Is Your Childbirth Choice Being Threatened?
More than one million babies are born by Cesarean section in the U.S. each year. If you are a mom who had one, but who wants to try a vaginal delivery next, you may be out of luck.
A VBAC, or Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, is when a mother delivers her baby vaginally after having previously delivered a baby via c-section. The VBAC rate has dropped significantly in the past ten years, and is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. Here's why:
ACOG, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has issued a level C warning (level C meaning no scientific proof) suggesting VBACs only be performed under very specific circumstances and guidelines. Hospitals have put extremely strict requirements on the procedure, banned VBACs, taken away doctor privileges, and doctors are denying doing them altogether.
Momlogic expert Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz says you "don't want to have a VBAC at a hospital that is not equipped to provide you with the best medical care and a team of doctors should you have to have a c-section after trying vaginally. The parameters set around them are there to diminish risk." Some disagree:
"What's next? That the ACOG recommends a woman 35 and up not deliver vaginally at all? It's very possible, and heading in that direction," says Dr.Elliot Berlin, a prenatal wellness specialist and chiropractor, currently working towards getting women's childbirth rights back.
Despite the varying opinions surrounding the controversy, both Dr. Berlin and Dr. Gilberg-Lenz agree with the most important element: That the woman gets a choice, and that she is educated. Perhaps having a VBAC isn't the right option for someone, but it could be for another. There's a message here both are conveying -- that it's crucial to be informed about the pros and cons, the success rates, the risks and the benefits, and how you would like your birth to go.
What you can do:
1. Get educated! Find out the facts about VBACs.
2. When interviewing your OB/GYN, ask him/her if they have hospital VBAC privileges and talk to them about their stance. Talk to your OB/GYN about your birth philosophy in general.
3. Prepare during the pregnancy -- Dr.Berlin suggests walking, stretching, drinking lots of water and if you're able, do prenatal chiropractic and acupuncture to prepare your body for a vaginal birth.
The Berlin Wellness Group in LA, specializes in prenatal wellness and preventative care is taking action to keep childbirth options alive for women. They are promoting a $100,000 giveaway of services for those who are interested in having a VBAC. Find out more!
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