I think that MsNbC article is a bait and switch toned article.
They do this all the time. The research shows what we all know, that VBAC is better for mother and baby, and so they report that...
"The lead researcher said the chief risks - a torn uterus in the mother and brain damage in her newborn - are so unlikely that this study may boost the slumping rate of attempted natural births after C-sections. "I think it will certainly open up the dialogue once again," said Dr. Mark Landon of Ohio State University."
And then the next few paragraphs really up the emotion factor by talking about all the terrible things that can happen during VBAC, and they finish on a negative tone.
I think it is good however that Mark Landon has acknowledged that for the past few years it has become conventional wisdom once again that we do repeat C-sections. ACOG has been very pro section and a few years ago came out with some damning evidence about VBAC that really changed the tone nationwide.
I know for me, the biggest hurdle during my VBAC birth was emotional, overcoming the fear that I would have another section.
I have since had three vaginal births, and it has been very empowering to not have to have another cesarean.
Jenny