Where the “Rules About VBAC” Come From: A Deep Dive into US VBAC Guidelines with Jen Kamel (Part 1)

The VBAC Facts® Podcast

In this episode of The VBAC Facts® Podcast, Jen Kamel, founder and CEO of VBAC Facts®, dives deep into the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' (ACOG) VBAC guidelines. She explains the significance of these guidelines for anyone birthing in the U.S. or working in healthcare. Jen clears up common misconceptions, highlights the difference between uterine rupture and dehiscence, and stresses the importance of informed decision-making. Tune in to learn more about VBAC's risks, benefits, and the role of different factors, such as BMI and induction, in VBAC outcomes.

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VBAC Facts® resources

1. Article: How to qualify medical studies: “Three times the risk?:” What the large Canadian VBAC study really says
2. Article: New study reveals surprising truths about the VBAC calculator
3. Article: Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence
4. Article: Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence

VBAC Facts® trainings

1. VBAC Facts® professional membership: where we house a library of continuing education trainings including The Truth About VBAC™ for Professionals, Plus Size VBAC: Odds, Risks, and Realities, The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes, The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty

Other resources

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 205. Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133(2), e110-e127.
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2016). Refusal of medically recommended treatment during pregnancy. Committee Opinion No. 664. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127, e175-82.

Studies mentioned

1. 50 percent did not meet the criteria for FTP: Zhang, 2010
2. BMI provider bias: Bernstein, 2012 & Metz, 2013
3. "80% of people with one prior cesarean schedule an elective repeat cesarean:" Curtin, 2015
4. Less than 3% actually labor after two cesareans: Dombrowski, 2020

Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

Instagram: @prod.analogue