A VBAC story !

Dear Stephen,

When I met your mom and dad, the first thing I noticed was how much they loved each other and their 2 little ones, you and your brother. So when your mommy and I talked about her wanting to VBAC and their hopes for your birth, I knew everything would work out okay. A few days before your due date, contractions started and, they wouldn’t stop all day and night! Your mommy was exhausted but couldn’t sleep from all the excitement and energy knowing she’d soon meet you.

I went to your house that night, September 30th around 11pm. Since mommy had been contracting all day, we thought it might be a good idea to head to the hospital. When we arrived, mommy was coping very nicely with each contraction and so was disappointed to hear she was only 3 cm. But we all believed in her and most importantly, she believed in herself and you. Your strong mommy labored all night and again all day the next day. It was now October 1st and things were slowly but surely coming along. Mommy was pooped but kept on, using her body, breathe and voice to get through each surge. Your daddy stayed close by, holding her hand and reminding your mommy how beautiful and strong she was.

Finally around 3pm the midwife said you might be ready and that mommy could start pushing! I’ve never seen anyone so thrilled to start pushing! It was an emotional moment for your mommy. After all, she had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Mom had been concerned through that she might not be able to push because of how long and tiring the labor was but wow, could she push! She was very efficient and with all her strength and love, birthed you gently and beautifully, with your daddy whispering words of love and encouragement in her ear. What a magical moment. To see the looks on your mom and dad’s face was a true gift. The day you were born was a special day for your mom and dad. I was lucky enough to be there to witness all the joy and love in the room. Welcome to the world! You are loved.



And I have to share this awesome video of their cat meeting the baby:

The Unnecesarean

The Unnecesarean

VBACs

An interesting article in the New York Times entitled Panel Urges New Look at Caesarean Guidelines addresses some of the issues surrounding VBACs. It talks about the need to further investigate the risks and benefits of VBACs to both mothers and babies.

There are both risks and benefits to choosing to attempt a VBAC. Instead of making the choice unavailable to women, we should work on informing them of the risk so they can make an educated decision. As with all topics related to pregnancy, labor, birth and parenting, providing information and options for each woman can help her make a decision that is right for her and her baby - after all, it is her body.

In the article called Lessons as Indian Hospital About Births New York Times examines the incidence of VBACs at a Navajo hospital in Arizona. Check it out, its interesting stuff!

VBACs in the news!

Retuers article about how VBACs are "okay" after c-section(s). Maybe people are catching on? Click here to check it out!

Click here to read Chicago Tribune's article about repeat C-Sections

Rising C-Section Rates

Article about the rise in c-section rates in Westchester.
Click to read

I hope this issue becomes more public because it is a problem. Women need to be made aware of these statistics and find out the proper information about c-sections. They not fool proof.

When I posted this article on my facebook, one of my friends commented "I had 2 planned C-sections, the first was because he was already too big when i was 7 months and when born was 10lbs and the 2nd was because my obgyn didnt advise doing a VBAC, and he was only 7lbs 14oz...either way I wish I went natural, they did a toll on me!"