The VBAC Companion: The Expectant Mother's Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (Non) [Paperback]

Diana Korte (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 19, 1997 | Series: Non

The expectant mother's guide to vaginal birth after cesarean.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

According to medical journalist Diana Korte, vaginal births after cesarean, or VBACs (pronounced vee-backs), are occurring at a rate six times greater in the 1990s than they were in the previous decade, and with more support from those in the medical profession. This is good news for the many pregnant women who want a vaginal delivery after previously delivering babies by cesarean section. Also good news is The VBAC Companion, a clearly written and thorough guide to lead women step-by-step through the process of planning for a VBAC.

Korte, author of Every Woman's Body, gives firm reasons for VBACs--they are safer for both mother and baby--and backs them up with medical facts. Strong chapters on overcoming fear, planning your VBAC, finding VBAC-friendly doctors and hospitals, and experiencing a VBAC make this book invaluable. The appendices provide fascinating statistics about infant mortality rates and cesarean and VBAC rates around the world, as well as extensive listings of resources.

From Library Journal

Korte, a writer and lecturer on women's health issues for over 25 years, has written this book "to show those of you who do want a VBAC [vaginal birth afer cesarean] how to get one." This volume is based on the author's published research, letters received from over 100 women who sent her their VBAC stories, and her experiences from writing about pregnancy and birth. The appendixes (not available with the review copy) include a directory of resources and organizations and the author's VBAC questionnaire. The book is written in a very readable style, with much of it in the form of a statement or question followed by answers based the author's research and responses to her questionnaire; excerpts from the letters are included as well. The considerable information Korte presents about VBAC should answer many of the questions a pregnant woman might have. This complements two older titles?Nancy Cohen's Silent Knife: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) & Cesarean Prevention (1984) and Diana Korte and Roberta Scaer's A Good Birth, a Safe Birth: Choosing and Having the Childbirth Experience You Want (Harvard Common, 1991. 3d rev. ed.). Recommended for consumer health collections.?Mary J. Jarvis, Methodist Hosp. Medical Lib., Lubbock, Tex.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Harvard Common Press; 1 edition (November 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558321292
• ISBN-13: 978-1558321298
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 6.1 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #191,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Great book, but in need of an update! May 8, 2006

By miki, mom of almost 2

Format:Paperback

This *was* a great book if you're looking for support and resources to have a VBAC. Unfortunately, with a copyright of 1997, this book is now out of date. In the last decade, new studies have been done and new recommendations have been made by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. As a result, attempted VBAC rates have plummeted and VBAC friendly hospitals and doctors are harder to find--which is no longer in sync with the book's rosy predictions that VBAC will become more popular. Another problem with the book is that many of the sucess stories sing the praises of pitocin and cervical gel to induce and augment labor. We now know through published clinical studies that these interventions greatly increase the risk of uterine rupture.

Addressing some of the earlier negative reviews, this book is not designed to help a woman decide between a VBAC and a repeat cesarean. It's a resource for the woman who's already decided on a VBAC so she can achieve her goals. Secondly, I'm sorry if some of the reviewers don't like what the book says about pain medication in labor or midwives vs. doctors, but it's all true. The average c-section rate at many hospitals is around 30%, while the average transfer rate from midwife-staffed birth centers (because they can't do cesareans) is around 10%. Epidurals restrict a woman's movement and slow labor, both of which can lead to "failure to progress". Can you have a VBAC with an epidural and an OB? Yes, but you can *statistically* increase your chances for sucess by following the book's advice.

If this book is revised/updated this year, I'm sure it will be a five-star book!

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars After reading this book I'm confident I can have a VBAC July 13, 1998

By Kristine Loosley ([e-mail])

Format:Paperback

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. Read more ›

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than other reviewers say it is! March 17, 2004

By "yvomama"

Format:Paperback

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!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Supportive Book for a VBAC contemplator. September 26, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for anyone planning a VBAC May 26, 1998

By [e-mail]

Format:Paperback

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 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, May, 1998 Read more ›