Finding a caregiver who supports your VBAC

One of the biggest influences on whether or not we actually achieve a planned VBAC is our choice of caregiver.

It stands to reason that a caregiver who is convinced of the safety of VBAC over repeat caesarean, and who believes in the normalcy of birth is probably better placed to help you achieve your VBAC goal that one who is only "tolerating" your choice to VBAC and would really prefer you to elect another caesarean.

So, how can you find a care provider who is going to back you all the way? And how do you know if the care provider you're already with is one who is completely supportive?

Here's some questions from ICAN (International Caesarean Awareness Network) to use as a starting point for discussion.

• Of the last 10 women that have come to you originally wanting a VBAC, how many were able to have their VBAC? (kind of like asking their VBAC success rate, but this number should represent better, as it will be lower if they tend to talk women out of it during their pregnancy).

• What do you think would prevent me from having a VBAC?

• What do you believe are my chances for having a VBAC?

• I have now read more information regarding my previous c-section, and I’m curious to know what you would do or recommend in the same situation to help me avoid a c-section, either prenatally or during labour?

• At what point would you deem my pregnancy to be too far post dates to continue?

• If I hit 42 weeks (or whatever gestation you would prefer me to birth by), would you consider induction, or just schedule a c-section? If induction, what are my options (rupture of membranes etc.)?

• What circumstances, later in my pregnancy would contraindicate a VBAC and make you recommend a repeat caesarean section?

• If I do go past my due date, what testing requirements do you have (Biophysical Profile, Ultrasound, Non-Stress Test), when will they begin, and how often will I need them?

• Will you recommend an ultrasound to estimate weight late in pregnancy? (providers who are nervous about a "big baby" may recommend ultrasound)

• How do you feel about VBAC’ers birthing "big" babies? What do you think is "big"?

• When in labour, what stipulations do you have for VBACing mums? For example, do you require continuous monitoring? Do you have a time limit for progression in labour (ie, I need to dilate 1cm each hour)?

• Do you prefer your VBAC’ing mums to have an epidural?

• Where is my placenta located? Anterior, Posterior, lower uterine-segment, fundus?

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You’re currently reading “Finding a caregiver who supports your VBAC,” an entry on Birthright Blog

Published:
8:51 PM
by Tina