VBAC At El Camino

I've had two successful VBAC's after my c-section in the early 90's. When I did go into the hospital for delivery the 2nd and 3rd time, they did prep me for a possible c-section again - put an IV thing into my arm just in case - but it wasn't needed. Since then I've continued to hear that doctor's just aren't giving the option anymore for liability reasons. I don't necessarily think it's a hospital decision but the decision of the doctor. Yes, there is a concern about splitting the incision or something like that, which on some medical level is a concern and I do honor that point as I'm not a doctor. But if you're healthy, gain a relatively normal amount of weight, 30 or less, and there are no complications up to labor, then what's the problem. Actually, if I were to do it all over again, I'd have a home birth. I truly believe I wouldn't have had to have a c-section at all had I had a patient, caring Dula and/or mid-wife to help me through this most wonderful gift of childbirth. So my recommendation is to find a doctor (preferably a woman with a more holistic paradigm) who really listens to the desires of the birthing couple and I mention couple because most men do have an opinion when asked. I wish you luck and wonderful birth!

T.

In my experience as a Medical Assistant, I worked at El Camino Hospital with many OB's and found very few of them who were supportive of VBAC. My suggestion is to make some calls to other Dr's within your insurance and find out what their take on VBAC is. Remember most Dr's will want your pregnancy history before they really discuss their views with you. Ask all the questions you can and most of all feel comfortable with the Dr you choose.

Good Luck
B.

A gal in our Las Madres group had a successful VBAC at ElCamino Hospital... here's the info she gave me for you:

Her name is Dr. Rita Raman. She is on the 3rd floor at
El Camino Hospital. It would still depend on
individual case, but she can definitely take Dr. Rita
Raman's opinion too.

For appointment, Call - ###-###-####

Good Luck! I had a VBAC all pre-approved at Santa Clara Kaiser and when I arrived to have him my water had broken, I was at 8cm but there was a FOOT! Not in the stars I guess but I'm a huge advocate... if you'd like a doula reference look up my other posts... I love my doula!

I liked the advice about trying a midwife. However, if that doesn't work for you, and if your insurance plan will let you use Stanford Hospital, you could try the Stanford ob/gyn service. They were the only ones I could find in 2005 who would be willing to try a VBAC. As it happened, I had pre-eclampsia and had to have an emergency C-section at 8 months, so I don't know if they would have followed through with the VBAC when the time came, but they sounded pretty willing. Good luck!

I've heard from many other moms that they need to talk to a couple doctors usually. VBAC are more common now but many of the docs prefer to do another c-sect. Particularly if they haven't looked at your records. Your first one sounds like the result of a failure to progress rather than an anatomical "obstacle" to deliver vaginally. Since first babies are often overdue who knows with the next. I would check with a couple other doctors. At least someone else might give you their reasoning.

I had my daughter at El Camino Hospital (I was even born there,LOL) Any way My Dr Was Dr. Inouye (sp?) and he is wonderful. It might be worth it to talk with him and see what info he can give you. I was REALLY happy with him.

Ah, now here is something I am very passionate about!
I dont know about that particular hospital but you can call the L&D department and ask them if they allow VBACs.

I dont think your OB is going to support you at all in your desire to have a VBAC so you should look for another one.

One thing you should consider is a homebirth or a birthing center birth, Midwives are a much better choice when going for a VBAC because they tend to support the mom and her choices.

You can contact me privately if you like, I have access to many wonderful VBAC sources and a support group too.

T. (who has had 5 successful VBAC's and working on #6!)

Good Luck!

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