Here's an article my childbirth instructor (who is also a doula) sent out to her class about VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). After reading this article one begins to realize the fear that us women are bombarded with. I mean, we are made to fear our own bodies. What's up with that? Many women are forced into having a C-section since it is often an easier road for a doctor to take rather than allow a woman to trust her body, take her time, and give her OWN birth rather than having it done for her. Then, once she's had a c-section the idea of her having a natural, vaginal birth afterwards is outright absurd.
Anyway, the article is written by a midwife who has assisted many very successful VBAC births that resulted in very happy moms and babies.
A Butcher's Dozen
by Nancy Wainer
© 2001 Midwifery Today, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
[Editor's note: This article first appeared in Midwifery Today Issue 57, Spring 2001.]
I'm so tired! Exhausted. It's the wee hours of the night and it's dark and freezing cold. I am driving home slowly—darn, the roads are icy—from back-to-back births. I realize that both of the women whom I have just attended would have had cesareans had they been with typical American obstetrical care providers. Two more women who weren't cut, who birthed their babies powerfully and naturally. Two more babies who were born into calm and joy. I'm not quite so tired anymore. In fact, I begin to feel exhilarated. The roads aren't icy, they're sparkling, and I'm going to build a (pregnant, of course) snowwoman before I go inside!
I have been asked to write on VBAC—vaginal birth after cesarean. Good. I'll use this invitation to share some stories, pass along some information, give a quick retrospective history on the subject, and, OK, yes, to vent a little steam.
No comments:
Post a Comment