VBAC in Arizona, some things need to change!

Statistically cesarean sections have been on the rise for years. We are creeping up to almost 40% cesarean rates in some hospitals around the country. So, what does this statistic mean to a mom living in Arizona? Well, the main thing it means is you will have most or all of your birthing choices stripped from you upon conceiving another child. For example:

-You will not be allowed to birth at home with a licensed midwife.

-You will have trouble finding a care provider within the hospital who is truly, truly supportive and willing to deliver you. (That is not to say they are not out there. There are quite a few wonderful care providers that are so great at helping these mothers that choose to have the birth experience they want - in the hospital - and we are so so grateful to them.)

So, what if you want a homebirth? In Arizona a licensed midwife is currently not allowed to deliver a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)  in the comfort of your own home. So, where do the women who have always wanted a homebirth go? Unless their pelvis is "proven" (perhaps a topic for another post...), some naturopaths won't deliver you at home. So currently you would have to find a care provider that you trust to follow your wishes in a hospital setting, or have a repeat cesarean. That is the law. A law that completely disregards the clear evidence found at ACOG stating:

Washington, DC -- Attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery, including for some women who have had two previous cesareans, according to guidelines released today by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Clearly this is a law that needs to be revised. Maybe you have had a vaginal birth in the hospital or home and it went very smoothly, but surely you know someone (your best friend, your sister, your daughter) who might have had a cesarean, and now in the state of Arizona they are not able to make choices about their care and how they wish to birth. 

So really this affects all of us. No one can predict when they might face a cesarean and we all deserve the right to choose what happens to our bodies. We deserve the right to choose the way we birth. If you have had a cesarean and are looking for support, please come to an ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) meeting where we have monthly topics with helpful research and guest speakers. Please join us on Facbook and on Yahoo Groups to find out about upcoming meetings and events. 

Also if you would like to see the laws in Arizona change please read the Rights for Homebirth website and see how you can help and sign the petition!