I think I hear Angels Singing – ACOG supports VBA2C!

Support may be a bit to strong, but they have lowered their restrictions on it and even say that in certain cases VBA2C should be tried.

Attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery, including for some women who have had two previous cesareans, according to guidelines released today by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

There was a lot more in the press release and I don’t think anything they said is shocking or new information, but it shocks me that THEY said it!

“The current cesarean rate is undeniably high and absolutely concerns us as ob-gyns,” said Richard N. Waldman, MD, president of The College. “These VBAC guidelines emphasize the need for thorough counseling of benefits and risks, shared patient-doctor decision making, and the importance of patient autonomy. Moving forward, we need to work collaboratively with our patients and our colleagues, hospitals, and insurers to swing the pendulum back to fewer cesareans and a more reasonable VBAC rate.”

I can only hope that more OBs actually DO this!  I am lucky enough to have had an OB who did just this.  Told me the risks of both and let ME choose.  But so many moms are not told the truth, they are just forced into repeat cesareans. No wonder the cesarean rate is SO high.

In addition, “The College guidelines now clearly say that women with two previous low-transverse cesarean incisions, women carrying twins, and women with an unknown type of uterine scar are considered appropriate candidates for a TOLAC,”

I just forwarded the link to a mom I was working with who had given up on finding a care provider support her VBA2C.  Maybe now she can find the support she needs?  I hope so!

What do YOU think, will this statement create more opportunities for moms to have VBACs? Please go and read their whole statement and tell me what you think!

I think at the very least they will have more support/”ammo” (I have a 12 year old who is all about ammunition!) when talking with their care providers!  I hope today is a huge step forward for birth rights for moms in our country!

I have to add a HUGE thank you to ICAN for all the work and advocacy you have done and will continue to do to help moms avoid cesareans and help support them after cesareans!

I have to add this awesome link by Birthing Beautiful Ideas where she compares the 2004 statement to this one and you can see how far they have come!

I have to add another link to Well Rounded Mama who talks more in depth about VBAMC.

Thanks to ALL birth bloggers who are helping to make changes in the birthing world!