Twin VBAC
One week from today, Northshore Birth Options will be hosting Jen Kamel of VBAC Facts for her signature training, "The Truth About VBAC." This is a continuing education event for Birth and Medical professionals, and also a valuable resource for highly motivated parents who wish to be fully informed on the risks and benefits of vaginal birth after cesarean.
Bringing in an out-of-state, nationally recognized speaker like Jen is the biggest undertaking our small organization has taken on. I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you why it was so important to us to make this happen and why I personally feel passionate about VBAC.
The number one question and need that we are approached with is VBAC resources and support. Cesarean rates on the Northshore have long been high, and VBAC rates low. Until recently, it was almost unheard of for a planned VBAC to happen locally. It is still common for mothers desiring VBAC to travel an hour or more from the Northshore to New Orleans or Baton Rouge to a provider and birth place known for VBAC support. As director of Northshore Birth Options, I've spent hours on the phone, online and in person with local Mamas, listening to their stories, often with tears flowing, as they describe the difficulties they've encountered with limited birth options, traumatic births, and past providers who didn't give them all the facts. It's so rewarding for me to see many of these mothers go on to experience a healing, beautiful VBAC, and even sometimes a family-centered cesarean where even with another surgical birth they felt empowered, respected and a part of the decision-making process.
When my own first pregnancy ended in an unplanned cesarean, I already knew that I wanted to pursue a VBAC for my next delivery. Thankfully, when that next pregnancy was babies #2 and #3, I was aware of my options and was still able to pursue my choice of VBAC. With a supportive family, OBGYN, hospital staff and doulas, I went into a 36.5 week induction with confidence and never had one negative word spoken over me (unlike so many other moms I hear from whose circle of family and friends speak fear and criticism over their decision.) After a long and hard labor, my husband and I were blessed to welcome two identically beautiful daughters to our family.
I am now 37 weeks pregnant with baby #4, our first son, and joyfully anticipate a natural, spontaneous labor and birth. Unfortunately, I am still driving an hour away to deliver this baby.
With limited VBAC support available locally, it is my passion, and ours as an organization, to provide the very best information on this topic so that local providers can feel more confident in supporting VBAC families. We sincerely hope that many will take advantage of this rare opportunity and join us on Saturday, August 26th, for "The Truth About VBAC." If you have any questions about this event or any other Northshore Birth Options activity, please email us at options@northshorebirth.org
Use this link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-truth-about-vbac-louisiana-tickets-33103739175
Many thanks to our partners for this event:
Rollette Chiropractic Center http://www.rollettechiropractic.com/
And our sponsors:
Beginnings Birth and Doula Services https://beginningsbirthservices.com/
Birth Center of Baton Rouge http://birthcenterbr.com/
Naturally Well With Samantha http://www.naturallywellwithsamantha.com/
Nola Nesting http://www.nolanesting.com/
Northshore Parent http://northshoreparent.com/contact/
