Vbac - Broken Arrow, OK

Hello,

I was devastated when my ob/gyn told me I was going to have to have another c-section when I found out I was pregnant last year. I was truly heartbroken and angry that I was being forced into this surgery. My first c-section was planned because my daughter was in a transverse position and would not turn down. There was no medical reason for me to have a c-section this time around. After much soul searching and a lot of research, I decided to leave my ob/gyn of 10 years. He helped me find a wonderful doctor named Marsha Howerton. I switched at 26 weeks. Dr. Howerton was so supportive and understanding of my desire to birth my son in the safest and best way for both of us. Having a 3 year old at home, I did not want to stay the extra time in the hospital that a c-section requires nor did I want to spend the extra few weeks recovering from an unnecessary surgery. I never even felt a contraction with my first pregnancy and I know this sounds crazy, but I wanted to feel labor. I wanted to have my son handed to me right after birth, not whisked away for hours until I was out of recovery. I wanted to nurse him immediately unlike my daughter who was taken to the nursery for 2 hours. My family saw her before I did. I am so blessed that my VBAC was completely successful. I would not hesitate to do it again. It was an incredible experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has done their research and understands the risks and benefits. If you are as determined as I was to attempt a VBAC, I would say interview the ob/gyns that can and will let you and make sure you are comfortable with the doctor you choose and with everything that goes along with it. By the way, I had my first at St. Francis and was dissappointed that I couldn't give birth there again, but the nurses at St. Johns were wonderful. The whole experience was positive and I couldn't have scripted it any better. Good luck

Hi M.,

It is difficult in Oklahoma to find an OB that will do a VBAC. I know that Associated Women's Specialists has OB's that will do them. Another person referred you to one of the physicians on that staff, Marsha Howerton. I went with William Harris, he is also very good. I did not have a VBAC, but I saw Dr. Harris EVERY single week of my high risk pregnancy so we talked a lot! Basically, it seems that insurance is the problem here in OK and they actually had to get their practice insured out of another state in order to do VBAC's. This is the only group that I know of in Tulsa, possibly in OK that will do a VBAC, so they are very knowledgable. They have 2 offices. One at the Southcrest Medical Center and once near Utica Square. Give them a call. I'm sure they will be happy to answer your questions.

Hi M.! I hope you have succes in trying to deliver a baby the way wish! I don't have a response to your request as I am about to have my first baby. However, I was intrigued by your comment that your four year old some attends a great daycare in Broken Arrow. Would you mind sharing the name of the daycare with me? I am starting to look for daycare for my infant once I go back to work. Any help is appreciated! Thank you and good luck! M.

VBAC *is possible* in Oklahoma, you just have to find the right caregiver. The reason your OB/GYN has said it is not is likely because of the ignorant policy of PLICO, the major medical malpractice insurance carrier for OBs in Oklahoma (which is contrary to the statements of ACOG among other medical associations and research). Dr. Adam Myers (Tulsa) takes VBAC mamas on a case-by-case basis, as does (I believe) Dr. Rita Sanders. You can also visit a midwife and see if home birth is an option for you (Family Centered Maternity Care - Ruth Cobb). PLICO covers several of the hospitals here, too, but I have known of VBACs lately at St. John, Hillcrest and SouthCrest. The bottom line is, hospitals and doctors cannot FORCE anyone to have a C/S, nor can they refuse admission to a laboring woman. Just as important as preparing your body for a VBAC, you need also to arm yourself with knowledge of your rights. Check out ICAN - International Cesarean Awareness Network - www.ican-online.org for current info and support.

(Shameless plug: I also strongly recommend hiring a doula, too. www.tulsadoulas.com)

My best friend has had 2 successful VBAC deliveries since her first child which was born via c-section. She has had amazing pregnancies and deliveries with no complications or pain in her scar area.

My other friend attempted a VBAC after a very painful c-section and she was unable to deliver because of major pain in her scar area on her uterus. She was told later (she had moved from California to Texas where she tried to VBAC in Texas) that the c-section scar never correctly healed and thus she would not be able to go into labor with any other children. She would have to be scheduled for a c-section every time.

I would encourage you to ask your OB to check your scar and make sure you have either a licensed midwife or an OB that is working closely with you to monitor your pregnancy.

I have known many women that have VBAC'ed and I only have that one story of my friend from Texas who's scar causes her too much difficulty.

I wish you luck and may you have peace with whatever decision you make!!

I know a handful of women who have had VBAC's and they were all successful and the birthing process was a blessing for them. I know one mother who tried a VBAC and she ended up having a Csection, but both she and the baby were healthy. I would say just get educated, know your options and what could happen and the decisions you want to make beforehand so you're not having to make any big decisions when you're in the pain of labor. Be sure you include your husband in this process and explain your decisions and preferences with him so he knows the WHY behind them. Make sure that you discuss your preferences with your doctor beforehand so that they know where you stand. Then rest easy knowing that you're in good hands and that you've done all you can to ensure a successful birth! A lot of prayer always helps too. Good Luck!

M.,
I know this was posted a year ago but I wanted to know if you were successful in your VBAC process? I was wanting to have a VBAC and I only want to go where the docs are highly recommended. please let me know.

Thanks,
J.