Product Description

Explains the risks and benefits of both repeat cesareans and vaginal births after a cesarean, including advice on overcoming fears, finding a supportive health care provider, and choosing an appropriate pain-relieving technique for labor.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #926643 in Books
• Published on: 1998-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Customer Reviews

Disturbed by this book's all or nothing approach
Although there seems to be a lot of useful and practical information in this book, I was deeply disturbed by the complete dismissal of necessary C-sections -- particularly in the case of fetal distress. My daughter would be dead if if her level of distress had not been caught by a monitor and they hadn't gotten her out as quickly as they did. It was not a pleasant experience-- but it was what needed to be done. THe alternative would have been my child's death. To fail to distinguish between a lifesaving c-section and the kind of inappropriate c-section that is all too common completely undermines the book. For instance, the author's discussion of fetal monitors and fetal distress only emphasized erroneous readings and never acknowledged that guess what, sometimes babies really do go into distress and die-- and this is a situation where a judicious c-section (first or second time!) can be a life saver. Another VBAC author, Kaufman, wrote an earlier VBAC book (also listed with Amazon)that seemed to me to be a great deal more balanced because it did acknowledge there are situations where you need first time or repeat sections-- and it also emphasized that the patient should be primarily responsible for deciding what is best for her baby and herself (as opposed to the doc, the med establishment at large, what is currently fashionable, etc) This book seems to think that only foolishly fearful women will consider repeat sections, which is quite offensive given what's at stake. I am awfully disappointed in this book, which I had hoped would help me decide on the whole VBAC question with balanced, thorough information-- the all or nothing approach makes it difficult to trust the author's judgement.

Understandable and thoroughly researched, very encouraging
This book explains why a VBAC is better than a repeat c-section. It gives suggestions on how to prevent another emergency c/s. (Who wants to labor for half a day only to end up with major surgery again?) I am constantly using this book as reference material to assure moms that wanting a VBAC is not being selfish. It is usually the healthiest birth possible for both mom and baby. Even if you are destined for another c/s, this book gives ideas to make the event more of a birth and less of a surgical procedure.

My Saving Grace
The VBAC Companion saved me from simply scheduling another C-section!!!

I had already made the decision to leave my midwife and go back to an OB after the traumatic labor and birth of my son. I was convinced that I would just have another C-section. I wasn't even going to try. But, after reading The VBAC Companion, I was enlightened as to many of the contributing factors in a birthing experience.

You see, I was raped at 16 and became pregnant. I was so scared that I decided to terminate the pregnancy. I believed that I had made peace with the whole ordeal but, after reading The VBAC Companion, I learned how to assess my sons labor and birth and, how to improve on my next babys birth.

Looking back, I remember the terrifying feeling of being out of control, (as I was many years ago). But, this time, my Husband and I will be in control!!!

I left my OB and I am going back to the midwife who was my saving grace with my son. Thanks to Diane Korte and The VBAC Companion, I regained the power I lost so many years ago.

I truly believe that midwives are angels sent from God to watch over his newest additions and their mommys.