Topic Archive: cesarean

Episode 219 | May 24, 2011

The Fears and Facts of VBACs

You had a cesarean section with your first baby, and now you’re hoping for a VBAC. Is there anything you can do to improve your chances? What are the risks to both mom and baby? And how do you find a hospital (more…)

Episode 218 | May 17, 2011

C-Section Secrets: The Truth About Delivery and Recovery

C-section deliveries are on the rise, so it’s best to be prepared before your big day. Today we’re exploring the top c-section secrets! What does the surgery feel like? What can and can’t you do in the operating room? And what can you do to reduce the dreaded (more…)

Episode 152 | August 24, 2009

Julia’s C-Section

How was the birth of my 2nd baby different from my 1st? Did I get my desired VBAC? Why were so many people in the delivery room with me? Plus, how is breastfeeding going? How is my 3yr. old adjusting to his little sister? What’s most challenging in being Mom to a newborn again? Former podcaster Julia returns to share her birthing story. Win a 100% Organic BabyHawk baby carrier!

Episode 146 | July 15, 2009

Ashleigh’s Preemie C-Section

Ashleigh’s amazing 10-week early birthing story: No signs of labor to preeclampsia to emergency C-section and life in the NICU.  Maternal feelings 10 weeks early, must haves for premie care in the NICU, and car seat woes.

March 3, 2009

Repeat Cesarean or VBAC?

Christina was back in the PregTASTIC house sharing her birthing story this week. During our visit she mentioned how her OB changed from mild mannered, soft spoken doctor to stern, drill sergeant doctor when she asked about possibly having a VBAC. What?! Well, seems her doc would prefer what seems to be the norm these days, staying as far away from VBAC as possible.

A recent show we did with Dr. Thomas Moore came up in conversation, during which he spoke about VBACs including the benefits, the risks (compared to a repeat C) and why so many doctors just won’t do VBAC. After the show, I came across this recent TIME article, The Trouble With Repeat Cesareans which speaks to the “VBAC-lash” and how women are being denied the VBAC option. 

Ultimately Christina was more comfortable going for the repeat C instead of VBAC as I was. Though miniscule to some, the risk of uterine rupture was too high for me. Christina’s birthing story again reminded me how several factors along with medical risks and benefits come into play when deciding which childbirth route we take and that each of us have varied personal experiences which frame our equally valid decisions.