Greetings,

From what I see and hear on the web and the news about VBAC is that
it is not happening as an option for woman who want this option in an
hospital enviroment. I read on several lists that this is occurring
and in direct opposition to their professional organisations
guidelines position statement from:
http://www.childbirth.org/section/VBAC1.html

ACOG VBAC Guidelines

"In 1995 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
(ACOG) published updated guidelines for a vaginal birth after a
cesarean. In the guides physicians are strongly encouraged to counsel
and encourage women to plan labor rather than schedule a repeat
surgery. Based on current evidence almost all women with prior
cesareans can plan a VBAC." Here is the summary:

"Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery should not be limited to large
specialty hospital settings. Well-equppoed basic and speciality
hospitals with the capacity to respond to intrapartum emergencies are
appropriate settings for VBAC (A: II-3)." Then I read on a ACOG NEWS
RELEASE
For Release: Embargoed until December 12, 2001
9:00 AM EST

ACOG Addresses Latest Controversies in Obstetrics


"US rate's of cesarean deliveries, which rose from a rate of 5.5
percent of all births in 1970, to a high of 24.7 percent of births in
1988. The rate began to drop in the years 1989 to 1997, following
medical efforts to promote Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
delivery. But the rate rose again to 22 percent in 1999, following
case reports of increased incidence of uterine rupture in women
attempting VBAC.
From:http://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr12-
12-01.cfm


I see they can not even keep their plans and objectives in focus and
the people who suffer is our clients who are denied the right to
trial labors and a VBAC experience. It is no wonder they are sending
mixed messages which results in the client being even less sure of
thier natural ability to birth a baby, which makes our jobs even that
much harder in preparation of a vaginal birth. THEY SCARE THE HELL
out of the clients, which results in the client becoming a less than
active meber of the healthcare team and a passive patient a role that
Nurses have tried through advocacy and education to make a change in
the American Model of Healthcare. And then as a means to insure their
domination over the field of Obstetrix they make this position
statement:

http://www.acog.com/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr07-31-02-
3.cfm

ACOG NEWS RELEASE
For Release: Embargoed until July 31, 2002
12:01 AM ET

Home Births Double Risk of Newborn Death
WASHINGTON, DC -- The risk of death to newborns delivered at home is
nearly twice that of newborns delivered in hospitals, according to a
study in the August issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.


It seems they are covering thier bases to keep the monopoly or at
least the majority of this area of healthcare for themselves! Just
look at what they have to say about advance practice nurses:


--- In columbusmidwifesanddoulas@y..., karlamorgan <no_reply@y...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Jamie:
> so sorry that you have to deal w/that stuff...seems like you have
> been very clear re: this is a forum for childbirth!!
> Two topics that seem to "get" me on a regular basis, as a home-
> birth attendant...1)GBS+ (I don't do IV antibiotics at home), and
2)
> VBAC...at our local Levl II hospital, they refused to do any more
> VBAC's, so they want home births...which is great, but...what are
> hospital based midwives doing?
>
> Keep up the good work, and welcome back! Karla
>
>
>