| 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. |
| Two excellent chapters are
especially useful and practical: "Work with Your Other
VBAC
Helpers" clearly delineates the types of support that can be
given to a woman in labor, both by her partner, and by others the mother
chooses to have around her. The author adds many tips for turning
breeches, posterior babies and maintaining a calm approach. The chapter
"Experience
a VBAC labor" gives a realistic view of what a women can
expect, and also provides guidelines for a woman to ask her hospital and
provider ahead of time about the process of labor and birth |
| The final chapter, "Appreciate
Your Birth Experience," pulls everything together, and again
affirms that a woman can work through and learn to live with whatever
the outcome of her plans. The author’s viewpoint promotes what is
healthiest for mother and baby, both mentally and physically, and
attempts to decrease the guilt and grief sometimes associated with a
birth experience. Should a women need or want a cesarean birth, there
are suggestions for making a cesarean birth more of a birth and less of
a surgical event. |
| This book would be a welcome
addition to the library of every childbirth educator, and a wonderful
basic text for a VBAC preparation course. |
| Pat Sonnenstuhl, ARNP,CNM,
March, 1999 |
 |
