Real quick Reader, If you had only 20-30 minutes to talk about VBAC with clinicians and professionals, what is the one thing you would want them to know? Whether you are a parent or a clinician/professional, I'd love to hear from you. Today I'm recording a presentation for a summit coming up on May 12-14 (mark your calendars) and while I have it all set, I couldn't help but wonder what you thought Reader. Reply and let me know ASAP as I plan to record in about an hour. I might take a...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Did you see this article from University of Massachusetts Amherst discussing how planned VBAC, aka labor after cesarean or LAC, is only offered in 16% of US counties? Just look at these maps for 2016 and 2021... BLUE is where there there is an OB hospital that offers LAC GREY is where there are OB hospitals, but they don't offer LAC WHITE is where there are no OB hospitals... maternal deserts Even when researchers looked at just counties that had OB hospitals, still, only 30% of...
7 months ago • 2 min read
Ok Reader, A few things... I was on the radio! 🎙️ this week's podcast interview questions? I was on the radio! If you tried to tune into my interview on Whole Mother Radio per the dates I gave you a couple weeks ago, sorry about that. The publishing calendar changed and it aired this past week. But, you can still listen to the whole thing here! The host Pat Jones and I talk about top VBAC myths, informed consent & responsibility, the power we all have, maintaining the fire for change, and so...
10 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I have so many parents who come to me because they are trying to have a VBAC. I want to offer you something. If you want a VBAC, try saying, "I'm planning a VBAC" or "I will labor after a cesarean" or even "I'm going to have a VBAC" rather than "I'm going to try." Do you feel the slight difference in those statements? The first three hold intention. Power. Strength. Clarity. The person saying them is someone who knows what they want. And every time that person says those words,...
almost 3 years ago • 5 min read
Hi Reader, Sometimes this work can be tough. Of course I want to be encouraging, but I also want to be honest. I believe being honest is encouraging because it's kind. It's true. It's authentic. So here it goes... Here's the honest truth: A VBAC is not going to fall into your lap. All along the way, you will have the opportunity to make choices to create the conditions that will put you on the road to VBAC. When I think about my own VBAC journey, there are so many qualities that came up for...
almost 3 years ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, More good news... on June 1, 2023, the Governor of Iowa signed HF 265 which makes certified professional midwives (CPMs) legal and regulated... all while protecting VBAC. You can read the press release for more details, but I wanted to draw your attention to four aspects of this bill. First, it doesn't mention prior cesarean or prior uterine surgery. This is good because often when these histories are highlighted, it is to limit the scope of practice for CPMs. No call out equals no...
almost 3 years ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I just had to share with you this update from attorney and international advocate for women's rights in maternal healthcare, Hermine Hayes-Klein. It is proof that not only is change possible, but CHANGE IS HAPPENING. "Today I presented to a closed conference of all judges, many judges, judges from trial courts and appellate courts and the supreme court of Puerto Rico and judges tuning in virtually from other places and countries. This was all made possible by the visionary...
almost 3 years ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, This is a love letter to the parents in my audience... How many of you have heard something like: "You can't have a VBAC because....." Can I just give you one piece of advice? Please. Do not take their word for it. So many women hear "valid reasons” why they “must” have a cesarean… and most of them are pure lies. This is why when a reader was told that she had "damaged tissues" from her two prior cesareans, I advised her to get a copy of her medical records and any scans that were...
almost 3 years ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I have been amplifying the voices on Black people over on social media and the response from some people is rage. That highlights the fact that racism can still hold a place of comfort among care providers. The irony is, yes, posts about racism should make us angry because racism is killing people. And yet, what is making some white people upset is they don’t want me to post about racism at all. There are those who believe pointing out racial disparities is: - Divisive - Political...
about 3 years ago • 2 min read
