The Vbac Companion: The Expectant Mother's Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

I didn't purchase this book due to some of the negative comments it received. Instead, I borrowed it from the library. After reading it, I feel that it is a VERY informative book giving both sides of the story, which is incredibly important in making informed decisions about such a controversial topic. I think it is supportive and helps you see that even if you don't achieve a VBAC in the end, you are not a failure. The personal VBAC stories were particularaly empowering, and her explanation of statistics used in literature were also very supportive. Buy this book, I am going to, just to get me through the rest of this 2nd pregnancy!

This book sets out in easy to read format with each section being informative. As an Australian I found the book a positive experience as I have been discouraged by several doctors not to proceed with my plans. After reading this book, I found that I was full of information and could make an informed decision and have decided to go ahead with my planned VBAC. I believe that for anyone considering a VBAC this book would be on the MUST READ list. It took me less than 3 days to read the book cover to cover. However, it took 6 weeks to order it from the US but I'm glad I did.

Just holding this book in my hands and looking at it made me cry. I had a c-section almost 8 years ago, and am expecting a daughter in early October. It is hard to explain, sometimes, why the event of my c-section was so emotionally (not to mention physically) tough. But just having this book brought it all back, and all I could say as I held it was "I want to do this, I want to do this." It's been 8 years since my son's birth. This book captured perfectly all the emotions I went through at the time: the isolated feeling in the operating room that didn't feel like a birth as much as, well, a surgery; waiting a long time to see my boy; the large blood loss and subsequent weakness; the difficulty of recovery; the inexplicable (I thought at the time) depression that was so much more than "baby blues."Diana Korte really gets it all down -- for the first time reading something on this subject I really felt like the author really "gets it. & qu! ! ot; Best of all, she is a wonderful advocate for VBAC. She presents statistics so clearly but without rancor, makes logic out of twisted medical "recommendations," gives solid advice on how to get what we want -- a VBAC. She addressed some "secret" fears I've had for a long time -- like that my body "can't" do this or that I'm secretly inadequate because I didn't deliver my son "normally." So many times when writing about this subject authors take the perspective that doctors are evil and hospitals are bad. I completely comprehend how authors get to that point -- the emotions surrounding the subject of cesarean are some of the most powerful I've ever felt and I'm sure unnecessary medical intervention is to blame for at least some of the out-of-control c-section rate in the United States. But Korte's approach -- educational, factual, calm -- is really more helpful for a woman like me who doesn't feel comfortable with the idea of a ! ! home birth but doesn't want a c-section again.This book ! gives wonderful advice on how to increase chances for VBAC. Without being anti-doctor or hospital Korte advocates home birth for some people who want some things. She also describes the benefits of a hospital/doctor assisted birth and strongly advocates the use of a labor coach in any setting.I'm going to suggest that my doctor give a copy of this book to all his patients who have had C-sections before or upon whom he performs c-sections in the future. I've already ordered a copy of it to give to him. It is a comforting book as well as being authoritative and educational. How I wish I'd had this book 8 years ago when I was recovering from my surgery and the painful emotions surrounding it. I am feeling more healed now that I understand more, and am confidently looking forward to my October labor and delivery.

The VBAC Companion: The Expectant Mother's Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean by Diana Korte (The Harvard Common Press, 1997. PB: ISBN :1558321292, HB ISBN: 1558321284)This book is a joy to read, and I recommend it highly to all women, especially those seeking a Vaginal Birth After a Cesarean (VBAC). With the ongoing discussions and research about the safety of VBACs, this book becomes a current, up to date and valuable resource. Korte starts out with a historical perspective of cesarean birth and the changing yet sometimes conflicting viewpoints in this area, and then proceeds into an excellent decision-making format, including addressing particular concerns such as the rupture of a uterine scar, and other risks associated with Cesarean Birth.Information is presented in a sequential and logical manner. Having worked with women and families desiring VBAC birth I have seen parallels in problem solving and thoughts women go through to accomplish their goal of a vaginal birth. Questions are always raised about safety, and the most obvious: Can I do it? I feel this book gives good guidance and very detailed tools for decision making. The titles of the three sections summarize the complete focus of the book: 1. Understanding Why and Overcoming Fears 2. Planning 3 Giving Birth The Appendix is a wealth of resources and references which help to put VBAC in perspective with what is happening elsewhere. Especially helpful is a section with a discussion of VBACs, Cesareans and Infant Mortality Around the World providing fascinating statistics about infant mortality rates and cesarean and VBAC rate. There were several aspects of The VBAC Companion that I especially think women will like. The first was the personal narratives sprinkled throughout the book, related to the topic being discussed. The author wasn't just telling us her opinion. She shared personal viewpoints from a wide range of women in each chapter especially surrounding decisions making and implementation. The positive ! tone of the book with questions and where to go for more information helps encourage the confidence women are seeking when planning a VBAC. The Planning Section is especially helpful for a variety of reasons. Korte starts out with good guidelines for seeking a supportive environment and provider for a VBAC, and gives reasons why a women might even choose a home birth for a VBAC. I appreciated that she was very supportive of midwives, and strongly encouraged their use for women wishing a VBAC. Some of the recommendations are very new and current, such as the prevention of herpes at term. Lots of 'tricks of the trade' are presented in a variety of formats. I found her section discussing the impact of sexual abuse on pregnancy, labor and birth especially valuable, and an area not commonly addressed in books such as this. Two excellent chapters are especially useful and practical: "Work with Your Other VBAC Helpers" clearly delineates the types of support