VBAC Stats & States

As a freelance writer, I rely on web sites like Writer’s Weekly to find out what publications have editorial needs. Angela Hoy, the site owner, is always open to sharing details about her family with loyal readers. With her most recent pregnancy, Angela has also been blogging about the challenges in finding a facility to help her have a Vaginal Birth After Cesarian (VBAC). Now that the birth is near, the blog drama never stops — which makes for very entertaining reading.

Having the opportunity to go VBAC is becoming more and more difficult in the US. According to an item on MedPage, fewer doctors allow patients to attempt a VBAC due to legal malpractice concerns. However, even though fewer VBACs are attempted, the lives of both women and their infants aren’t any safer:

• “Neonatal mortality rates per 1,000 live births for attempted VBAC deliveries were no different than repeat cesarean delivery rates among neonates weighing ≥ 1,500 g in study period, 1996 to 1999 or 2000 to 2002,” the study said.

It probably is in the best interests of women to find a hospital that will support a VBac attempt since recovery from a c-section is a little more complicated than recovery from a vaginal birth. But like most things, balance is important. While you want a facility that has a great record in terms of successful VBAC rates, no one should feel like a failure if a second c-section is called for. All that really matters is a healthy new mother and baby.