encounter with Dr. Beena Johnson/VBAC/Houston

[prophetmother]

I met briefly with Dr. Beena Johnson (Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, TX) yesterday at her office and thought I'd share some of what she said to me when I told her about my interest in having a VBAC.

• She said her VBAC rates are very good. We didn't discuss specifics.
  
• She said that if a VBAC patient were not 2 cm dilated by 41 weeks, the patient would have to "get cut" no matter what. (This was the deal-breaker for me.)
  
• She said that she "strongly recommends" an epidural "to help you relax" for the VBAC.
  
• She said that she would not be a backup in case we decided to transfer to the hospital later during labor. Either she would take me on throughout my pregnancy or not at all.

Hope this helps anyone else thinking about using her for your VBAC. We won't be but would love to hear from anyone else who has interviewed her.

[babyike]

I will be interviewing her sometime in the next year for a VBAC. Mostly for comparison, because my OBGyn said she would do a VBAC for my next baby if I so desired...but of course she was quick to remind me of the risks. So, we are keeping our options open. Please keep updating regarding your VBAC. Also if you're not a member already, there is an ICAN group of Houston/Galveston that I just joined. So far, it is really helpful and full of resources and info about VBACs.

[txgal]

Do you mind sharing who your current doctor is? As a doula I am always looking for docs to refer clients to for VBAC. It seems to be getting harder and harder to find someone in the houston area.

[heather_c]

I just had a great VBAC experience with Dr. Johnson. The link to my birthstory is in my sig. I delivered at 41 weeks 6 days. She was incredibly patient during my long labor. I hope this helps someone.

[bluetoes]

Going to try Dr. Johnson to see if she might take me.

[bluetoes]

OK well looks like the decision is made. Dr. Johnson will only take established patients for VBACs.

[Nannysbaby]

There are other vbac docs in town. Where do you live?

If you are not already member of ICAN you should think about joining. There are lots of mommas over there that are in your shoes.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group...STONGALVESTON/

[Sucheta]

Looking for VBAC doctors

I just called Dr. Beena Johnson and she has decided not to do VBACs anymore. I live near Willowbrook Mall (249 and 1960) . Is there any other doctor who supports VBAC?

[Sk8ermaiden]

Yes, Dr. Johnson quit doing them, followed in a few weeks by Dr. Reed from the Woodlands. Dr. Reed was a VBACers best hope in a hospital and the situation here has gotten pretty grim.

These are the names I am still hearing tossed around:
Dr Del Castillo
Dr. Maximos
Dr Dryden
Dr Franco

I don't know first names or practices, but can try to ask for you if Google doesn't turn up anything. Really, a homebirth midwife is by far your best bet.

You should really try to come to an ICAN meeting. There should be one this Sunday in Rice Village. Those women are a wealth of knowledge.

[texaspeach]

I agree - come to an ICAN meeting!

AFAIK Dr. Dryden is not accepting new patients. Dr. Ortique is in the same practice (womens specialists) and supposedly does VBAC (she is new, I have not heard of anyone birthing with her yet)