The goal of this post is to help parents find VBAC doctors in Tallahassee, FL, but to also encourage care providers to offer VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) to the women in their practices. Women need more options in healthcare, not less. Let me explain.
There are two hospitals in Tallahassee, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH) and Capital Regional Medical Center (CRMC). In 2018, TMH’s cesarean rate was 35% and CRMC’s was 41%. In 2000, TMH’s cesarean rate was 21% and CRMC’s was 25%. (SOURCE) Should parents feel comfortable with these numbers?
To put these statistics in context, the World Health Organization recommends cesarean birth to prevent maternal and newborn mortality rates, but considers the ideal rate to be between 10-15%.
“When caesarean section rates rise towards 10% across a population, the number of maternal and newborn deaths decreases. When the rate goes above 10%, there is no evidence that mortality rates improve.” (SOURCE)
Curious about what changed in the last 18 years to justify such an increase in cesarean rates? One of the reasons why Tallahassee’s cesarean rates have skyrocketed in the last 18 years is because many care providers and insurance companies stopped supporting vaginal birth after cesarean.
Taking away the options of women is never the answer.
VBAC Doctors in Tallahassee, FL – Provider List
The following is a list of primary VBAC doctors in Tallahassee, FL. An asterisk indicates a practice with certified nurse midwives (CNM).
Anderson-Brickler Midwifery Obstetrical Services*
Midwives Margaret Canter, Miriam Gurniak, Karen Honn, Kathleen “KK” McKeon, Jordan Miles, Darcy Ward, along side of various residents
1304 Hodges Dr, Suite A
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-431-4500
Capital Regional Women’s Health*
Dr. Shawn Ramsey and Dr. Miles E. Byrd
2414 East Plaza Dr
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-702-9730
Gynecology and Obstetrics Associates of Tallahassee*
Dr. Jana Bures-Forsthoefel and Dr. Dorothy D. White
1405 Centerville Rd, Suite 4200
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-848-4628
Jasmine Women’s Center
Dr. Acquinonette N. Bryant
1983 Centre Point Blvd, Suite 104
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: 850-210-0433
Nature Coast Healthcare Center
Dr. Chukwuma M. Okoroji
2473 Care Dr, #102
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-270-4619
Renaissance Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Alfredo Nova
1634 North Plaza Dr
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-942-7750
Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program
Dr. Hugh W. Oliver (two days per weeks) along side of various residents
1301 Hodges Dr
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-431-5430
Secondary VBAC Care Providers in Tallahassee, FL – Provider List
Under Florida law, if a woman has had a previous VBAC, moving forward she has the option of a homebirth. The following midwives offer secondary+ homebirth VBAC. Call them to schedule a consultation to ask them your questions.
Layla M. Swisher, LM
In Home Only
Phone: 850-224-2229
Tanashia Huff, LM CPM
In Home Only
Phone: 850-525-6291
VBAC Doctors in Surrounding Areas – Provider List
The following is a list of primary VBAC doctors in areas near Tallahassee, FL. An asterisk indicates a practice with certified nurse midwives (CNM).
Chipola OBGYN*
Dr. Orlando Muniz and Dr. Anthony Dorbu
4250 Hospital Drive
Hudnall Medical Building, Suite 209
Marianna, Florida 32446
Phone: 850-526-6711
Sterling Center Women’s Health*
Dr. Linnea A. Mehls and Dr. James Small, III
3 Sweet Bay Court
Moultrie, GA 31768
Phone: 229-985-2198
Did You VBAC in Tallahassee, FL?
I hope this information was helpful for the women exploring VBAC in my community. For even more support, seek out Tallahassee’s very own ICAN chapter. (ICAN is where this information originated from!) Leave a comment and share your experience in finding a VBAC doctor in Tallahassee! Your story and experience will be incredibly helpful to the women journeying the VBAC road behind you.
“If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any.” – Diana Korte and Roberta Scaer
“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” – Maya Angelou
Jana
Thursday 10th of October 2019
I just had my second vba2c almost 4 weeks ago at TMH. I was with Anderson Brickler, and while they don't support vba2c (only primary vbac) I walked into L&D at 9 cm and declined a c-section. I was received nothing but support from TMH staff and my midwife!
Charlotte
Monday 20th of January 2020
I am pregnant with my third baby, my first two were c-sections. I am wanted to attempt a vba2c as well but I am not familiar with doctors or hospitals in Tallahassee...do any of them support vba2c? Did you make Dr. Brickler aware from the beginning you wanted a vba2c? Thanks for your help!
Lindsey VanAlstyne
Friday 11th of October 2019
Wow, thank you for sharing your story!
Lindley
Thursday 10th of October 2019
When I had my C-section in 2012 I remember saying to my mom "At least I'll know exactly when I'm having my next baby. Dr. *** said once a C-section, always a C-section." I hadn't even heard of a VBAC. Luckily I became educated and quickly started researching my options. I joined our local ICAN group before getting pregnant again so I had resources. I decided to go with Dr. Okoroji. In November 2015 I had a perfect VBAC, unmedicated and surrounded by family, work family, and my best friend.
Lindsey VanAlstyne
Thursday 10th of October 2019
ICAN is a wonderful resource! Thanks for sharing your story, Lindley. :)
Sarah Battle
Wednesday 9th of October 2019
So proud to see Dorothy White on this list. I had my VBAC with her on 7/21/2019, a 10 lb 1.7 oz baby, and she was supportive the entire way. I would definitely recommend her to anyone.
Lindsey VanAlstyne
Thursday 10th of October 2019
That's awesome!
Tanashia
Wednesday 9th of October 2019
Great resource!
Lindsey VanAlstyne
Thursday 10th of October 2019
I hope so!