YoungstownMidwife.com   

Although giving birth vaginally after a cesarean was once considered the norm, many practitioners now consider this option high risk.  For many years, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists deemed the practice unsafe, and women were forced to undergo surgery that was potentially unnecessary.

Fortunately, ACOG has recently reversed that decision, stating that VBAC is probably safe for women who have had one or even two low transverse cesarean sections.  This means that the incision on the uterus goes across, not up and down.

Here is a link to the BBC summary article about VBAC.  Here is a link to the actual research article.

Childbirth Connection presents Best Evidence:  VBAC or Repeat Cesarean?

For some great woman-centered, evidence-based information on VBAC, please visit the following website

At the present time, neither local hospital will allow a nurse-midwife to attend a birth where the mother has had a previous cesarean.  This is due to the fact that ACOG recommends the "continuous presence" of a physician who can immediately take the patient to surgery in the event of a uterine rupture.  While uterine rupture is a rare event (0.05% if you have had one previous cesarean, 0.07% if you have had two cesareans), it is life threatening to both the mother and the fetus.  For this reason, most professionals agree that the hospital is the safest place for a VBAC.

If you are considering a VBAC, give me a call and I can talk to you about how you can achieve your desired birth experience.  Dr. Canby has always done VBACs and will be happy to consult with you as well.