VBA2C information

I am still a VBA2C hopeful someday. I remember after I had Audrey I thought for a short while that I would always have to have cesareans after that. But that thought didn't last long. Soon I learned the acronym VBAmC (Vaginal birth after multiple cesareans) and I was so hopeful. A lot of women have done it before me, and they truly paved the way for other women. I was talking with a friend the other day who thought she was out of options too after having 2 c-sections, but I told her it doesn't have to be that way. Of course, some women may not want to choose a VBA2C, but for someone who wants one but is told it's not possible, I want to give them hope.

Here in Chicago area we have at least one place with a good track record of VBA2C, and that's UIC, University of Illinois at Chicago. I saw them for an annual exam last year and they told me that I certainly had the option of VBA2C when I have my next baby. They have midwives there, and Dr. Judith Hibbard is apparently the one to see who overseas the VBA2C deliveries. There is another doctor up in Elk Grove who has done some VBA2Cs according to my ICAN list. I also know some women who have had HBA2C, (home birth) though there are no legal midwives or doctors who will attend them. (Here in Illinois only CNMs can legally attend home births, and only one of the 5 or so CNMs attends a primary HBAC after 1 cesarean).

There is hope!

There is so much information on the web. Here is a brief list of some helpful links:


ICAN online --International Cesarean Awareness Network is a great place to start!


This is a great blog entry that talks about the history of cesareans . The book Pushed by Jennifer Block also gives the most comprehensive background on the issues behind VBAC, and how the VBAC lash isn't really strictly about safey.
Other good reads are Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin, Birth: the Surprising history of how we are born, by Tina Cassidy and Born in the USA by Mardsen Wagner.

I love this video about one woman's journey of VBA2C.

Here is some great information about VBA2C by Kmom, who is such a good writer and an experienced VBA2C mom.

On her site she has a big list of VBAmC stories

There has been a lot of coverage lately in the media, including this Chicago tribune article on VBAC, with story of VBA2C


Also, I love these videos:





Here is a article covering the research that says VBA2C a safe option for many women,

Even for women with three cesareans it may still be a safe option! says another article.

Although I have not had my VBA2C yet (I'm not even sure when I'll have my next baby) I do believe that it is possible for women who desire it and are willing to take the road "less travelled by". It may just make all the difference. I'm so thankful to the women who have gone before me and had VBA2C. They are an inspiration to me!!

VBAmC

I remember the first time I learned the phrase VBA2C. I thought it was a beautiful acryonym, because it represented hope. I love reading about VBAmC stories (VBAC after multiple cesareans).
Here is a link that has links to many VBAmC stories.

Here is a medical review titled Vaginal Birth a Safe Option After Multiple C-sections

ICAN is an amazing group. Joining it and getting involved with the "other side" of birth has changed my life!

As I learned about VBA2C the past year I shared my feelings on my blog. I have been so grateful to friends who have made encouraging comments. Here's what one friend said :

"I was just thinking about telling you that twice a C-section does not a third c-section make. I watched a video my sister sent recently...after 3 c-sections this woman had her 4th naturally. I think that it is the most soul satisfying, empowering experience to give birth naturally...it is really a hallmark of my life.I know you can do it and I'm so impressed with your desire! Desire is the key!"

Another said:
"I am so glad you have found a positive way to move forward with your grief. Becoming more educated, and helping to educate others are good ways to move on. Doesn't learning more make you want to have another baby right away, just to prove you can do it? "

Support from like minded friends and blogging friends is so helpful!

Here's the link to my original post when I learned about VBA2C. Also here's a cool video from ICAN!



I have watched that probably about 15 times but I still get teary eyed. I am so thankful that there are many strong women who have paved the way.