The “Scheduled C-Section” Trend: There has been a dramatic rise in cesarean rates over the past couple decades (nearing 30% of all births today), as some parents have begun to view it as a “quick and risk-free approach to childbirth.”  However, it’s important for any woman who  is considering an elective or “scheduled” cesarean to realize cesarean birth is never easy, painless or risk free.  It is a radical medical intervention requiring a recuperation from major abdominal surgery while simultaneously learning to care for a newborn. It should not be thought of as an alternative way to birth your baby; but rather as a last resort. 

VBAC The “once a cesarean, always a cesarean” adage is no longer an accurate rule of thumb.  Research has shown that women who have a vaginal birth after a cesarean enjoy a 75 percent success rate in hospital VBACs.  Having a vaginal birth after cesarean is often a very healing and empowering experience for a woman.