Current VBAC studies, stats and info

[jenninjapan]

Help! I am 10 weeks pregnant and already being bullied and scared into a repeat C-section. I absolutely refuse to give in, and would like to go into my next prenatal appt armed with the latest stats and rupture rates.

I live in Southern Japan where there has been a ten year ban on all VBACs though exceptions have been known to be made. 

Any websites, recent studies published would be appreciated.

[HappyMommy2]

Are there any alternative options where you live?  Like birth centers or midwives? 

In my experience, it is pretty much futile to try and fight the system. You won't change their minds, or expand their horizons.  All the research in the world won't change the OB's mind.  It's SO unfortunate!

Good luck mama!

[jenninjapan]

This is my feeling, but I think I am going to try. 

As for other options, my previous pg was with a midwife, but in Japan they are considered birth assistants and are not allowed to do anything remotely 'medical' (aside from taking blood pressure and the like. You have to see an OB for your monthly/weekly ultrasound in conjunction with midwifery care.)  My midwife was so unsupportive in the last weeks of my pg when I refused an unmonitered external version  at 36.5 weeks (breech baby) and told me I would NEVER give birth vaginally once I had my c section.  I felt like she was relieved more than anything once I went to a hospital and was out of her care.  She is the ONLY midwife in my city.

So we will see how my appt goes this week.  I was promised a referral to a university hospital for a VBAC right after my csection for my next pg, but now that I am actually coming back expecting them to make good on their promise, I have very little hope.

Starting to look into UBAC and feeling more and more like this is what will happen and what I want.

[courtenay_e]

I agree.  YOu will not "convince" them.  They have the medical evidence and choose not to follow it.  I would consider hiring a traveling midwife.

[buckeyedoc]

The most up-to-date VBAC information I know of is American (the NIH VBAC conference statement and evidence report, plus the ACOG practice bulletin). It sounds like they have no interest in being evidence-based, from what you have said.

http://consensus.nih.gov/2010/vbacstatement.htm

http://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/evidence/pdf/vbacup/vbacup.pdf