(Anonymous) Forced Unnecesarean 11 Years After Previous VBAC
Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 9:23AM After having an emergency cesarean at age 18 with a 9lb baby I successfully had a vbac at age 22 to a child weighing 8lb 13oz. Due to new hospital regulations “once a cesarean always a cesarean”, I was forced to have a cesarean delivery last December at age 33. Unlike most doctors my OB refused to do the procedure earlier than 39 weeks, so my son was a healthy 8lb 9oz. The problem that I had was I knew I could have another successful natural delivery, but couldn’t find a hospital in my HMO close to home that would “risk it”. AS explained to me- small hospitals are not staffed or equipped to handle emergency cesareans on a regular basis, so they schedule at risk mothers for the procedure in advance to eliminate a majority of the emergency situations. No exceptions! It seems like a way to make extra money from the insurance companies and not really what is best for mother and child.
Reader Comments (3)
"small hospitals are not staffed or equipped to handle emergency cesareans on a regular basis." This is nuts! The poor women and babies who actually have an true emergency during the poorly staffed times! In my mind that completely eliminates the assurance a parent would feel by choosing to birth in a hospital. You're right. This is a human rights issue. Or at least a truth in advertising issue. If small hospitals are not continually prepared for emergencies, then they shouldn't communicate that they are the "safest" place for a birth!
I am so sorry that you were trapped in this situation. Thank you for sharing your story and bringing a bit of light to expose a dark place that greatly needs fixing.
Yeah, definitely a money/liability thing. Especially since studies have shown that statistically, emergency c-sections have better outcomes for mother and baby than scheduled ones.
I am sorry you went through that. Wishes for healing.
Hi e.,
Thanks for your comment. Which studies are you referring to?
Jill