Are you planning a VBAC?
As a doula, I’ve helped almost 250 couples achieve their goal of a having a VBAC (vaginal birth after a cesarean). From those experiences, I have determined that If you are planning a VBAC, the MOST important thing you can do is have a supportive provider. That does not mean someone who will “let” you VBAC if you deliver prior to 40 weeks, or if your baby looks small or if you come in on a full moon on a Tuesday and you are already 10cm dilated. How can you determine if your provider is supportive?. Here is a list of questions to get a conversation started with your provider about how they will support you in your goal of a healthy VBAC.
You need to ask your providers these questions!
1. Do you attend a lot of VBACs? How many VBAC attempts have you attended this year? How many were successful?
2. Do you believe that VBACs can be at least as safe as a repeat c/s? Explain the risks/benefits of each.
3. When would you recommend scheduling a c/s instead? What would cause you to recommend a c/s during labor?
4. What if my baby seems big, is that a concern for you? Will you send me for a sizing sono at late in the my pregnancy and will that determine if I am still able to have a VBAC?
5. How far past my due date are you comfortable with my pregnancy continuing?
6. Will you induce or augment a VBAC labor? Under what circumstances and what type of induction/augmentation do you suggest?
7. What type of fetal monitoring do you usually recommend for VBAC patients (internal, external, continuous, intermittent)?
8. When do you recommend that a VBAC patient go to the hospital after she is in labor?
9. Will you attend my birth, or does it depend on who is on call? Do you share call with anyone who is not VBAC friendly?
10. How long would it take for me to get a c/s in an emergency?
11. How do you feel about working with doulas?
It is important to not only ask these questions but to research what answers are evidenced based and also right for you. Here is the link to the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ie ACOG) where you can read what the organization that issues practice guidelines for OBs has to say about VBACs: ACOG’s VBAC Guidelines. I also recommend taking a great childbirth class (my suggestion is one of the childbirth classes Great Expectations offers at The Nest!) so that you will be knowledgeable and able to make informed choices as you think about and prepare your VBAC.
Hire a doula. Now.
You have spoken to your provider, you have evidenced based answers that work for your family and you are ready to VBAC. Now you should hire a doula if you have not already. Once again, the research shows that having a doula at your birth increases your odds of having a vaginal delivery. If you have not yet talked to your provider, hiring a VBAC experienced doula can help you ask these questions and understand the answers you get. If one of us at Great Expectations can help, let us know!