A jump into the deep end - Women's strategies on the way to VBAC in Poland

Abstract

ProblemIn Poland, as in other high-income countries, the rate of caesarean sections (CS) is alarmingly high. Promoting vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is one of the ways that may help to decrease CS rate. Despite the recommendations by the Polish Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians that one previous CS should not be an indication for a subsequent one and VBAC should be promoted, the rate of VBAC in Poland remains low. BackgroundResearch shows that in countries with high VBAC rates women felt supported by healthcare personnel to have VBAC. AimThis study aims to explore the elements of Polish maternity services that contribute to or hinder women’s chances of having a VBAC. MethodsThe study used qualitative methods of research based on semi-structured interviews.We interviewed 22 women. Each woman was interviewed twice, once during pregnancy and then between 6 and 12 weeks after she had given birth. FindingWomen who planned vaginal birth after one previous CS engaged in various strategies such as seeking supportive personnel, opting for fee-for-service dedicated midwifery care or traveled long distances to give birth in facilities supporting VBAC. ConclusionsPolish maternity services do not support women on the way to vaginal birth after surgery. Access to VBAC in Poland is highly unequal and dependent on women’s social and financial resources such as access to private care, place of residence, or social relationships. Efforts should be made to make access to VBAC more universal.