How to Find a VBAC-Friendly Provider

For many expectant mothers, one of the most daunting concerns is childbirth. Aside from being preoccupied with when the labor will occur, you might also be concerned with what type of childbirth experience you will have this time around. This is especially true for mothers who experienced a cesarean section. Until recently, having a vaginal birth after cesarean, also known as VBAC, was considered an unsafe practice. With the advances in medicine, VBAC is becoming a popular option among expectant mothers.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider contacting your previous doctor or midwife after confirming your pregnancy. Your previous attendant will have immediate access to your medical history. He or she will be able to determine if you are a likely candidate for VBAC by assessing your chart. Medical professions look at the type of incision performed on your uterus during a c-section to determine if you can handle the pressure of a VBAC.

• 2

  Ask the office of your previous doctor or midwife if he or she considers VBACs before setting up an appointment. The receptionist should be able to inform you of the policy. Even though you might be a good candidate for VBAC, your previous medical provider might not perform them.

• 3

  Contact your local International Cesarean Awareness Network chapter. This organization supports mothers interested in VBACs. ICAN has resources throughout the United States and Canada to help connect you with VBAC-friendly doctors and midwives. Even if there is not a chapter in your area, the nearest chapter might have information on medical professionals near you.

• 4

  Visit the VBAC Community, a non-profit website dedicated to connecting VBAC candidates. Along with having up-to-date information and resources, this website also provides a list of VBAC-friendly doctors and midwives in your area.

• 5

  Ask hospitals in your area whether they allow VBACs. Many hospitals around the country have a ban on vaginal births after c-sections. If the hospital does allow VBAC, ask for recommendations. Many hospitals also have websites that allow you to peruse the credentials of its medical staff.

• 6

  Request your medical records. You will need the surgical reports from your previous c-section. There might be a fee attached for personal requests, but it is generally free when transferred to another doctor's office. Your surgical report will specify the type of uterine incision you have. Be aware that the location of your c-section scar could be a different size and shape from the uterine incision.

• 7

  Be prepared with questions when meeting with your doctor or midwife. Although your medical provider might be willing to do a VBAC, you need to gauge his or her acceptance of the practice because this determines your likelihood of success. Questions to ask include: if the provider believes you are a candidate for VBAC, how many successful VBACs has your provider has attended, success rates of VBACs of previous patients, and also the failure rates.

• 8

  Educate yourself about the VBAC process. You need to know what to expect and signs of potential problems. It is important to take an active role in your pregnancy when preparing for VBAC. Although having an VBAC-friendly provider is crucial to your success, it is also true that having realistic expectations and a great understanding of the process will help you exponentially.