Book Review: The VBAC Companion: The Expectant Mother's Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean.
Book Review: The VBAC Companion: The Expectant Mother's Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean by Diana Korte 1997, $12.95 U.S. Available from Harvard Common Press, 535 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118A Good Birth, A Safe Birth by Diana Korte and Roberta Scaer has always been on my recommended reading list for parents in my childbirth classes and labor support practice. Now I can add another well written, easy to follow book, The VBAC Companion. I see this book as a valuable resource for anyone contemplating a birth, not just a VBAC. If it can help a woman have a safe and successful VBAC, imagine the benefit to all pregnant women.
I particularly enjoyed the birth stories, and found the sections on "Overcoming Your Fears of VBAC" and "Make the Most of Your Insurance" extremely beneficial.
At one point Ms. Korte states "Certified doulas have more skills than most amateur birth assistants." Then she goes on in another paragraph to state "Is a professional doula always better, however? I don't think so." Although as a doula I understand what the author is trying to say, I think this statement could be misunderstood by most parents. My personal belief is not all doulas need to be certified to be effective, but I think Ms. Korte is referring to someone with experience, not just a friend or a relative.
As a woman who has had three cesareans and labored with all three, I was a bit skeptical about this book since it is my understanding that Ms. Korte has never experienced a VBAC, but obviously she has done her homework and it is reflected in this book, along with the wonderful illustrations by Kathleen Gray Farthing. Of particular interest are the illustrations of how to turn a breech baby and positions for labor.
A good, well rounded book for any expectant parent.
Editor's note: Another sections that can be particularly helpful to both labor assistants and parents alike is the two-page spread on "Positions that feel good." Beautifully written and exceptionally illustrated, Korte briefly explains the theory and uses of various labor positions.
Note from ALACE office: We also loved this book--enough to add it to our catalog. It is available for $12.95 plus shipping. See page 27 for ordering information.
Crystal R. Sada, CCE, CD, Birth Advocate, Childbirth Educator, and Labor Support and Postpartum Doula
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| Title Annotation: | Review |
|---|---|
| Author: | Sada, Crystal R. |
| Publication: | Special Delivery |
| Article Type: | Book Review |
| Geographic Code: | 1USA |
| Date: | Dec 22, 1998 |
| Words: | 397 |
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