SpeakOut: Recent Comments

Comment on Share your experience with women in our community

2008-10-07T18:41:21Z

I wanted to share my VBAC story. I had a C-section in 2003 when they found out my daughter was breech. I VBACed successfully in California in 2006. When we moved here this year, I read all the info out on the web and spent a lot of time worrying about whether I would be able to have another VBAC here in NWA. I originally saw a physician at Washington Regional who recommended I see the doctors at Mercy in Rogers. I saw Dr. Shenker, who has since moved to Little Rock, who was completely supportive of my choice to repeat a VBAC. I went into labor naturally and had another successful VBAC at Mercy Hospital in April. The baby ended up being delivered by Dr. Potts. They are required by law to have you sign warning waivers, review the risks, etc., but noone ever told me that I couldn't do it. The first nurse I had did not seem familiar with the practice and there was a whole lot of whispering going on in the hallway. I don't blame them though, they were just curious about the process. The second nurse, who has since left Mercy, was awesome and helped me do everything possible to give the doctors any reason not to go through with it. I just wanted everyone to know that it is not impossible, it seems to be simply finding the right physician. I was disappointed to read all the negative information when with some research and asking around I was able to do this with relatively few problems, even with moving to the area in my 30th week.

Comment on Where can we go to get a VBAC

2008-09-30T21:07:45Z

I am trying to find a VBAC-friendly doctor in NWA, so looked on this site for more info. However, it is quite time-consuming to read through every comment to glean doctors' names...does anyone have a complete list with perhaps comments on each doctor listed? Some say Amy Sarver will do VBACs as well as other doctors in her office, but others say not so. Also, I know Dr. Hannah has done VBACs...but how is he to work with since the ban took effect? Also, another question...if it's as easy as not signing a C-section acceptance form, shouldn't I be able to go to the hospital when only dilated to 4 and not 8? I think that is what the "informed refusal" is if I understand it correctly. One more question, which I believe was posted already by someone else but not yet answered...how is Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital (besides allowing VBACs) and how are their 2 doctors...Hill and Crownover? Thanks so much for any and all info anyone can share. It is encouraging to have others who are in the same situation and uphill "battle" as it were for better healthcare.

Comment on Where can we go to get a VBAC

2008-09-09T18:08:50Z

My son, Logan was born 7/08/08, I used Mari Slape at WR during my pg. At full term, I had prolonged ruptured mem. and failure to prog. and proceeded to a CS, performed by Pickhardt. Logan had a unexpected terminal metabolic disease, ultimately took his life at 7 mo of age. If DH and I have another we would not use medical intervention because the disease was so horrible. This being said, a VBAC would be our best choice for the babies health and likelihood of survival. I have a close relationship with Mari Slape and Pickhardt. From now on I will be going to Willow Creek, (though not my fave) however, Pickhardt will be there for time being. He is the only one I'd trust during that venerable time (IF we try again, the genetic odds are unknown) Pickhardt told me straight up after my CS and I would need a repeat for subsequent pg. However, he has moved and something tells me he's one of the 'good' guys. He may not be willing to work with me on the issue but never the less, for a Dr. he's a good man. I like the idea of one day being able to actually BIRTH a baby into the world. A CS was certainly NOT the plan, but nothing about my sons birth or life went right. I am surprised Mari is still at WR, or has she moved? the hospital seems to be ripping at the seams with controversy and I plan to never return.

Comment on Share your experience with women in our community

2008-08-20T14:46:05Z

Its important to remember that CBAC can be the right choice for some women in certain circumstances.
What this mom describes is called an EBAC which mean Empowered Birth After Cesarean. She was able to call many of the shots as to how she would be treated and how her baby would be born, etc. And could feel like she participated in the birth instead of feeling like a victim or that she had no control over what happened to her body.
My only concern is that women research for themsleves the safety of repeat cesarean over VBAC. There are very few instances where repeat c-section is actually safer for anyone (mom or baby) besides the doctor. But like I said there are those cases where it is indicated and a good decision.
Either way the main thing is that women deserve the choice to decide what is right for them and their baby, and women who want VBAC are being denied that choice right now in our area.
(Side note- I didnt get to hold or see my baby for several hours after my cs and he breastfed like a champ and is still going strong after 12 mo. I also went into labor and I think that does help with breastfeeding, bonding, depression- to get those natural labor hormones even if you are having a repeat cs.)

Comment on Share your experience with women in our community

2008-08-18T18:11:16Z

I've had 2 children in NWA at the same hospital. My 1st child was born via c-section because of fetal distress. Having a c-section probably saved her life. By the time I was pregnant with my 2nd child, the hospital had banned VBACs. After discussing VBAC with my OB (who I had been with about 7 years at the time), I was convinced that a repeat c-section was the safest option for my child and me. The 2nd time around, I made several specific requests: no cath until after the spinal, no staples, and no percocet (sp?) after the birth. I actually went into labor a few days before the scheduled c-section, but my doctor was on call and was able to deliver the baby. All of my requests were met and my doctor and the staff seemed more than willing to accommodate these. My husband was able to be in the OR with me during the delivery, and I think the dr let him cut the cord. After the birth, he was able to hold the baby where I could see him for several minutes. My husband accompanied the baby to the nursery for the bath etc. As soon as I made it back to a room, they brought our son in and I was able to nurse. (An aside--despite not nursing until at least an hour or maybe more after birth, I successfully and exclusively nursed him (no bottles, ever) for 16 months. The same was true for baby #1 only I nursed her for 20 months.) I have no regrets over not having a VBAC, and I appreciate my doctor wanting to do the best thing for my baby and for me.

Comment on Where can we go to get a VBAC

2008-08-02T05:34:27Z

Okay, I am not sure where to post this so I will try here. Has/does anyone birth at Siloam Springs Memorial Hosp.? Or had/have Drs. Crownover or Hill? If so, please tell me your experience! I think I might be able to VBAC there, any info would help! Thanks!

Comment on Where can we go to get a VBAC

2008-07-21T00:15:37Z

Okay, please help me to understand this. I have had sooo many women tell me to get my "answer" from the ICAN website. I have read, read, an re-read the ICAN website and I cannot understand what it is telling me on this subject. Do I just go to the hospital in labor, without a particular OB and refuse to sign the c-section form? Can you explain it better? THANKS!

Comment on Where can we go to get a VBAC

2008-04-18T17:31:23Z

Congratulations on your successful HBAC! That is exciting. I would love to know who did your HBAC. I want to have one very much but have been told by the midwives I have contacted they are not allowed to. Thank you!

Comment on Where can we go to get a VBAC

2008-04-16T17:48:28Z

That is great, I am so glad to know woman are trying to change this ridiculous VBAC ban. I personally hated my whole hospital experience and want very much to have a homebirth but am told that I can't have one. I don't like to be told I CAN'T do something. If anyone knows a midwife who will do HBAC I would love some info! Thank you!

Comment on Where can we go to get a VBAC

2008-04-16T00:35:50Z

There are several women on here in your same shoes, so welcome. www.ican-online.org has great info about informed refusal. Look under the "white papers". It's good info to have. There is a group in NWA that is working on getting some legislative support for this issue. There is also a new chapter of ICAN in NWA that just started this year, its a good place for support and answers and they will have speakers every-other month on the VBAC topic. You can find out more about that by emailing alynwaican@hotmail.org.

You do have options- informed refusal, going to a place that supports VBAC already, and there are some women in NWA who have chosen to do HBAC and have been able to find professional support for that. If you get serious about this option we can put you in touch with the moms who did this and maybe they will share some info. with you.

Share any info. you find out as you go to doctors or call hositals, etc. Just sharing the info. with each other is a BIG help so each person isn't having to do all the ground work for themselves.

Also, depending on how interested you are in getting really involved, there are a few women in our area who are thinking about forming a group that will work only on reversing the VBAC ban in NWA. So if you think that might be something you would like to do email the website and we can put you in touch with these women.