Press Releases

SALINAS, Calif - May 27 2009 - Moms-to-be hoping for the option of delivering their next child naturally after delivering their previous via cesarean are now able to do so at the Natividad Medical Center. The hospital recently expanded its Obstetrics and Gynecology services to allow for this capability.

For hospitals to offer a vaginal birth after cesarean or a "VBAC", they must undergo a certification process to receive insurance to allow for the procedure. The hospital must provide an obstetrician and anesthesiologist on-site 24/7 as well as an operating room on standby. Natividad's expanded Ob/Gyn department now provides all of these features.

"Natividad Medical Center is the only hospital in Monterey County equipped to offer this service for moms-to-be," said Dr. Peter Chandler, director of Natividad's Obstetrics/Gynecology department. "Many women would like the option of delivering their child naturally after having had a cesarean previously, and we provide a highly qualified team of seven doctors trained to do so."

Expectant moms who would like to try a VBAC must have an initial consultation in Natividad's VBAC clinic with an Ob/Gyn physician, and meet several criteria including a previous cesarean delivery must have occurred at least two years prior, and the previous surgery report must be available.

The benefits of a VBAC include less pain after delivery, fewer days in the hospital, a shorter recovery at home, a lower risk of infection, and the avoidance of another uterine scar. The procedure provides moms and their partner a more active role in the birth of their child.

For more information about Natividad Medical Center's Obstetrics/Gynecology department please call 831-755-4156. For more information about Natividad Medical Center call 831-755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.

### About Natividad Medical Center
Natividad Medical Center is a 172-bed acute care medical center owned and operated by Monterey County, and has been providing healthcare for more than 120 years. A public community hospital, Natividad Medical Center emphasizes the care of women, children and families and offers comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic and specialty care. With a medical staff of more than 235 physicians, Natividad's mission is to continually improve the health status of the people of Monterey County through access to affordable, high-quality healthcare services. Natividad is based in Salinas, California. For more information, please call 831-755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.