good reads...

[mamafever]

anyone have any suggestions of the best books to read for someone wanting a vbac?

[shenanegans]

Ina May's guide to childbirth
Birthing from Within- pam england
Silent Knife or Open Season- Nancy Cohen (a tad dated but still lots of valuable info)
Pushed- Jennifer Block (I havn't read this one myself but I heard it is good)

The birth house- Ami McKay ( this is a novel set in Nova Scotia, Canada around the time 1915-1920's that midwifery was being pushed out by slick Dr's propaganda and birth clinics with drugs and forceps. It tells the story from the point of view of a yound midwife assistant. It is a great read)

[azdaisy]

I second Ina May's book. I'm in the middle of Pushed...it can take awhile to get through. I'm also reading The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth (Goer).

[AustinMom]

All of the above are great suggestions. I read Birth After Cesarean. It is a quick read and broken into sections each asking a question about VBAC. Basically the Author/OB went around and asked everyone if they had any questions about VBAC what are they, once he stopped getting new questions, he wrote the book. I'd leave it in the bathroom and every time you go, read one section. As much as we pregnant women pee, you'll have it read in a week or so It's not a HBAC friendly one, he simply states there are not a lot studies with HBAC, and the book was written in the late 1980s so things have changed since then.

Also An Easier Childbirth (Peterson) I just finished and it really helps to identify fears/anxieties of birth, especially after any type of traumatic birth, and heal from them. Also really focuses on the relationship with your spouse too. It's kinda like a workbook, so again, you do it in short sections as most moms don't have a lot of time to sit down and read full lengthy chapters.

[springfever]

I didn't personally like Birth After Cesarean, as soon as I read the section about "trying to keep your baby smaller" I put it down in disgust.
I have read sooooo many books about VBAC and birth this pregnancy and my 3 favourites are Ina May's guide to childbirth, Silent Knife, and Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering. Gentle Birth is a little heavier reading and not VBAC specific but it is packed full of great information.

[AustinMom]

Originally Posted by springfever

I didn't personally like Birth After Cesarean, as soon as I read the section about "trying to keep your baby smaller" I put it down in disgust.

I don't remember him mentioning that. I would agree with you though, as our son was 9lb 8oz, and I had a healthy weight gain, and most likely am going to have a baby of similar size this time too. I'm 5'10'', so I have more room that a petite woman. But I know of plenty of women average and smaller than average size birthing this big and bigger babies, as VBACs, so no, size isn't an option, babies mold, pelvises open. I don't think there are ways to "keep your baby smaller", not healthy ones anywho, a baby is going to be as big as he/she is as long as a mom is healthy.

[springfever]

Originally Posted by AustinMom

I don't remember him mentioning that. I would agree with you though, as our son was 9lb 8oz, and I had a healthy weight gain, and most likely am going to have a baby of similar size this time too. I'm 5'10'', so I have more room that a petite woman. But I know of plenty of women average and smaller than average size birthing this big and bigger babies, as VBACs, so no, size isn't an option, babies mold, pelvises open. I don't think there are ways to "keep your baby smaller", not healthy ones anywho, a baby is going to be as big as he/she is as long as a mom is healthy.

Exactly! His advice could do very real damage to some poor babies.

[Fay]

The best VBAC book that I found is "Natural Childbirth After Cesarean" by Crawford and Walters. Sadly out of print, but happily available for free through interlibrary loan in many states. Supportive and encouraging, the co-authors discuss their personal and professional experience with VBACs. But also realistic about the risks of birth...one of the co-authors lost her first baby after an emergency c/s (but went on to have 2 successful VBACs). Lots of practical, evidence-based advice on having a successful VBAC, too.

[shenanegans]

"Birthing from within " is also a very good book, especially if you have any unresolved issues from your c-setion that you need to work through before your vbac. It helps to deal with fears and any kind of trauma that can get in your way of a normal birth.

[hannybanany]

[QUOTE=AustinMom;15256882]All of the above are great suggestions. I read Birth After Cesarean. It is a quick read and broken into sections each asking a question about VBAC. Basically the Author/OB went around and asked everyone if they had any questions about VBAC what are they, once he stopped getting new questions, he wrote the book. I'd leave it in the bathroom and every time you go, read one section. As much as we pregnant women pee, you'll have it read in a week or so It's not a HBAC friendly one, he simply states there are not a lot studies with HBAC, and the book was written in the late 1980s so things have changed since then.

QUOTE]

I know some have said they didn't like this book, but I did. He was very supportive of VBACs, and it was a good one for my DH since he really trusts doctors. Sure, there were some "eh??!" parts, but overall a good read.

I also read VBAC Companion, and thought it was a little boring.

Looking forward to doing even more reading this time around, even though I've already had a VBAC.

[nanasmom]

I didn't see VBAC Companion mentioned - I think the authors last name is Korte. Very easy read especially after the Silent Knife which is also a must read but took me a lot longer to get thru then VBAC Companion.

Good Luck!

[LynneMarie]

I just had a cesearan birth 5 months ago, but have started reading in preparation for the next time. Someone recommended "Pushed" to me; I can't remember the author - Block - I think. The one I am actually reading right now is "Rebounding from Childbirth." I'm finding it good for processing what happened. It is a good book for anyone who feels they had a traumatic birth.

LM

[AustinMom]

some good sites are VBAC.com and VBACfacts.com

I read rebounding from childbirth and it helped tremendously.