There Are Options After A C-Section
4/6/2021
Why VABC deliveries were the right choice for Joanna
(JOHNSON, Ark.) – Six months after the tragic loss of a child at birth, Joanna McCall was pregnant again preparing to bring Lucas into the world.
“We were overcome with emotion as it got closer to Lucas’ delivery. Our hearts were still grieving and were anxious about his birth,” McCall stated.
Joanna was planning to have a normal delivery, but due to the baby’s breech position her doctor decided that a cesarean delivery was the best option. While she was grateful that his birth was successful, she knew then that she wanted something different for her future deliveries.
“A C-section is a major surgery and the recovery for me was long and hard. I felt that it was more traumatic than I was expecting,” she remembered. One year after Lucas was born, Joanna was pregnant with her next child and she was determined for this delivery to be different.
Joanna is not unique. Many women who have had one or more cesarean deliveries, want to give birth vaginally with their next child. This is known as vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC. Despite assurances from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) that VBACs are safe, it can be difficult to find a physician and hospital that is prepared and properly trained to perform a VBAC. Fortunately, Joanna’s physician delivered at Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, a VBAC Center of Excellence in Johnson, Ark. Willow Creek Women’s Hospital is the first hospital in the nation to earn this recognition for its commitment to providing safe, VBAC-supportive care.
Together, Joanna and her physician determined that a VBAC would be a safe and appropriate choice, and soon, Walker was safely born.
“I felt completely supported and had an amazing experience at Willow Creek Women’s Hospital,” Joanna continued. “After delivering here I would not deliver at any other place. The staff were amazing and the room and amenities were outstanding.”
Joanna went on to have two other VBACs with her two daughters, Emery Kate and Halley. As many women express, Joanna felt empowered that she had the ability to deliver her children vaginally and in a safe environment.
“Delivering my children naturally was important to me. I am so grateful that Northwest Arkansas is home to one of the leading hospitals for VBACs and that my story is a happy one,” McCall stated.
Being educated is an important part of childbirth preparation. Whether you’re trying to avoid a cesarean, plan a cesarean delivery, preparing for a VBAC, or just learning about your birth options, be sure to talk with your provider to better understand all of your options. For more information or to find a physician, visit NorthwestHealthBabies.com.
Benefits of Vaginal Birth After Delivery (VBAC)
- No abdominal surgery is required when VBAC is successful. This cuts down on the risks associated with C-sections.
- Recovery time after vaginal birth is usually shorter and requires less bed rest than a cesarean. You will still need to heal, but you won’t have an abdominal incision to worry about and there will be fewer restrictions on walking around and lifting things.
- Individualized birth plans are possible with vaginal birth, rather than a C-section where surgery is planned. So, if you want to have the experience of labor and delivering your baby, VBAC can make that possible.
- Effect on future pregnancies: Having multiple C-sections will increase your chances of requiring scheduled cesarean for future pregnancies. If you plan on having a larger family and want to reduce your chances of needing another C-section, VBAC is a good option.
- Less blood loss is involved with vaginal birth (including VBAC) than with surgery.
About Willow Creek Women’s Hospital
Willow Creek Women's Hospital is a 64-bed full-service facility dedicated to women's health needs – from obstetrics to a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to hidden scar breast surgery and 3D mammography. The hospital was first in Arkansas to earn prestigious international recognition as a baby-friendly designated birth facility. Located in Johnson, the hospital is affiliated with Northwest Health, the largest health system in Northwest Arkansas with five hospitals, with 487 beds, a combined medical staff of more than 900 physicians and 2,400+ associates working together to provide quality healthcare for the region.
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