Crossings OB GYN Successfully Assists VBAC! « Central Florida Green Guide

Crossings OB GYN Successfully Assists VBAC!

May 31, 2007 by Jill - Juice Plus

Shortly after finding out I was pregnant with my second biological child last year, I was faced with a major decision. Would I have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) or HBAC (home birth after cesarean)? A repeat cesarean was out of the question.

Midwives are not currently allowed to assist VBAC’s in a birthing center. So, I had to decide, would I have my child at home or in a hospital where the risk of a repeat cesarean was great.

After much thought, I decided, along with my husband’s support, that we would have a VBAC. I quickly found a VBAC-friendly Obstetrician. I thought we were set.

Approximately half-way through my pregnancy, my OB told me he had chosen to stop assisting VBAC’s due to hospital policy changes. Evidently, The American College of Gynecology, ACOG, had just revised some of their statements. Many of the hospitals had begun adopting new policies to accommodate their interpretations of these statements. One of the new policies includes that the
OB has to remain inside the hospital throughout the entire labor and delivery process. My OB felt he could not assume these new requirements.

If I stayed with this doctor, I was essentially agreeing to a repeat cesarean. My first biological child was deemed too big for natural delivery. My body had never proven it could not labor and deliver a child. I felt like it was my human right to at least a trial of labor.

After many calls to physicians, polling of other mothers in the area, talks with my insurance company, prayers and tears, I finally found Dr. Eric J. Edwards. He has his own practice, Crossings OB GYN in
Oviedo. He also acts as the back-up OB for a local midwife.

Dr. Edwards is very frank and to the point. Some people want warm and cuddly, but having worked with physicians in the past, straight facts is what I expected and wanted.

We had a few interventions in getting labor going, which at first made me wonder if the VBAC would still happen. Labor was synthetically induced and my cervix was still found to be high and 1cm after 7 hours of Pitocin contractions. Although it was painful, Dr. Edwards was able to reach to break my water, which he later told me he is one of the only doctors in town that can do that when the cervix is that high.

After 22 hours of labor, our daughter was born via successful VBAC in a hospital setting and with a few interventions. I urge every mother to be, if you have had a cesarean, do not accept that you must have sequential cesareans each time unless it is proven to be medically necessary. Dr. Edwards is not a doctor who makes promises he cannot or does not intend to keep. He did a wonderful job assisting in bringing my daughter into this world and helping us have a successful VBAC.

**Response to Comments:

Wow, what a hot topic! I appreciate all the comments. I would like to respond to a few and provide some additional facts.

As some have pointed out, not everyone is comfortable birthing at home. I remember just a few months back feeling like I had virtually no control over how my beautiful daughter would be born. That feeling I will not soon forget. In my heart of hearts, the sole purpose of writing this particular piece was to give women in our community hope, all the while keeping in mind that this site is marketed to natural-minded as well as mainstream families, both with an array of birthing ideas.

I would like to address the idea of being induced with pitocin causing a greater risk of rupture. Yes, there is a small increase in chances. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians and a study of more than 20,000 women who had a previous cesarean delivery, rate of uterine rupture was 0.52 percent in those who had spontaneous labor. This number goes up .25 percent for those with induction. That small of a percentage gave me hope.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20070315/practice.html#p4
or http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3225/is_6_75/ai_n18744527

As for inducing vbac clients going against medical studies, please refer to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
“Labor induction is a reasonable option, and it may be necessary in patients with VBAC.”

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20070315/practice.html#p4
or http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3225/is_6_75/ai_n18744527

The comment was made that I did not mention if there was a medical reason for my induction. This brought to my mind that Dr. Edwards will only allow vbacs if the baby is under a certain weight. The exact measurement he gives, it is in grams, escapes me. I do know that it is close to 9 pounds though.

Dr. Edwards was very optimistic as to the weight factor in our case. He does not believe going over the due date and having a big baby to be so much hereditary but an environmental factor. I agree, but on the other hand am not convinced that heredity does not play a very big part.

My Mother at 5′2″ and maybe 100 lbs at both times birthed me, a 9 lb. 2oz. baby, and my brother who was closer to 10 lbs.

She went over her due date with both of us and had to be induced both times. My first biological child was 10lbs 15oz at 41 weeks.

I stand grateful for my induction. It was used intially to test that my uterus could withstand contractions. Since it
appeared that it was helping to kick-start my labor, we continued with it to try and avoid a repeat cesarean due to another very large baby. Some people only use black licorice, EPO, castor oil, etc. to help ripen and/or to get labor going. I chose the Pitocin route for the above reasons to get my vbac started.

If my Bishop score had been assessed and considered to be a required parameter before induction, who knows, due to my family history, when I would have gone into labor and how big my baby would have been.

Being able to break my water while still high and 1cm was painful but in the end welcomed by me. The state of my cervix very well could have meant a long labor ahead. Again, please keep in mind my history and particular case. My cervix was the exact same with my first biological child at 41 weeks. I do not personally feel he was not ready for birth. He was 10 lbs, 15 oz. If left in there “to cook,” I only dare imagine how big he could have gotten and the complications that could have arisen from shoulder dystocia.

I have to add some personal information in response to the comment about Dr. Edwards not having faith in women’s bodies. In our first meeting, he told me that shoulder dystocia is very real to him. It is not my place to reveal his personal business, but I have to say that he has been there in a very personal way.

(See the following link for more information and American Family Physician’s article on Shoulder Dystocia):
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040401/1707.html

Finally, yes, there is an out of pocket fee with Dr. Edwards. This fee was recently introduced when the hospitals where he has priviledges changed their policy requiring that he remain in the hopsital throughout the entire labor and delivery event. Again, he has his own practice. This fee helps cover his costs for having to be out of his office and in the hospital building the whole time. You could always check with your own insurance company to see if they would subsidize since a vbac is essentially more cost effective for them than a cesarean. My insurance company refused simply because there is no CPC code for the fee.

I still stand grateful for Dr. Edwards for going against the norm and giving women who choose to vbac that option. It was amazing to see the looks and hear the comments made by the nurses in the hospital when we first admitted. I was referred to as “the vbac” and heard several comments outside my door and even swallowed one nurse’s rude attitude as she questioned me as to why I was vbac-ing and if I was aware of the risks. I believe Dr. Edwards is one of the reasons vbac is still alive in central Florida.

Jill enjoys spending her days being a helpmate to her husband and raising her three children. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Biology. Some of her favorite hobbies are gardening, playing the piano and cooking. Jill is a Juice Plus+ distributor. Her family are the humans to Lucy, the rescued dog, Smokey, the rescued cat and soon to be humans of a flock of chickens, too!

Posted in OB/GYNs | Tagged VBAC | 35 Comments

35 Responses to “Crossings OB GYN Successfully Assists VBAC!”

on May 31, 2007 at 11:47 pm Jan

Thanks so much for sharing your story!
on June 1, 2007 at 3:05 pm Renee

Congrats on your successful VBAC. It sounds like you were very happy with your experience.

Although I must admit hearing you say you had few interventions doesn’t seem to match the story you have written.

I personally have had 3 VBACs (2HBACs). I would NEVER be comfortable being induced with pitocin as the risk of rupture increase far beyond my comfort level.

I am also surprised that a doctor would brag about being able to break a woman’s water bag when the babay is obviously not ready to be born. High and 1cm………could mean a woman still has a long labor ahead of her. To purposely break the waters at that point to me seems not only risky but irresponsible. Taking away this important layer of protection would only increase her risks of infections/cord prolapse.
on June 2, 2007 at 12:11 am Susan Nalbach

It is remarkable that the article does not mention Dr. Edwards required $1000.00 out of pocket fee for a VBAC client. Above and beyond the fee for care and delivery. And the fact that he induces VBAC clients goes against every medical study ever done on VBAC. Yet, he is willing to risk a mother’s uterus and her baby by induction. I think it’s safer to stay home than to go down that road. Dr. Edwards apparently does not trust that women are strong and built for childbirth. How sad, the state of Obstetrics in America ,when this OB is applauded for being one of the few OB’s “supporting VBAC”.The phrase “First Do No Harm” springs to mind.
on June 2, 2007 at 3:05 am Jan

I see it’s being discussed here…

http://vbacadventure.com/?p=33
on June 2, 2007 at 9:45 am Angela

Congratulations on your VBAC!!! I know in this city its almost impossible. Im Glad that you are spreading the word that there are options, and you don’t need to have a repeat cesarean. By the artical you don’t mention how far along you were or if there was a “medical” reason for your induction. I do think it was risky, but im glad you got your vbac, and it is your body so if that was your decision. I respect it. I also wanted to say that its a shame that in such a BIG CITY there are almost no OB’s that will let you Vbac. Thanks for sharing your story and spreading the word that there are options!
on June 2, 2007 at 11:28 am Missy

Jill,

I am so happy to hear that you successfully VBACed!! I just had my VBAC 5 weeks ago, so I know how awesome it can be! I also know all too well the sadness that can come with an unexpected surgical birth, and how it can affect you long after your scar has healed. So much of what birth is about can be lost when a section happens. I know I was really shaken after mine.

I am sad that our only option for hospital VBACs in Orlando is Dr. Edwards. Many women are not comfortable birthing at home and I firmly believe that we should all birth where we are most comfortable! I was firm in my decision not to birth with Dr. Edwards after hearing that he uses so many interventions on a regular basis. As many have pointed out, induction when the body isn’t ready (especially in a VBAC!!) is medically risky. I find it strange that Dr. Edwards thinks that going past 40 weeks is risky, and yet is willing to do an induction on a woman with an unfavorable Bishop’s score.
http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/plabor/0,,p94g,00.html

I do want to point out that there is a wonderful resource available to any mom who has had, or wishes to avoid, a surgical birth. The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). This wonderful and knowledgeable women of ICAN were so helpful to me while I grieved the loss of the vaginal birth I had so wanted to share with my child, and helped to educate me as to why a VBAC is a safer choice for me and my child than a repeat surgical birth. Without that education I would have assumed, like so many others, that a Cesarean is “just as good” for the baby. I’m glad I have seen the research now and can help educate others.

Here are the links to the main Yahoo discussion group:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ICAN-online/
and the ICAN of Florida chapter Yahoo group:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ICANofFlorida/
(tell Shannon that Missy sent you!)

We welcome anyone who wants to process her birth experience (good or bad) or to educate herself for future births. First time moms seeking to avoid a section are also welcome!

Again, congratulations on your VBAC, and enjoy your baby!!

Missy P
on June 2, 2007 at 11:56 pm Connie

VBAC is always a beautiful gift! I am glad you were able to experience this and have become a great spokesperson for it. It is a SHAME the way modern medicine tries to take the more expensive way and unhealthy way out and then doctors are often bullied in following the trend.

May the practice of Dr. Edwards continue to shine as a pillar of women’s health in Central Florida and may more women begin to reconsider VBAC as an option!

Blessings, Connie
on June 3, 2007 at 12:07 am run26long

Jill, I’m so thrilled that you were able to bring your daughter into the world through a successful VBAC. Though the policies of hospitals and physicians can be intimidating, they certainly will never change unless we demand it! Thanks for sharing your story. I’m sure it will inspire others who may not know how to ask for the birth experience that they want.
on June 3, 2007 at 10:04 am Katie

Reading through the initial article and subsequent posts, I find it interesting that many who have made comments choose to congratulate Jill on her successful delivery out of one side of their mouth, while picking apart her experience from the other.

Who are we to judge Jill’s decisions?

Each person’s experience is different, and we all make what we feel are the best choices and endure the resulting consequences. For Jill, her experience was a blessed and positive one. Why do we, as a community, feel the need to belittle that?

What I find most interesting is that Jill’s article was meant to impart two pieces of information: 1) A successful VBAC delivery is possible in Central Florida, and 2) There is an OB in the area who is willing to perform VBACs.

I do not think Jill shared her story so that we can question the validity of the experience. After all, have any of us walked in her shoes recently…or ever? It is truly unfortunate that we cannot unconditionally support another woman in an experience that she feels was wonderful. Woman should lift each other up and support each other without judgment. It’s very sad to me that some people here cannot seem to simply say, “Congratulations on your experience, Jill, and thank you for sharing.”
on June 3, 2007 at 10:51 am Angela

Thank you for sharing your story Jill! I found it very helpful. Congrats on your vbac!
on June 3, 2007 at 10:56 am Krista

Thank you for sharing your beautiful baby girl’s birth story! I am in complete agreement with the previous post from Katie- well said girl!
Krista
on June 3, 2007 at 12:58 pm Taradactyl3

I agree with Katie.

Congrats on the successful VBAC Jill!!!
on June 3, 2007 at 1:11 pm Carla

Congratulations on your successful VBAC and your beautiful daughter!

I was also able to have a successful VBAC and I know how difficult it is to try and find an OB that will do it. I think it’s sad that so many OB’s refuse to give a woman a trial of labor. Women have been birthing babies since the dawn of time. Our bodies were made to do it!
on June 3, 2007 at 11:45 pm Jill

I have responded in the original post.
on June 5, 2007 at 7:44 pm Jill

I just wanted to say congratulations on your VBAC! I also wanted to add that though VBACs are hard to come by in Orlando, they can be had in Central Florida and anyone who feels the need to birth in the hospital, but can’t afford or refuses to pay the $1000.00 fee required by Dr. Edwards, and is willing to make the drive, VBAC is alive and well in Lakeland!! Lakeland OB/GYN will consider you for a VBAC and they have a nurse-midwifery practice attached to the OB practice that will attend VBACs also. Lakeland Regional Medical Center still welcomes VBACs and has telemetry so that you need not be strapped down in the bed or next to it, for your whole labor. They attended my successful VBAC!! Again, congrats to you on the birth of your daughter!! That “I did it” high is fabulous! Enjoy!
on June 6, 2007 at 3:08 pm Lauren

Congrats on your successful VBAC! I can only hope that your story and the success of others can give me the courage I need when it comes time for my next little miracle.

I applaud you for standing on what you believe in, and for finding a doctor who did as well!
on June 13, 2007 at 12:22 pm Ivy

Thanks for sharing! I passed this info along to someone who is having her third child and really doesn’t want to have a third c-section.
I really enjoy this site!
on June 15, 2007 at 8:20 am ejemd

It was an honor and a privilige to attend the birth of your daughter
on June 25, 2007 at 12:54 am Heather

Congrats on your VBAC! It’s so sad that Direct entry midwives can’t attend first time VBACs but I did want to mention that since you have now delivered vaginally after a c-section a midwife could provide care in your next pregnancy (if you choose to have one)
on July 23, 2007 at 6:55 pm MILLY

I JUST MOVED TO ORLANDO FLORIDA AND HAVE A NINE MONTH OLD BOY AND I JUST FOUND OUT I AM PREGNANT. i WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS A TIME LIMIT TO EVEN ATTEMPT A VBAC. AND IF DR. EDWARDS IS THE ONLY DOCTOR ANYONE KNOWS OF HERE IN CENTRAL ORLANDO FLROIDA. THERE HAS TO BE OTHER DOCTORS WHO WILL AID IN A VBAC. DOES ANYONE KNOW? THANKS AND CONGRATS ON ALL WHO HAVE TRIED A VBAC!
on August 15, 2007 at 10:29 pm Michelle Gawne, LM

I just recently heard that Dr. Sweet in Altamonte is VBAC friendly and just read a post on Doula Rebecca Luckey’s Newsletter of a beautiful, successful VBAC story!
on September 18, 2007 at 11:28 am Lisa

This is wonderful information and education being given here.

For those interested in Dr Edwards, his fee has gone up to $3000 for attending a VBAC. I was just informed of this today. Apparently he cannot bill the insurance company for this service?

I also called Dr Sweet and was told he doesn’t assist with VBAC’s anymore.

Thank you for the information about Lakeland.
on January 21, 2008 at 8:36 pm Nora

I need to find someone closer to home and soon! I just found out that my Dr. will notnor will the hospt. I am 23 weeks! Help! From Lake County
on January 22, 2008 at 2:17 am Jill

Nora, I hope you find someone. I’m not sure who assists vbac’s in your county. Stay positive! You may check ICAN.
Bumping the links Missy sent:
Here are the links to the main Yahoo discussion group:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ICAN-online/
and the ICAN of Florida chapter Yahoo group:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ICANofFlorida/
on January 23, 2008 at 2:05 pm Lisa

I would recommend joining ICAN as well. I am a VBAC mama due in May and have had such great support and advice given by the group.
on April 3, 2008 at 9:43 pm Milly

I am a VBAC mommy 3-10-08. I gave birth to a health baby boy. Dr. Edwards was great and it was worth every penny. He was great and positve 100% of my pregnancy. Just wanted to say congratas to all you VBAC moms and wish every one the best of luck. If it is posible for you to have a VBAC go for it and stay positive.
on April 24, 2008 at 11:49 am Kim

I just found out I am pregnant and due December 15, 2008 with my 3rd child. It was very hard to find a Dr. who would do a vbac. I am currently going to Lakeland OB/GYN and trying a mid-wife this time around. This will be a vba2c (vabc after 2 c-sections). At my initial visit the nurse told me I would probably not be able to try for a vbac. I was very straight forward with her and told her I WOULD NOT have another c-section unless my baby was in danger. Once she realized I was educated about the risks, she informed me that they do vbacs all the time, even after 3 c-sections. You have to be firm and straight forward about your wants and needs in the baby business. I had my first 2 c-sections out of ignorance (one was due to being induced with a not-ready cervix, and the other was a repeat because my doctor told me if I attempted it I would rupture and die—long story). I have since educated myself for the past several months on vbacs and the risks. The more c-sections you have, the higher your risk goes for endometriosis and hysterectomy in the future. Plus with each c-section you have a risk for adhesions, twisted bowel, and the scar healing into other organs. This is the kind of thing physicians don’t tell you about when it comes to a repeat c-section. Not all repeat c-sections are unnecessary, but if you want to try for a vbac, you should definitely go for it! My son was very sick after the repeat c-section because my past Dr. took him too early—37 weeks. No repeat c-section should be done any sooner than 39 weeks UNLESS there are health risk. I wish I could just tell all the other moms-to-be my experiences and what I have learned so they don’t suffer the consequences of ignorance like I did. Be informed! Do your research! Even if you like your doctor! I loved my past doctor, but he risked my life and my children’s lives because of conveinece. Back up what your doctor says with the ACOG and ICAN. With knowledge there is power!
on May 4, 2008 at 11:27 pm Emily

I am moving to the winter park area and would love to find a holistic minded OB GYN.. are there any recommendations?

Thank you in advance

Emily Reynolds-Stringer
on May 6, 2008 at 10:10 am Tish

I thought I would let you know that I had a great VBAC experience at Winnie Palmer Hospital. I saw doctors and midwives at the 105 W Miller faculty practice. These doctors and hospital residents cared for me and my baby until he safely entered this world. The nurses were totally on top of keeping me informed. I had to have “internal monitors” to make sure James wasn’t in trouble. But everything turned out wonderful with no trip to the operating room. I couldn’t have asked for a more caring team.
on May 19, 2008 at 11:35 am mandy

Hi just wanted you all to know , I just started seeing Dr Sweet , I am 12 weeks pregnant and he still does vbac’s
on May 31, 2008 at 1:51 pm T

Physician Associates does VBACS, they gave 14 locations in Central Florida, they only do deliveries at Winnie Palmer. There website is http://www. paof.com

Good luck,
T
on June 16, 2008 at 2:32 pm Licia

Iam needing help on finding a OB that will preform a vbac3. I have had 3 prior c-sections. My first was a faliurew to progress. I would not dilate. After 24 hours of labor and only 4cm my doctor said we are doing a c-section. My other 2 were repeats. With this being are final baby. I wold love to have a VBAC. Iam needing helping finding a doc or midwife. If someone can post names and location. We live in Sanford area. Thanks alot

Licia
on August 12, 2008 at 9:40 am Jen

It is so great to see all the options. I was shocked to hear the 3k surcharge. While I understand why he has to do it, it is really hard to swallow.

Tish,
Would you go the Winnie Palmer route again? I am not pregnat now, but will start trying in the Spring. If I have to come up with 3k it is time to start saving. But, if Winnie is great that is 3k I can start a college fund with. .
on September 5, 2008 at 2:22 pm Sabrina

I have had a VBAC and am pregnant with my 3rd (due 4/5/09). My VBAC was in NY and with a midwife and was WONDERFUL! I will be going to Winner Palmer’s practice at 105 W Miller. They basically said I have to be a candiate for a VBAC. For example, the scar had to be vertical in my lower belly and uterus. Winnie Palmer will not do a VBAC if your scar is the other way (across and down). They also told me that if I past my due date, they will automatically do a C-section. They will not induce-at least that is what I was told.

Jill, thanks for your story. It really encourages women, especially those who were robbed the experience of giving birth naturally because of inconvenice for the doctors or ignorance of the mommy. I was one of those moms.

I agree with the posts that say do your research. It is your body ladies and you should know your body, not rude nurses or unexperienced doctors.

Wish me luck and good luck to all of you who are considering VBAC. It truly is the best decisoin to make!
on November 14, 2008 at 7:42 am Carrie

Are 105 W Miller and Lakeland OB/GYN still doing VBAC procedures? I live in Brevard county and am looking for a doctor to assist a VBAC. I am not pregnant yet but want to start looking before we are in need of a doctor. Thanks for any help!