go through.
 
It is important to note that the type of incision made to perform cesarean, can increase or decrease risk of uterine rupture when attempting a VBAC.   Uterine rupture, while rare, can also occur with those who have never had a cesarean section.
 
Modern medicine can be a life saver, or it can be over used. Scare tactics, and misinformation abound when it comes to birth and to VBAC. It is a safe and viable option.

According to Practice Bulletin No. 184, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states:
 
“Good candidates for planned TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean) are those women in whom the balance of risks (as low as possible) and chances of success (as high as possible) are acceptable to the patient and obstetrician or other obstetric care provider.”
 
There is no one size fits all, but rather a choice made by the pregnant person, based on benefits and risks of VBAC.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that it isn’t possible to have a global mandate for acceptable cesarean section rates, as they also recognize there are many geographic and individual circumstances that contribute to the rates of cesarean around the world.
 
Knowledge is power. Learn all you can about VBAC, whether you are attempting one, or a doula supporting a pregnant woman, or someone else who wants to learn and educate others.  You can take this course FREE, brought to you by my colleague, Nicette Jukelevics, and the VBAC Project.
 
I want you to be in the know on VBAC.
 
 

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