Hi! I'm a doula still getting my certifying births. I've been to 3 births (and had 2 myself) but was only the "primary" doula at 1 birth so far. I have a friend having her second baby in September, and she wants me to be her doula. She's wanting to try for a VBAC but just found out that written on her charts from her previous birth was "Bandl's ring," which was apparently the reason for her first Cesarean.
We've both been doing reading and research but aren't finding much conclusive information. I'd very much appreciate feedback and answers to any/all of the following questions from as many of you as possible.
*How is a Bandl's or pathologic retraction ring distinguished from a physiologic ring? (Is it possible she did not actually have a Bandl's ring the first time and that her Dr. was just being overcautious?)
*How likely is a Bandl's ring to recur in a subsequent birth?
*Where can we find more information on this topic?
*What can she do to maximize her chances of a successful VBAC?
*What can I do to best support her?
At this point, I have suggested that she get a 2nd opinion with another, more open-minded, doctor, as her current OB is fairly old-school and not that supportive of VBAC. (He'll "let her try" but isn't that optimistic.) She has remained with him for this pregnancy because she feels grateful for his assistance with her infertility problems, but I have told her a caregiver supportive of VBAC is very important.
I've also previously given her some Mothering magazines on VBAC, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, and The Birth Partner, which she had been reading over the last couple months. She was initially excited and optimistic about her VBAC after reading these, but finding out about the Bandl's ring really has her depressed and discouraged. She's had two miscarraiges and the one cesarean birth, and I think she's really doubting her body's abilities now. I'm not that experienced as a doula and could really use some help here! I don't want to let her down. Thanks so much!
We've both been doing reading and research but aren't finding much conclusive information. I'd very much appreciate feedback and answers to any/all of the following questions from as many of you as possible.
*How is a Bandl's or pathologic retraction ring distinguished from a physiologic ring? (Is it possible she did not actually have a Bandl's ring the first time and that her Dr. was just being overcautious?)
*How likely is a Bandl's ring to recur in a subsequent birth?
*Where can we find more information on this topic?
*What can she do to maximize her chances of a successful VBAC?
*What can I do to best support her?
At this point, I have suggested that she get a 2nd opinion with another, more open-minded, doctor, as her current OB is fairly old-school and not that supportive of VBAC. (He'll "let her try" but isn't that optimistic.) She has remained with him for this pregnancy because she feels grateful for his assistance with her infertility problems, but I have told her a caregiver supportive of VBAC is very important.
I've also previously given her some Mothering magazines on VBAC, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, and The Birth Partner, which she had been reading over the last couple months. She was initially excited and optimistic about her VBAC after reading these, but finding out about the Bandl's ring really has her depressed and discouraged. She's had two miscarraiges and the one cesarean birth, and I think she's really doubting her body's abilities now. I'm not that experienced as a doula and could really use some help here! I don't want to let her down. Thanks so much!
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