Podcast appearances and mentions of jen kamel

  Jen Kamel is the CEO and Founder of VBAC Facts®. Since 2007, her focus has been to provide objective, accurate information about the data available on vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and repeat cesarean to parents, professionals, policymakers, and … Continue reading →

Founder of the best VBAC informational site in existence, Jen Kamel discusses her journey and some of the many lessons learned along the way.

Ep 98 Description:  “Once you have the facts, once you have confidence in your information, you have confidence in your decision. You don't need to justify that to anyone. It's not your job to educate the world unless you decide it is.” —Jen Kamel VBAC— Vaginal Birth After Cesarean is a common yet controversial choice that many birthing people face. While the evidence has long supported VBAC as a safe option for most, widespread myths and misinformation continue to obscure the facts.  In this episode, leading VBAC advocate Jen Kamel sets out to separate myth from reality once and for all. She delves into the numerous misconceptions that have taken hold over the years: from beliefs that VBAC is only suitable for a select few, to exaggerations of its risks, to the idea that repeat c-sections are always safer.  Debra and Jen also discuss practical tips on finding supportive providers and navigating unsupportive opinions, the importance of fully informed consent, and the power of realizing one's autonomy in their birth decisions despite barriers. For anyone with a personal or professional stake in empowering low-risk vaginal births, this can't-miss discussion is a must-listen to counter the barrage of VBAC myths and understand the option in its proper evidence-based light.   If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Debra also has a class on positively preparing for a cesarean or a VBAC vaginal birth after cesarean https://orgasmicbirth.thinkific.com/courses/cesarean-vbac  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:47 Advocacy for Respectful Care 07:18 VBAC Risks, Candidacy, and Decision-Making 12:21 Finding Supportive Providers 16:59 VBAC Access and Midwifery Legislation 20:46 VBAC Rates and Barriers in the US   25:29 VBAC Tools and Resources  

Jen Kamel is the CEO and Founder of VBAC Facts® whose mission is to increase access to vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) through education, legislation, and amplifying the consumer voice. VBAC Facts® helps perinatal professionals, and cesarean parents, achieve clarity on the VBAC evidence through their educational courses, continuing education training programs, and consulting services. As an internationally recognized consumer advocate, Jen supports perinatal professionals around the world through her online professional membership, travels throughout the United States training perinatal professionals, presents Grand Rounds at hospitals, and works as a legislative consultant throughout the US focusing on midwifery legislation and regulations that threaten VBAC access. Over the years she has testified multiple times in front of the California Medical Board and legislative committees, educating legislators on the importance of VBAC access, and has served as an expert witness and consultant in legal proceedings. VBAC Facts® envisions a time when every pregnant person seeking VBAC has access to unbiased information, respectful providers, and community support so they can plan the birth of their choosing in the setting they desire.   Special Offer: 15% off courses for parents and professionals using coupon code BirthLounge at checkout. Go to vbacfacts.com/courses to enroll.   Follow along with Jen: https://vbacfacts.com

If you're planning a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, you know that the most common concern that mothers and doctors have about VBAC is the increased risk of uterine rupture. Uterine rupture can be very scary and confusing. The more you talk about it, the more confused you might feel. The trouble with uterine rupture is much of the data is outdated, pulled from poorly designed studies, and does not even clearly define "uterine rupture". So today, I'd like to help you learn more about uterine rupture by discussing three important uterine rupture facts every mom planning a VBAC should understand. Uterine Rupture Fact #1: Uterine Rupture and Uterine Dehiscence are not the same thin The first reason studies on uterine rupture can be misleading is that some studies do not differentiate between uterine rupture and uterine dehiscence. Conflating these two phenomenons inflates the perceived risk of uterine rupture when, infact, many women included in the data did NOT experience uterine rupture. Uterine rupture is defined as a full thickness separation of the uterine wall. Simply put, every layer of the uterine wall separates, tears, opens up and there is a gaping hole in the uterus. This is extremely dangerous and can cause hemorrhaging, fetal hypoxia, and even fetal death.   On the other hand, Uterine Dehiscence is a partial thickness separation of the uterine wall, sometimes referred to as a "uterine window" because surgeons can usually see the baby through the uterus. While there is a lot of controversy about conflating these two ideas, and whether or not uterine dehiscence is likely to turn into a uterine rupture, it is critical to understand that these two conditions are NOT the same, so if you're looking at a study on uterine rupture, it is critical to understand whether the study combines these two conditions or differentiates them. Uterine Rupture Fact #2: Uterine Rupture is least common in SPONTANEOUS labor after cesarean While there are many studies that cite a range of statistics for uterine rupture, when we break the numbers down with more scrutiny and nuance, we see that the incidence of Uterine Rupture for spontaneous labor is around 4 in 1000 (or 0.4%).   For augmented labors (aka labor started naturally but providers use medical intervention to "speed up" labor) the Uterine Rupture rate increases to approximately 9 in 1000, and for induced VBAC labors the Uterine Rupture rate is around 10 in 1000 (1%). Now, these numbers change when we discuss labor induction methods and other variable circumstances. For instance, one study published in January 2022 suggested a 0.4% uterine rupture rate in BOTH the spontaneous labor group AND the Pitocin Induction Group. The take away here is that while induction can be a safe option in necessary situations, you're less likely to experience uterine rupture if you wait for labor to start naturally versus scheduling an induction. Uterine Rupture Fact #3: There is a 2.8% perinatal mortality for victims of uterine rupture While the low likelihood of uterine rupture may be starting to comfort you, you might also be thinking "well what if I am that one percent? Then what?" While I'm not minimizing the trauma and seriousness of uterine rupture at all, the good news is that 97% of full term births that experience uterine rupture will survive. The perinatal mortality (fetal death occurring during labor or within 28 days of birth) rate associated with uterine rupture is 1 in 16 overall (including premature births), and 1 in 32 for term births. Of course there are other complications that can occur such as mother hemorrhaging, requiring a hysterectomy, oxygen deprivation for baby leading to birth injury, etc. At this time I am unaware of solid statistics for these circumstances, but if I come across them I'll eagerly add them to this post. Jen Kamel from VBAC Facts did some awesome math on this statistic, applying it to Landon's 2004 study citing a 0.7% Uterine Rupture Rate, and estimated that the rate of perinatal mortality due to uterine rupture is about 1 in 2380 to 1 in 5100. That's like a 0.0004% likelihood of experiencing perinatal death due to uterine rupture.   How have your thoughts on Uterine Rupture and VBAC Risk changed?   While this low statistic doesn't minimize the reality that this tragedy CAN occur, it might help you put the likelihood into perspective. Do these numbers sound like numbers that we should all be TERRIFIED of, and giving our rights up over? For me personally, that's a risk I'm willing to take, since I know no birth is without the possibility of tragedy. These numbers, however, can help alleviate the fear you might be feeling over uterine rupture so that you can start making your VBAC birth plan decisions from a place of INFORMATION and INTUITION, not fear.   Do me a favor an pop over the the FREE VBAC Support Group on Facebook and let me know how these numbers changed your thought process on Uterine Rupture and VBAC!      

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Melek Öz about vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC), advocacy, and becoming a home birth midwife! Content note: Mention of weight loss and racism. Melek Öz (she/her) is a home birth midwife living with her family in South Austin, Texas. She moved to Austin in 2001 to attend the University of Texas, where she completed both her undergraduate studies and law school before transitioning to birth work. Melek has been active in birth advocacy for more than a decade throughout her childbearing years and now as a home birth midwife. With her first pregnancy, Melek was told by her OB that her pelvis was "too small." She was pressured into an early induction that turned into a preventable Cesarean. Fresh out of surgery, Melek's OB told her, "Now that you've had one Cesarean, all your babies will have to be born by Cesarean." In this podcast episode, Melek goes on to share her subsequent birth stories, in which she had a CBAC (Cesarean Birth after Cesarean) under general anesthesia, as well as a vaginal birth after 2 C-sections (VBA2C). Midwifery care helped her have "a really joyous and an incredible experience, and I'm lucky that I had all 3 experiences that I did, because it helped kind of round out and balance my views on birth." Melek went on to pursue a career as a doula and eventually a home birth midwife! In this episode, we talk about the power of midwifery care, unpacking racism/classism and how it affects midwifery students, and how we can advocate for VBAC access in our communities. She also gives great tips for people who are considering a VBAC or thinking about going into midwifery! Resources: Follow Melek Öz on Instagram (@midwifemelek) and visit her website at http://www.midwifemelek.com/ EBB Podcast #113: The Evidence on VBAC EBB Podcast #209: Providing Unbiased VBAC Access and Support with Jen Kamel of VBAC Facts Visit the VBAC Facts website: https://vbacfacts.com Visit the International Cesarean Awareness Network website https://www.ican-online.org/ EBB Podcast #224: Failure to Progress (info on racist beliefs about pelvic shapes) Tema Mercado teaches workshops on decolonizing apprenticeships at La Matriz Birth (https://www.lamatrizbirth.com/) and @matrizmidwife on Instagram Luz de Atabey (https://www.instagram.com/lampatx/) project in Austin focused on accessible perinatal care and support (QTBIPOC-led) Kmom passed away in 2019, but her blog, "The Well Rounded Mama," is still maintained by her loving family at https://wellroundedmama.blogspot.com/, where you can find many articles about fat phobia and VBAC. EBB Professional Membership (includes scholarship options!) https://evidencebasedbirth.com/membership ' Non-profit fundraising organization Black Home Birth Matters: https://www.blackhomebirthmattersatx.org/

VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, is becoming a more desired option verses simply having a repeat c-section. Unfortunately, many care providers still do NOT support VBAC and will tell women their only option is a repeat cesarean birth. Many women simply do not know they have alternative options, either. In this episode, the founder of VBACFacts.com, Jen Kamel, talks with me about VBAC options and how to navigate getting the VBAC you desire!VBAC and VBA2C are both supported by evidence!VBAC after 3 or more cesareans is not studied enough to state if it is supported by evidence or not; Mom should get to make the final choiceThe American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that informed consent & refusal is vital to healthcare, even during birthHow do you deal with an unsupportive care provider?! We cover that, too!Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGEResources Mentioned:Jen Kamel- VBAC FactsVaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans- Fact SheetVBAC Facts Parent Courses & Free HandoutVBAC Facts Professional MembershipACOG's Committee Opinion on Informed RefusalDoula MatchNOW IT'S YOUR TURN!The NaturalBirth Site Read *natural birth stories*- and submit your ownSign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birthShare with anyone interested in natural birthShare my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!"Like" my Facebook and Instagram pagesSubscribe to my YouTube Channel  

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Jen Kamel of VBAC Facts® about VBAC or vaginal birth after cesarean.  As the founder and CEO of VBAC Facts®, Jen Kamel is an internationally recognized consumer advocate, whose mission is to increase feedback access through education, legislation changes, and amplifying the consumer's voice. Jen travels throughout the United States training perinatal professionals, presents grand rounds at hospitals, and works as a legislative consultant throughout the US, focusing on midwifery legislation and regulations that threaten VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, access. Jen envisions a time when every pregnant person seeking VBAC has access to unbiased information, respectful providers, and a community where they can plan the birth of their choice in the setting they desire. We talk about the statistics on VBAC access, as well as the difference between VBAC rates and VBAC success rates. We also talk about the misinformation about VBAC and the unbiased evidence based research that helps to support a person's right to choose to have a VBAC.  Content Warning: We will mention cesarean, uterine rupture, placental abnormalities, and birth trauma.  RESOURCES:  Learn more about Jen Kamel here. Follow VBAC Facts® on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) here and ACOG's information on VBAC here.   Lundgren I, van Limbeek E, Vehvilainen-Julkunen K, Nilsson C. Clinicians' views of factors of importance for improving the rate of VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean section): a qualitative study from countries with high VBAC rates. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2015 Aug 28;15:196. doi: 10.1186/s12884-015-0629-6. PMID: 26314295; PMCID: PMC4552403.   For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

Jen Kamel, VBAC Jen Kamel is the CEO and founder of VBAC Facts® whose mission is to increase access to vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). VBAC Facts works to achieve this mission through their educational courses for parents, online membership … Continue reading →

The topic of today’s episode is: VBACs or Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. I had the honor of interviewing Jen Kamel for this episode. Jen is the founder of VBAC Facts.com. In this episode Jen shines a light on the misconceptions about the safety and risks associated with VBACs and we discuss ACOGs current recommendation as well as the data surrounding this topic. I hope this episode educates and encourages any parent who has previously had a Cesarean birth and is considering their options for their next birth. In this episode we discuss:Jen’s background and how she came to start VBACfacts.comWhat is a VBAC?Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: when someone has a Cesarean section birth in a prior pregnancy and then they decide that they want to labor and have a vaginal delivery with their subsequent childLanguage is important! Patients/clinicians should use the phrase: “Planning a VBAC"What risks are associated with Laboring After a Cesarean?The risk of uterine rupture after 1 previous low transverse Cesarean birth without induction or augmentation is 0.4% How do the risks of a VBAC compare to the risks of complications from a Cesarean?Both are associated with rare adverse outcomesThe most talked about risk associate with VBAC is: uterine rupture after 1 previous low transverse Cesarean birth without induction or augmentation is 0.4% A major risk associated with Cesarean is placental abnormalities like Placenta Accreta, this increases with each prior C-sectionDo the risks differ with a first VBAC vs. VBA2C or multiple C-sections, or babies?Risk of uterine rupture decreases after a first VBACVBA2C stands for: Vaginal Birth After 2 CesareansWhat steps can you take in pregnancy and labor to increase chances of having a VBAC?Find out if your provider is supportive of VBACAsk questionsAsk for evidenceResearch your options for second opinions or finding another provider if your provider is not supportive of your choicesMindsetSurround yourself with a bubble of peace and supportive peopleHave a mindset of: I am going to Labor After CesareanArm yourself with the factsYou can talk confidently about your choicesAdvocate for yourselfFamiliarize yourself with the evidence How has COVID affected C-section rates in general, in the US? Jen is hosting a panel to discuss this in the VBACfacts professional membership next month How to get in touch with Jen and VBACfacts.com: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHow to get in touch with me: InstagramFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillagepod.comEmail me at amanda@findingyourvillagepod.com Monthly Newsletter Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/findingyourvillagepod?fan_landing=true)

Jen Kamel, VBAC Jen Kamel helps perinatal professionals and cesarean parents achieve clarity on vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) through her online and in-person educational courses, training programs, and consulting services. As the founder of VBAC Facts® and a nationally … Continue reading →

In this "Reflections" episode,Teri and Michael reflect back on episodes on the gendered impact of COVID-19: Episode 96: Laura Ramirez of Af3irm on decolonizing “sex work,” Episode 97: #SurvivorStories Series with “Carol” on parenting with an abuser during COVID-19, Episode 99: Martin Hultman on misogyny and masculinities on climate change denial, Episode 100: #SurvivorStories Series with Nicole Lee on domestic abuse with a disability, Episode 101: Nazir Afzal on COVID-19 or the coronavirus' impact on domestic violence, Episode 102: Jen Kamel on COVID-19's impact on pregnancy and reproductive rights, and Episode 108: Feminism in the Age of COVID-19 Conference on Domestic Violence. During our conversation, Michael and I touched upon the following resources in our conversation: The difference between the Equality or Nordic Model and the full decriminalization model of prostitution The connection between masculinity and refusal to wear masks or masks as condoms of the face The "incel" community and recognition of their increasing threat to women and the planet Sexism and misogyny manifesting in "victim-blaming" culture The growing danger posed by right-wing terrorism as our greatest threat Southern Poverty Law Center's assessment of right-wing extremism and Trump's minimization of this threat New research that shows it's better to remove domestic violence perpetrators than victims The sexual abuse allegations plaguing the "Super Smash Brothers" gaming community Laws that contributed to mass incarceration Rates of mass incarceration by race in the US versus the UK Coercive control as a recognized crime in the UK Our interview with Indra Lusero of the National Advocates for Pregnant Women and how pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes can be used against women Our interview with Bethany Johnson and Maggie Quinlan on the history and construction of motherhood --- Thanks for tuning in to the en(gender)ed podcast! Be sure to check out our en(gender)ed site and follow our blog on Medium. Join our feminist community of survivors, advocates and allies! Consider donating because your support is what makes this work sustainable. Please also connect with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

Charli and Sarah talk about the highly important topic of VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).  The midwives break down the evidence to demonstrate that VBAC might actually come with less risks to some people than a repeat cesarean birth.  Learn about how the midwives take care of people planning a VBAC in their care.    Much of the evidence mentioned comes from the incredible Jen Kamel with VBAC Facts: vbacfacts.com.  Jen has helped thousands of birth professionals and parents around the world become clear about the evidence on VBAC and she's a wonderful resource for anyone considering a VBAC for themselves or for anyone who is wanting to become a VBAC competent care provider.    Additionally, Rebecca Dekker with Evidence Based Birth offers her own episode on The Evidence on VBAC at: evidencebasedbirth.com.   --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com

On this episode of the en(gender)ed podcast, our guest is Jen Kamel, CEO & Founder of VBAC Facts, a platform that helps perinatal professionals and cesarean parents achieve clarity on vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) through her educational courses, online membership, continuing education trainings, and consulting services.  We speak with Jen today about what the COVID-19 pandemic means for expectant mothers in terms of pregnancy and labor choices and outcomes. During our conversation, Jen and I referenced the following resources and topics: The COVID-19 guidance offered by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) The services and resources available at The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) A checklist of what expectant mothers should consider in preparing for VBAC during COVID --- Thanks for tuning in to the en(gender)ed podcast! Be sure to check out our en(gender)ed site and follow our blog on Medium. Join our feminist community of survivors, advocates and allies! Consider donating because your support is what makes this work sustainable. Please also connect with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

As a fierce advocate for accessible information about VBACs, Jen has built a platform that “neutralizes the misinformation and confusion about VBAC so respectful, evidence-based care is the foundation from which families grow.” In today’s episode, Taylor and Jen talk about Jen’s 2 births and the path they started her on towards the work she does now. Jen Kamel is a nationally recognized Consumer Advocate who founded VBAC Facts in November 2007 after learning how many women were coerced into repeat cesareans violating medical ethics and their human rights. Her mission is to increase access to VBAC so that every pregnant person knows in their bones that they have complete control over what happens to their body. She created the VBAC Facts Professional Membership where she supports perinatal professionals around the world who want to confidently guide their clients through the evidence so they can make truly informed decisions. She also offers online educational courses for parents. She is a national speaker and legislative consultant focusing on midwifery legislation and regulations. She has testified multiple times in front of the California Medical Board and legislative committees on the importance of VBAC access and serves as an expert witness in legal proceedings.  Her free resources and signature courses are at vbacfacts.com.  Key Takeaway: It’s important to make decisions about birth based on solid information. For so many people birthing after cesarean, finding that information is hard. That’s where Jen and VBAC Facts come in. Being an empowered decision-maker during your birth experience can mean the difference between being traumatized after birth and being triumphant and confident, regardless of exactly how your baby is born. Highlights: Jen’s own experiences giving birth Why the phrase “VBAC is an option for next time” changed Jen’s life Empowerment post-VBAC How different cultures handle postpartum How being honest about the trauma of birth can lead to eventual healing New parents need empathy, love, and support Where and with whom to share your birth story A healthy baby isn’t all that matters The Rise and fall of VBAC in America What people can do to improve their chances of having a VBAC and the element of luck when it comes to birth Hospital guidelines & policies on VBAC Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/ Jen Kamel Website: https://vbacfacts.com/ Blog: https://vbacfacts.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbacfacts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vbacfacts/      

It is possible to have a plus size VBAC if you’re a good candidate and connect with a care provider who will back your decision. Yet, finding a size-friendly and VBAC supportive provider can be extremely challenging. Jen Kamel, the founder of VBAC Facts, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to talk about VBAC options. Jen shares not only the benefits but also the risks of considering a VBAC. We break down some common misconceptions and talk specifically about the unique struggles of having a plus size VBAC. 

In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with the founder of VBAC Facts, Jen Kamel.  Jen and I go deep into myths and misconceptions about VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and ways to advocate for the birth you want. This episode is will bring fire and confidence to any person unsure of the facts of VBAC and may help in selecting a care provider who can support the choice of VBAC. In this episode:  Jen’s pathway and passion for supporting VBAC. What is a VBAC? Reasons someone might be discouraged from having a VBAC. Medically justified reasons someone may be discouraged from having a VBAC Myths and misconceptions surrounding VBACs. Current VBAC rates. What would make someone a good “candidate” for a VBAC. The impact of the rising cesarean rate on women’s health. Risks of repeat cesareans. Red flags a pregnant person should keep in mind when interviewing care providers for a VBAC. Questions a pregnant person ask during the care provider search. How to best advocate for one’s self to have a VBAC when speaking with a care provider. Jen’s latest projects, speaking events, training and membership site! https://vbacfacts.com/membership FREE GIFT for the Yoga | Birth | Baby listeners!  vbacfacts.com/report For more information on VBAC Facts, please visit www.vbacfacts.com About Jen: Jen Kamel helps birth professionals, and cesarean parents, achieve clarity on vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) through her educational courses, training programs, and consulting services. As a nationally recognized consumer advocate and Founder of VBAC Facts, her mission is to increase VBAC access through education, legislation, and amplifying the consumer voice. She presents Grand Rounds at hospitals educating staff on the latest VBAC evidence. As a California Board of Registered Nursing Continuing Education Provider, she speaks at national conferences throughout the country. As a legislative consultant, she works with organizations focusing on midwifery legislation and regulations that threaten VBAC access. She testifies in front of the California Medical Board and legislative committees, meets with legislators in regards to individual pieces of legislation, and serves as an expert witness in legal proceedings. She envisions a time when every pregnant person seeking VBAC has access to unbiased information, respectful providers, and community support, so they can plan the birth of their choosing in the setting they desire.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Jen Kamel helps birth professionals, and cesarean parents, achieve clarity on VBAC through her educational training and consulting firm: VBACfacts.com. In this episode, we will cover: the common misconceptions women have about the risk of VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and those that birth providers have. what the current medical research says about the risk of VBAC and the risk of subsequent C-sections how to create a birth team around you that is truly supportive of your VBAC  Resources mentioned in the conversation: Jen Kamel's website: www.VBACfacts.com to get the Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths pdf to get the 5 Secrets to Planning a VBAC pdf About Jen Kamel: Jen Kamel helps birth professionals, and cesarean parents, achieve clarity on VBAC through her educational, training, and consulting firm VBAC Facts. As a VBAC strategist and nationally recognized consumer advocate, her mission is to increase VBAC access through educational programs, legislative action, and amplifying the consumer voice. She has presented Grand Rounds at hospitals educating obstetricians, maternal fetal medicine specialists, midwives, residents, and midwifery students on the latest VBAC evidence. She has traveled the country as a California Board of Registered Nursing Continuing Education Provider presenting her signature program "The Truth About VBAC" to hundreds of professionals and highly motivated parents. She speaks at national conferences and has worked as a legislative consultant focusing on midwifery legislation and regulations that impact VBAC access. She has testified multiple times in front of the California Medical Board and legislative committees on the importance of VBAC access and has served as an expert witness in a legal proceeding. She envisions a time when every pregnant person seeking VBAC has access to unbiased information, respectful providers, and community support so they can plan the birth of their choosing in the setting they desire.  

There’s a lot of misinformation when it comes to having a vaginal birth after a cesarean, with many people being told they are not allowed to VBAC. Often the risks of having a VBAC are exaggerated, while the risks of repeat cesareans are downplayed or not even brought up. That’s an unbalanced conversation that does not allow you to make a true informed choice. What are the facts? Jen Kamel has answers. Check it out.   Get the most of this episode by checking out the resources and links listed on the “show-notes” page at: birthful.com/podcastvbacfacts   If you enjoy what you hear, make sure to leave your rating or review. It really helps!   And if you want to connect with Adriana, reach out at: facebook.com/birthful twitter.com/birthful instagram.com/adrianika   Title music: “Vibe Ace” by Kevin MacLeod, at freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/ (©CC BY) Sponsorship music: “Air Hockey Saloon” by Chris Zabriskie, at freemusicarchive.org/music/Chris_Zabriskie/ (©CC BY)

Thérèse talks with Jen Kamel the creator and director of VBACFacts.com about the true risks of a VBAC, what does the evidence show, what are the practices in place, why are these practices in place and so much more.

After having a C-section, women in subsequent pregnancies can either delivery by repeat C-section or have a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Jen Kamel, founder of VBACFacts.com, joins Dr. Berlin to discuss the latest research and facts about the risks and benefits of each option and some of the obstacles women have to overcome should they choose a VBAC.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices