Cesarean Section: Understanding and Celebrating Your Baby's Birth

by Michele C. Moore MD, Caroline M. de Costa MD

Trusted physicians reassure mothers and It's okay to say yes. One in four babies born in the United States and Europe comes into the world via Cesarean section. Yet this procedure has been described by critics as an unnecessary and potentially dangerous medical intervention. Consequently, expectant mothers often fear this option, and women who have had C-sections can feel a sense of failure. In Cesarean Understanding and Celebrating Your Baby's Birth , Drs. Michele Moore and Caroline de Costa emphasize the joy of delivering a healthy baby, however that is best achieved. They explain why Cesarean births are sometimes preferable to vaginal delivery for both mother and baby, and they help women understand the issues behind the decision to perform the procedure. From anesthesia, surgery, and recovery through at-home care of mother and child, the authors offer reassurance and practical information for all mothers and mothers-to-be. They also discuss the latest findings on postpartum depression and planning for future births, including the possibility of vaginal birth after a Cesarean section. For every woman who has a planned―or unplanned―Cesarean section, this book provides the information they need to alleviate their fears and come to value this delivery option. "Because up to a quarter of all births are Cesarean births, prenatal preparation should include information about Cesarean sections for every woman. And that is why we have written this guide. . . . We believe strongly that it is time to speak out and say that Cesarean section is a normal birth method and that women who have a Cesarean section should not be made to feel that they have failed. . . . We hope you find the information in this book useful and helpful in thinking about C-section, whether you have already had a Cesarean and want to understand the experience better, you wish to plan for another C-section birth, or you are expecting a baby and want to be informed about all the possibilities ahead, including this other normal way of bringing a baby into the world."―from the Introduction

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2003

Reviews

[Amina Elidrissy · Rating 1 out of 5]

when it comes to csection I hate to even discus the idea but sometimes we don't. know how things can shift dramatically against our wishes and plans,o better to know than to be shoked with an emergency csection
didn,t like the book as it is biased for the favor of this kind of surgery in childbirth, has information not deep but a good background can be gained.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fantastic and comprehensive book for anyone who is having a c-section (by choice or necessity), or to feel prepared if you're not planning to have one but want to be ready for the possibility. Great information, without the stigma or shame.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

After having read the majority of this book, I realized I am more of the "don't ask, don't tell" variety when it comes to cutting open my stomach and extracting a baby. Turns out, I don't want details--about the procedure or how many people used to die before c-sections have become so advanced and all that. A good book for those who want to know everything about their impending c-section... just not for me.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I certainly agree that with certain medical conditions, cesearean section is life-saving. This book outlines the reasons why, the procedure, risks, and recovery. I did find the book biased though, towards c-sections, specifically in the area of breech births, risks to the baby, and why the WHO recommends 15% c-section rate.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these two ladies for writing this book. The first time I've been told there's not something wrong with you if you can't push a baby out and being told women are not failures or less of mothers if there babies are born by c-section I feel is an important part of any childbirth preparation and literature which in my opinion has been lacking.

[Shantel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book was definitely biased toward C-sections being the better way to deliver a baby. Many of the arguments "A Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" said that pro-cesarean OB/GYNs would use to perform cesareans, this book used. Kind of interesting, eh? Again, I didn't read the entire thing. I read parts, skipped some, skimmed some others.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very informative! I would highly recommend all women read this just in case you have to have a c section!