Doctors used to believe in the phrase “once a cesarean always a cesarean.” Today, we know that many women who have had a cesarean section can later give birth “naturally,” or through the vagina. This is called a “VBAC,” or vaginal birth after cesarean. This can be a safe option for many women. It is not the right choice for all women because there are both maternal and neonatal risks. You and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of VBAC, as well as your chances of a successful VBAC.

Among the benefits of VBAC are the avoidance of major abdominal surgery, shorter hospital stays, a quicker recovery, less blood loss, lower rates of infection, and a decreased risk of complications in future pregnancies. Some of the risks of VBAC include failed trial of labor with subsequent cesarean, emergent surgery, increased rates of infection and transfusion, and the risk of uterine rupture. Uterine rupture, or dehiscence, at the site of a previous uterine scar can lead to both significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. This risk is rare (<1%) but is very serious and may be harmful , even catastrophic, to you and your baby. If you choose to attempt VBAC, you and your baby will be monitored very closely in labor.

Of women who try VBAC, about 60-80% will give birth vaginally. Success rates depend on multiple factors. Some of these factors include the reason for the prior cesarean section, history of a prior vaginal delivery, spontaneous labor versus induced labor, increased maternal age, and maternal obesity to list a few. Your obstetrician can discuss your personal history and risk factors so that you feel like you are making an informed choice.

At John Haugen Associates, we are supportive of VBAC under the right circumstances. We will always keep the health of you and your baby our first priority.

Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Schmitz-Burns! Every year Minnesota Monthly showcases top-rated Minnesota doctors and she is on the list! Dr. Schmitz-Burns has been with our practice since 2005.

We believe independence matters. Since day one, we’ve been focused on remaining independent and preserving the ability for patients to make their own healthcare choices and decisions. Now, more than ever, it’s our duty to maintain that focus into the future.

On January 1st, 2020, we will join Infinite Health Collaborative (i-Health), an independent physician practice with operating divisions of family medicine, orthopedics, and women’s health.

Our entire OBGYN Associates (OGA) family, which includes OBGYN Specialists, Associates in Women’s Health, OBGYN & Infertility, Diamond Women’s Center, and Haugen OB/GYN will join fellow independent practices Burnsville Family Physicians (BFP), Catalyst Medical Clinic (CMC), and Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) as partners in the creation of the new practice.

i-Health is a modern approach to a timeless idea. Healthcare is personal, and the needs of patients should always come first. We believe independent physicians working together to impact change represents the future of our industry, and we’re excited for the road ahead.

“It makes strategic sense – on a variety of levels – for us to align with i-Health, considering their emphasis on patient choice,” said OGA physician Krista Olsen, MD. “We’re in a competitive industry, and it’s our duty to always keep patients at the forefront. By joining like-minded practices who value independence and innovation, we’re making healthcare better for everyone.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGPdoEDqGn8&feature=youtu.be

What is i-Health?
The creation of i-Health provides a framework for growth and sustainability of independent physician practices that focus on patient choice and share core principles of physician autonomy, quality, value-based care and innovation. The goal of the organization is to enable physician practices to remain independent.

“We believe independence in healthcare enables physicians to focus on each patient’s individual goals without limitations, and that’s the inspiration behind i-Health,” said TCO physician Owen O’Neill, MD. “By empowering patient choice – arming patients with the tools to make their own educated healthcare decisions – we are earning their trust, and keeping healthcare personal.”

i-Health is founded on the belief that independent physicians are at the core of changing healthcare, and are the drivers of the industry’s improvement. Physician autonomy, and that of their independent practices, allows patients greater control and choice in the management of their own healthcare options. With a value-based care model emphasizing a patient’s experience, cost and quality of outcomes, i-Health aims to evolve the delivery model of healthcare.

The future of i-Health
i-Health is continuing discussions with other like-minded, reputable independent practices in the Twin Cities market that align with its core principles.

“At i-Health, we will continue to evolve how we approach our healthcare model in order to best serve our patients,” said i-Health board member David Holte, MD. “Whether that’s expanding available specialties, or impacting the ongoing innovation of the healthcare industry, i-Health will always strive to be an industry-leading partner to physicians and patients.”

This change and continued growth will not affect i-Health’s, or any of its operating divisions’, relationships with hospitals. There will be no modification to the brands and structures of each of i-Health’s operating divisions.

To learn more or get in touch, visit i-Health.com.

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We would like to congratulate Dr. Jennifer Metherd on becoming Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology.