Does Birth Center Stone Oak Offer VBACs?
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) provides mothers with the opportunity to deliver naturally, even if they have had a prior C-section. However, to ensure a successful VBAC, a mother must qualify for it, and it should only be performed by someone who has experience with delivering VBACs.
Do you deliver VBACs at the birth center?
We perform VBACs at Birth Center Stone Oak. We call it a trial of normal labor for mothers who qualify for a natural birth. For your and your baby’s safety, we’re prepared for a hospital transfer if necessary, but our VBACs are usually successful!
How will I know if I qualify for a VBAC?
If you’ve had just one cesarean section, you’re eligible for a VBAC at the birth center (provided that you have a normal pregnancy and qualify for a natural birth).
Moms who have had two previous cesareans are considered on a case-by-case basis. It means we’ll assess you and your history before deciding if you’re a candidate for VBAC here. Moms with more than two previous cesareans would not be candidates for VBAC due to eminent risks.
What do you look for to know whether someone would be a good candidate for a VBAC or not?
A lot of factors go into deciding whether someone should have a VBAC trial or not. Some of these include:
- Cause of C-section: If the surgery was performed due to a maternal health issue that still exists, we wouldn’t try for VBAC. However, if it was performed due to a pregnancy-related cause that the mother doesn’t have in this pregnancy, then we can try for VBAC.
- Type of C-section: Mothers who have had a lower segment C-section are better candidates for VBAC since they carry lower post-surgery risks.
- Maternal willingness: A lot of mothers with prior C-section aren’t very willing to try normal labor out of fear and anxiety. When the mother has not decided on having a VBAC, we would not try for one.
- Maternal health: We take your general health and pregnancy history into account. If you’re having a normal pregnancy and are completely healthy, VBAC is favorable.
Why do some places not accept VBACs?
VBACs require specialized care and expertise to avoid complications like scar ruptures. Not every place has experts on board who know how to deliver a VBAC without complications. Some birth centers aren’t equipped with supplies or personnel that can handle complications if they arise. Unless you have trained and qualified providers on VBACs, some places avoid offering them.
What are my options if I don’t qualify?
If you don’t qualify for a VBAC at the birth center, we can still help provide resources and help for you during your pregnancy.
We’ll also work to help you pursue the option of a Family-Centered Cesarean, which allows you to watch your baby come out, and they will be placed on your chest immediately afterward. It allows mothers to feel more involved in their birthing process.
Empowering yourself with information can expand your options. An informative site to visit is www.ican-online.org, which is an online resource for moms considering a vaginal birth after a c-section.