Jessica Conachey Birth and Postpartum Doula

02/18/2022

Birth can be such an empowering experience. Prepare yourself with knowledge and your power will follow. VBA2C is a reasonable option for many birthing people who are low risk, read on below for more information.

I know, I know... all you have heard about VBA1C is that it's dangerous and it gets even worse for VBA2C. While the risks do increase, the absolute risk - the likelihood of a serious complication occurring - is still low during a planned VBA2C.

In fact, mainstream organizations, like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, not only encourage access to VBAC, but they also say:

"It is reasonable to consider women with two previous low transverse cesarean deliveries to be candidates for TOLAC [trial of labor after cesarean]."

Turns out, there is a huge disconnect between what the evidence says and what people believe.

There is so much fear and uncertainly surrounding VBAC and that's even more true with VBA2C.

Want to learn more about the evidence? We summarize it all in our article "Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence" at vbacfacts.com/vba2c.

But if you want to dive deeper so you can confidently communicate the evidence to birthing families, then join us for the VBAC Facts® continuing education training "The Truth About VBA2C: Rates, Risks, and Outcomes."

This 2 hour training has been approved for 2.4 CEs through the California Board of Registered Nursing.

These continuing education hours are accepted by all nursing boards throughout the US, NARM (including the Midwifery Bridge Certificate), ICEA, Lamaze, DONA, and CAPPA as well as many other medical and health organizations.

This is just one example of the library of continuing education trainings available within VBAC Facts® professional membership.

If you want to increase VBAC access in your community, join us at vbacfacts.com/membership

01/20/2022

A lot of people are surprised to learn that having a vaginal birth after a cesarean is usually the safer option when compared to having a repeat cesarean. An important part of preparing for your birthing process is knowing your options and making an informed decision.

You read that right.

Per the American College of OB/GYN's 2019 VBAC guidelines, the risk of maternal death during a planned vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is 0.0019%.

Expressed another way, that is a risk of 1 in 52,600.

Did you have any idea the risk was that low?

Whereas the risk of maternal death with an elective repeat cesarean after one cesarean is 0.0096% or 1 in 10,000.

Again, both really small numbers but the risk of maternal death is five times higher in a repeat cesarean.

This is why when pregnant people are threatened with "you could die if you plan a VBAC," it falls flat.

But it is often really successful in coercing someone into a repeat cesarean... as well as eroding patient autonomy and any trust when the birthing person learns the facts.

As a L&D nurse told us, "There is no real informed consent anymore."

This is just yet another example.

ETA: Some people asked in the comments about the risk of fetal death. We discuss that here: https://vbacfacts.com/2012/04/03/confusing-fact-only-6-of-uterine-ruptures-are-catastrophic/

Others have asked about vaginal birth after classical cesarean: https://vbacfacts.com/2021/08/10/vbac-after-classical-t-j-incision/

… or after two cesareans: https://vbacfacts.com/vba2c

… or after three or more cesareans: https://vbacfacts.com/vba3c

Also, you can download our free resources including:

- a report debunking the top 5 uterine rupture myths: https://vbacfacts.com/report

- a handout busting the top 3 VBAC myths using national guidelines: https://vbacfacts.com/acogmyths

- and a VBAC planning checklist: https://vbacfacts.com/checklist

08/31/2021

Homebirths are a safe and medically supported choice for most women. Don't believe me? Listen to what the experts have to say!

Cafe Scientifique - Home Birth Understood: Tales & TruthsWhich birth settings are available in Canada, in BC? Is home birth safe? Why do some physicians and ...

08/25/2021

Yes!!!!! I fully support every birthing persons right to bodily autonomy and can help you as you navigate your many options during pregnancy and childbirth.