It is Cesarean Awareness Month again! Last year I blogged about my experience and how I felt, etc. This year I want to say that I am not as bitter about my experience anymore. Well, I still hate that it happened, but I am getting over it. I have faith that I will get a chance at a normal birth next time. I have a friend who knows a doula (which if we can afford, I would LOVE to have). My friend also knows where I can take a Bradley Method birthing class to help prepare me for a non medicated birth.
I was NEVER one of those people who wanted to have a non medicated birth, trust me. But, since I believe getting the epidural caused all of the problems, I am not going to have anything next time. NOT something I wanted to do, but I rather do that then be cut open again. No. Thank. You.
Of course if there is a ridiculously good reason that I need to I will. BUT there shouldn't be if I let things naturally happen. I have faith in my body and the baby (well, when I get pregnant again). :)
There was recently a conference about VBACs with the National Institute of Health. Here is something they said:
“The final statement from the NIH concludes that a VBAC is a reasonable option for most women. Over 75% of women who attempt VBAC will be successful.” says Desirre Andrews, ICAN President. “Currently less than 10% of women who have had previous cesareans deliver vaginally in subsequent pregnancies, leading to significant and preventable illness and death.”
YAY!
And in talking about hospitals that have VBAC bans and forcing women to have a repeat c section, just because, they said:
"It was acknowledged, however, by many expert presenters that forcing a pregnant woman to undergo an unwanted surgery is medically indefensible, unethical and immoral."
Here is a chart they show about the rise in Csections and the decline in VBACs:
Just have to say it again...they concluded that "Given the available evidence, TOL(Trial of Labor) is a reasonable option for many pregnant women with a prior low transverse uterine incision." Woohoo! :)
Here is the link to the article. I think everyone should stay informed about this subject (ok, I guess just women who have had Csections... women who have had vag. births aren't going to care) :)
I love it! You go girl, you can totally do it!!! And I'll be right there backing you up the whole time! When it happens you know. :) That reminds me that I've got a book that I think you would like to read, I'll have to remember to bring it to you. Gosh, I'm becoming more of a birth hippy every day!
ReplyDeleteAwww, I just read your birth story and it made me want to cry! I am so feeling you girl! I didn't have to have a C-section (thank goodness!) but I totally felt violated in my first 2 births! Like, how can they administer pitocin (immediately!) when you don't consent to it?
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. I can't imagine waiting hours to see your baby and then being all drugged up, yuck! I have a friend that had a C-section and just V-Bac'd a 10 pounder! Now I'm all excited for you, lets find you a dr. that will do it! Does St. Marys allow them?
Good post! It's never fun to feel like you can't do things the way you want to, especially regarding how you give birth. I'm glad to hear that enough research is being done to facilitate a wide variety of options for birthing experiences. I'm also glad to see that you're keeping an open mind about it and not criticizing other people for choosing to do things differently than you would. I've had quite a few people give me a hard time about opting out of future vbacs. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that your next experience goes the way you're hoping! :-)
ReplyDeleteDon't worry Sarah just find a good Dr. who is confidant you can have a VBAC like mine was. or you should just move back out here and then you don't have to worry and you can have my DR. too! LOL
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