Topic Archive: VBAC

Episode 152 | August 24, 2009

Julia’s Birthing Story

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!

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.

Episode 68 | September 18, 2007

Cesareans, VBAC, Inductions

1 in 3 pregnant women will have a cesarean. What is VBAC? Double sewing? Low transverse incision? What is the recovery time? What tests can be done to determine whether or not you should have a VBAC delivery? Who is a good candidate for a VBAC? Plus, podcaster Angela at 41 weeks, has some questions about inductions. Gerri Ryan answers these questions and talks about the importance of a “love break”.