VBAC coverage in the media

[kltroy]

Hi all,
I just wanted to share this article, which appears in the Sunday Chicago Tribune. I think the reporter did a pretty good job of conveying accurate information and presenting some of the challenges faced by women who want a VBAC.

As women, we can encourage good media coverage of this issue by posting comments both electronically, and submitting letters to the editorial board of the newspaper/media outlet so that the editors know it is being read and is appreciated. VBAC is not just a women's issue (as any of our husband's can attest) - it is an issue for everyone. So please - consider leaving some sort of feedback if you have a moment.

(Disclaimer: I provided the reporter with a lot of research data and clued her into some of the key issues surrounding VBAC, though my name appears nowhere in the article. I am just happy she decided to write the article and that the editors approved the topic!)

[Amynf1]

I agree that we should encourage good media coverage. I think the article was good and covered a lot of important point. She did define ACOG incorrectly (College not Congress) but otherwise she was accurate.

I did comment on what one commenter, a doctor, said. I couldn't resist. It's being moderated now so hopefully it will show up soon.

[hapi2help]

I posted a response too regarding utilizing data vs anecdotal stories Drs and RNs are providing there. "This one time, at band camp...."

[mamaspark]

I'm so glad to read that article but man, some of those commenters (NICU RN, etc) have me so MAD! I am so tired of some people's fearmongering attitude about VBAC. I just met with my midwives' backing OB on Friday and he laid his own fearmongering on me (quoted the risk of rupture as 3%, for instance, and used the word "disaster" three times), and this article came out the next day. I'd kind of like to send it to him, along with a birth announcement, once I VBAC this baby

[kltroy]

Frustrating comments aside, do consider writing a letter to the editor (rather than just commenting on the blog) about the article thanking them for covering the issue, and with any other well-constructed comments on the topic. Editors pay attention to the amount and tone of letters they get in response to articles that are printed. If an article on VBAC has wide readership and a generally good response, articles on topics similar to this are more likely to be published in the future.

Especially if you can get your husband to write the letter instead of you, this can be helpful as it shows that it's not just women who care about how birth happens in this country.

Here's the form:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/

[mamaspark]

That's a great idea-- I've sent the link to DH and he'll be writing them a letter for sure. It would be so great to see more fact-based VBAC coverage in the media!!