A recent New York Times article http://www.nytimes.com * noted “ Despite this, many hospitals and doctors still do not perform them for fear of complications. Hospitals note that V.B.A.C.s carry a slightly higher risk of uterine rupture, and some say they cannot afford to keep staff at the ready if something goes wrong.”
“The proscription upsets many women who want to give birth vaginally — to avoid the discomfort and potential complications of repeat cesareans — but find they have to travel considerable distances to do so.
“….. the chief medical officer of Wyoming Medical Center, which advises patients against the procedure, said the hospital did not have enough staff to put doctors and anesthesiologists on call each time a woman who wanted a V.B.A.C. went into labor, which is recommended under the new guidelines.” “We don’t have resources to have a team standing by while someone labors in case they need to be rushed to the operating room…”
“While it is unclear how many hospitals still have restritive V.B.A.C. policies, public health data show little change despite the new guidelines. A 2012 study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, and elsewhere found that nearly half of California hospitals that handle births still do not offer V.B.A.C.s. Many hospitals that allow the procedure have just a few doctors handling them, the study found; many doctors are unwilling to perform V.B.A.C.s because of requirements that they be present during labor.”
As always it is a good idea to discuss options with your primary care physician.
* to read the full NYTs article “Refusals Cut Options After C-Sections by Dan Frosch, highlight and click on open hyperlink http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/15/health/refusals-cut-options-after-c-sections.html?ref=health
Note: This blog shares general information about understanding and navigating the health care system. For specific medical advice about your own problems, issues and options talk to your personal physician.