ACOG's new VBAC Guidelines

ACOG apparently listened to the feedback from the NIH conference. These guidelines are FAR less restrictive, and a step in the right direction!

Ob-Gyns Issue Less Restrictive VBAC Guidelines

Highlights:

In making plans for delivery, physicians and patients should consider a woman's chance of a successful VBAC as well as the risk of complications from a trial of labor, all viewed in the context of her future reproductive plans

and

restrictive VBAC policies should not be used to force women to undergo a repeat cesarean delivery against their will if, for example, a woman in labor presents for care and declines a repeat cesarean delivery at a center that does not support TOLAC.

a good feeling

i have a client due 8/6 and i have a very good feeling about this couple. they are very prepared, and yet the mom-to-be is very nonplussed about the prospect of her upcoming labor. it's not that she is thinking it'll be no big deal... so maybe nonplussed is not correct. it's more that she recognizes she'll be experiencing something she's never experienced before, and there's no real sense in tying herself in knots about something she can neither anticipate accurately nor completely control once it happens.

a real type-a-go-with-the-flow kinda gal. reminds me of someone... oh yeah, me!!! so yes, i have a good feeling about this labor and birth, in no small part because i feel like this is a very well-matched birth team, with great communication, clear and high expectations, and (this always helps) a lot of laughs!