The topic of today’s episode is: VBACs or Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. I had the honor of interviewing Jen Kamel for this episode. Jen is the founder of VBAC Facts.com.  In this episode Jen shines a light on the misconceptions about the safety and risks associated with VBACs and we discuss ACOGs current recommendation as well as the data surrounding this topic. 

I hope this episode educates and encourages any parent who has previously had a Cesarean birth and is considering their options for their next birth. 

In this episode we discuss:

Jen’s background and how she came to start VBACfacts.com

What is a VBAC?

• Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: when someone has a Cesarean section birth in a prior pregnancy and then they decide that they want to labor and have a vaginal delivery with their subsequent child

Language is important! Patients/clinicians should use the phrase: “Planning a VBAC"

What risks are associated with Laboring After a Cesarean?

• The risk of uterine rupture after 1 previous low transverse Cesarean birth without induction or augmentation is 0.4% 

How do the risks of a VBAC compare to the risks of complications from a Cesarean?

• Both are associated with rare adverse outcomes
• The most talked about risk associate with VBAC is: uterine rupture after 1 previous low transverse Cesarean birth without induction or augmentation is 0.4% 
• A major risk associated with Cesarean is placental abnormalities like Placenta Accreta, this increases with each prior C-section

Do the risks differ with a first VBAC vs. VBA2C or multiple C-sections, or babies?

• Risk of uterine rupture decreases after a first VBAC
• VBA2C stands for: Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans

What steps can you take in pregnancy and labor to increase chances of having a VBAC?

Find out if your provider is supportive of VBAC

• Ask questions
• Ask for evidence
• Research your options for second opinions or finding another provider if your provider is not supportive of your choices

Mindset

• Surround yourself with a bubble of peace and supportive people
• Have a mindset of: I am going to Labor After Cesarean

Arm yourself with the facts

• You can talk confidently about your choices
• Advocate for yourself
• Familiarize yourself with the evidence 

How has COVID affected C-section rates in general, in the US? 

• Jen is hosting a panel to discuss this in the VBACfacts professional membership next month 

How to get in touch with Jen and VBACfacts.com: 

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

How to get in touch with me: 

• Instagram
• Find other episodes at: www.findingyourvillagepod.com
• Email me at [email protected] 
• Monthly Newsletter 

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