Published: January 21, 2008 08:59 am      

MOMMY & ME: Know your childbirth options

Most of my friends and family assume that, since I had a C-section when Cameran was born, I already have a repeat Cesarean scheduled for Little Wahler No. 2’s impending birth.

Sure, it seems convenient. Go in at 7 a.m., start the meds, have the operation, and be back in the mother-baby unit before “The Today Show” is over. I could pick the day even: Do I want a St. Patrick’s Day baby? A first-day-of-Spring baby? Don’t pick March 15 — you know, the whole “Ides of March” thing can’t bode well for babies born on that day.

Am I crazy for thinking that takes the fun out of the whole experience?

Maybe.

But more than being crazy, curious and a little bit hormonal, I feel like I missed out on the “real” childbirth experience the first time around. I never went into labor on my own, so I was induced about a week after my due date. No late-night rush to the hospital, no dramatic water breaking. Just a quiet, pensive drive to the hospital early one morning. And, after 14 hours of nothing much happening at all, I had a C-section. And that was that, end of story.

Now I have the chance to do it all again, and I want to do it my way this time.

The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a nonprofit organization founded in 1982. ICAN’s goal is to prevent unnecessary C-sections, provide support for C-section recovery and promote vaginal birth after Cesarean.

At a recent meeting of ICAN of Buffalo, I spoke with other local moms hoping for a VBAC.

One mom, 17 weeks pregnant with her second child, is hiring a midwife group in North Buffalo to assist with her VBAC at a Buffalo hospital.

Another, Kenmore resident Rachel Zeller, is the Northeast regional coordinator for ICAN and the leader of the local chapter. She told us about her successful VBAC at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

But why the VBAC? Why the extra effort?

“Initially, when I had my C-section, I had some very unexpected post-partum depression, which led into my mild post traumatic stress disorder,” Zeller said in a phone interview after the meeting. “The simplest explanation was that I didn’t want to do that again.”

Zeller started doing some research and came across ICAN.

“Within ICAN, I started learning about the things I could have avoided that day, how much power I gave away,” she said.

If your doctor doesn’t attend VBACs, Zeller said, he or she has to find someone who will attend VBACs for you. Whether you end up choosing another Cesarean or opting for a VBAC, she said, it’s your first step in mothering that child.

“Know why things happen the way that they do,” Zeller said. “Explore for yourself and make sure you’re doing the right thing for yourself.”

In the end, a repeat Cesarean may or may not be required. Talk to your doctor. Ask about your options. If your doctor or hospital doesn’t do VBACs, there are doctors and hospitals that will.

It’s your body, your health and your responsibility. And it’s not crazy.

News on events and products related to moms of infants and young children is always welcome. Contact Laura Wahler at 693-1000, ext. 126.



VBAC CHECKLIST

Considering a vaginal birth after Cesarean? Here are some things to keep in mind:

• READ: Some books that the International Cesarean Awareness Network recommend include “VBAC Companion” by Diana Korte, “VBAC Experience” compiled by Lynn Baptisti Richards and “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin.

• GET HEALTHY: Labor is hard work. Focus on good food and exercise.

• FIND A SUPPORTIVE CAREGIVER: Find a doctor or midwife who believes in VBACs and has a high success rate.

• WORK ON EMOTIONS: Work through any negative feelings associated with your previous Cesarean section(s). Face your fears and let go of your past. Keep a positive outlook.

• REASSURE FAMILY AND FRIENDS: According to medical studies, VBAC is usually safer for you and your baby. Make this information available to your family and friends. You will need their support.

Source: International Cesarean Awareness Network



ABOUT ICAN

The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a nonprofit organization aimed at preventing unnecessary C-sections, providing support for C-section recovery and promoting vaginal birth after Cesarean. For more information on the local chapter, call Rachel Zeller at 873-0755 or e-mail icanofbuffalo@aol.com.