VBAC Rates at local hospital

[Climbergirl]

I called and asked what their VBAC success rate was (since they HAVE to know you are VBAC since that have a ton of rules you have to follow by BEING a VBAC). This was the response:

"I spoke with our director of perinatal services, *person's name*, who said that there are no true statistics for VBAC success rates. There are too many variables to be considered. It's best that your ob, whomever you select, determines that you are a good candidate for having a successful VBAC attempt."

Huh? Explain this one to me? You know she is VBAC. You know the ultimate birth outcome. Are they just not tracking it?

[MeepyCat]

It sounds like they totally misunderstood your question. I'd go back with something like "Obviously, I will consult my doctor about my own personal case. My question was, of the women who attempt VBAC at your hospital, what percentage actually have vaginal births?"

[Climbergirl]

Hum... Maybe that is it. I will probably email her and ask again the way you suggested. It is strange though....

Although, honestly, I am probably going with a homebirth. But I do want to cover all my bases and make sure that decision is the right one

[MNHall]

I know the hospital rate can obviously effect the success, but I really think the doctor is more of the one that effects your success. However, I too have been interested in my hospitals specifics...but really, I'd love to know my OB's specifics!


At least in my experience the OB is REALLY the one that makes or breaks the VBAC..if the hospital is somewhat supportive. I have a number of friends with c/s's. Their doctors said, sure, you can try a VBAC....IF you go into labor on your own before your scheduled c/s at 39 weeks. Where my doctor says, "VBAC?, excellent...I love VBAC's and cannot wait to participate in another one. If you want a VBAC, we will do everything we can to achieve that! Natural birth, awesome! I love when a woman knows what she wants and is edcuated and determined to make it happen. This is going to be a great birth that I look foward to attending."

Anyway, yes, I think the hospital does account for some success, because of what kind of limitations...but I have a good suspicion that MY doctor makes up for over 50% of the VBAC's in the entire hospital...if not waaay closer to 90+%. EVERYONE that I talk to that WANTS a VBAC, not just interested if it happens, goes to THIS doctor!