Artificial induction and surgical birth (c-section) can be necessary and life-saving interventions. We encourage every woman to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives to these procedures so that they can make fully informed decisions.
Get the facts about Artificial Induction or Acceleration of Labor
- The evidence for acceleration or “augmentation” of labor From EvidenceBasedBirth.com, by By Rebecca L. Dekker, PhD, APRN
- Induction of Labor – How and Why Labor is Induced From About.com’s Pregnancy & Childbirth, by Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE
- 5 Reasons to Avoid Induction of Labor From About.com’s Pregnancy & Childbirth, by Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE
- Saying “No” to Induction From the Journal of Perinatal Education, by Judith A. Lothian, PhD, RN, LCCE, FACCE
- Questioning the Widespread Use of Oxytocin Excerpt from Midwifery Today article, by Michel Odent, MD
- The evidence for “If you don’t have this baby by 42 weeks, we have to induce” From EvidenceBasedBirth.com, by By Rebecca L. Dekker, PhD, APRN
- What is the evidence for induction for low fluid in a healthy pregnancy? From Lamaze International’s “Science & Sensibility,” by Sharon Muza
- Induction for suspected “big baby”: ACOG’s Guidelines From the American Academy of Family Physician’s journal, by Joanne Chatfield
- Early Deliveries Without Medical Indication: Just Say No March 21, 2013 ACOG News Release
- Does gestational diabetes always mean a “big baby” and induction? From EvidenceBasedBirth.com, by By Rebecca L. Dekker, PhD, APRN
- “Small Pelvis”? Here’s The Truth About Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD) From BellyBelly.com
Learn How to “Prevent the Preventable” C-Section
- Why cesareans are a big deal to you, your wife, and your daughter From VBACFacts.com, by Jen Kamel
- 10 Best Ways to Avoid a Cesarean Section From HealthNews.com
- Risks of a Cesarean Procedure From the American Pregnancy Association
- What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know About Cesarean Section From ChildbirthConnection.org
Get a snapshot of online surgical birth (c-section) rate reporting in the U.S. as of January 2012.
Learn about Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
Is VBAC an option?
“The best compilation of VBAC/ERCS research to date”
“There are real risks and benefits to VBAC and repeat cesarean and once women have access to good data, they can individually choose which set of risks and benefits they want…”
New Guidelines from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
“Attempting a 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.”
Why are VBACs banned in some places?
“Interview with Dr. Fischbein: An Inside Look at Hospitals and VBAC Bans”
“[Hospitals] ban VBACs under the guise of patient safety. But patient safety is a euphemism for “’we don’t have a good evidence-based reason to do it, other than we don’t want to get sued, it’s more expedient, and we make more money from c-sections…’”
What are my rights to VBAC?
This series of articles includes “VBAC bans, exercising your rights, and when to contact an attorney” and “Options for mom who will be ‘forced’ to have a repeat cesarean”
Planning a VBAC
“I’m pregnant and want a VBAC, what do I do?”
“Know that if you want a VBAC, this is not something that is just going to fall into your lap. Especially if you want a hospital birth, you need to become informed, empowered, and ready for (a likely) battle.. … Here are your marching orders!”
Bonus Topic
“VBAC Birth Myths”
“Beware of people peddling false info or trying to persuade you. Remember, this is your body, baby, and birth. If a statistic sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
The International Cesarean Network (ICAN) is an informational resource and support network for women who have had cesareans (medically necessary or not). ICAN also provides information and support for VBAC.
