Dr. Jennifer Ashton spoke to Erica Hill about a new study that reveals the safety of vaginal birth after cesarean section, commonly referred to as "VBAC."
I switched doctors on my due date because my doctor would not allow me to try for a VBAC after my due date, and, as I searched the research last minute, I could not find research to support her decision. I sought a second opinion, and the doctor I spoke with (on my date date) seemed knowledgeable of the research I had found, conducted some more tests and allowed me to wait. I canceled my surgery scheduled for the next day, transferred my care, and had a successful VBAC 10 days later.
I want a vbac but my doctor says no. The only reason I had a c section was becuase my baby turned breech and thats it. My scar is low and horizontal. My first birth was an hour long and she was out in 3 pushes. With my c section, I couldnt care for my older daughter, newborn and breast feed and on top of it, it got infected and I just dont want to do that again!
i had an amazing HBAC (home birth after cesarean) to a perfect 9lb14oz baby boy at 42w4d. remember: -your body is made to do it -you doctors work for you, and they cannot tell you what to do with your body, baby or your labor.
@thevqs - How am I being unkind? The kindest thing is to avoid another unnecessary scar on your uterus. If doctors would properly counsel patients and tell them the risks, instead of just blow it off like it's no big deal, you'd probably have a lower primary cesarean rate in this country. Blindly trusting your doctor is not always the safest option.
I have had 4 children. 1st was a c section, 2nd was a vbac, 3rd and 4th were c sections. All sections were done due to fetal heart rate decels. I am no pregnant with my 5th child can i try for a vbac?
I am happy to say i had a vbac my first baby was c section and my two after that were both vaginal and i tell you what the natural births were so much easier then my c section
@thevqs - This information kind of contradicts what your doctor told you, doesn't it. Doctors don't like to wait around for labor to begin, nor do they want to deal with a birth they can't 'manage'. With a prior scar, you are more at risk for rupture when you use Pitocin, yet the number of inductions is growing (so is the cesarean rate). Fear of lawsuits probably contributes to this a lot less than people think. Impatient OB's need to feel like they, and you, are doing something.
@DerangedHousewife Straight from the MAYO CLINIC: Years ago, a C-section ended any hope of future vaginal deliveries. But today, thanks largely to changes in surgical technique, VBAC is possible in many cases. In fact, an estimated 60 to 80 percent of women who try VBAC have a successful vaginal delivery.
@thevqs - Actually, that statistic is wrong. The overall success rate is about 86 percent, and does not mean you "failed." Why the negative attitude? I'm betting that you don't understand or realize the risk of repeat cesareans or get why anyone would want to try to question their doctor - who might not have a clue or the best intentions for you and your baby. Get with the program.
