I want to have a vbac w/my next child, we will be living near MH AFB Idaho. I heard there is a vbac ban. Help?

Question

I recently read an article about the ban on having a vbac in the Northwestern States, specifically Idaho. My husband is active duty Air Force and just got orders to Mountain Home AFB. While we are thrilled to be moving to a new state, I am bummed because I had a c-section with my son just over 4 months ago. My doctor induced labor on me and I really felt the entire birthing process was rushed. I didn't feel like my body was ready to have the baby yet. So of course it resulted in a c-section like so many births do these days. I really want to try to have a vbac with my next child (who probably will come while we are stationed in Idaho within the next 2 years) Does anyone know more about vbacs in the Mountain Home Idaho area or a good midwife that would allow me to go into labor on my own? Any advice would help. Thanks

Answer 1

Vbacs are getting less common because the doctors insurance companies wont cover them.  I live in Southern Oregon and they don;t do V'bacs here but I was told if I went up state to Portland I could do one there because of the bigger hospitals bigger city... I would call a midwife...and just tell her the whole story and what you want. TRUST ME I'm sure they will let you birth the baby at home...hopefully. Have you seen the movie "The business of being born" or something like that. Ricky Lake documents the hospital routine for having babies..I dont have to explain it cause it sounds like it happened to you. Watch the movie if you havent already. After you watch it I know for a fact you will REFUSE to go to the hospital to have your next child and you WILL do everything in your power to have the baby at HOME! :)

Answer 2

hi.  this site may help.

http://icanofportland.org/VBACBan.aspx

i would also suggest finding a good doula who will help you labor at home as long as possible.  then, when you make it to the hospital you will be able to avoid intervention.

i'm not in idaho, but try looking at the discussion boards on mothering.com.  many of the mothers recommend midwives/doulas in their areas.

good luck!

Answer 3

A VBAC "ban" is nothing more than a hospital or doctors preference, it is not law, it is not even a rule. VBACs are not a good way for doctors to make money, the insurance is very expensive, they have to cancel all apointments to be present for your labor ( instead of just sceduling a 45 minute cessarian) and they get paid 4 times as much to preform a cessarian. I agree you should find a midwife and/or have a homebirth. VBACs are considered low risk births and have been proven to be much safer for mom and baby than repeat cessarian, good for you for wanting one! Here are the federal laws:

1: When a women shows up at a hospital in labor, she must be admitted and cared for untill after the baby is safely delivered.

2: A woman can refuse any medical treatment, from an IV to a cessarian. If a hospital preforms a medical procedure without clear, informed consent from the patient, it is considered criminal assault and battery.

Put the two together, and it is impossible for any hospital or doctor in america to refuse a mother a VBAC. That being said, you have a legal right to have a VBAC whenever and wherever you like, but it is very important to inform yourself as much as you can regarding VBAC and repeat cessarian so if you get into a dissagreement with a doctor you will know what you are talking about and will be able to make an informed desicion in any situation. The site below has the best info regarding VBAC, I will give you links to some very relevent pages but please read all you can. You can also find local chapters through this site who can connect you to vbac friendly doctors, midwifes and doulas in your area, if possible. Good luck and have a great birth next time!