Birth After Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth

by Hazel Keedle

Have you had a caesarean and are unsure of what your options are for your next birth? Do you want to have a vaginal birth but have been told “once a caesarean, always a caesarean”? Are you a birth worker and want to support women in their next birth after caesarean choices?

In this book Hazel Keedle explores the research around repeat caesarean and vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). Hazel introduces and explains the importance of the four factors to having a better birth. Using research from her PhD, Hazel gives practical advice for women and their support people on planning for a better birth. The book also includes birth stories from 15 women across the globe, from Australia to Europe and the USA. Their stories are varied and deeply personal and all planned for a better birth after caesarean.

Hazel Keedle is a Lecturer of Midwifery and completed her PhD in 2021 at Western Sydney University, Australia. Hazel has more than 25 years of experience as a clinician in nursing and midwifery, educator and researcher. Her research is recognised internationally and focusses on midwifery practice/education and women’s experience of maternity care. Hazel is passionate about improving support for women during pregnancy, birth and the early transition to mothering.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2022

Reviews

[Pixie Willo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for any expecting or prospective parents. Informative and insightful, Birth After Caesarean is a positive approach to experiencing a better birth. As well as covering practical advice from a midwife’s perspective, it is also filled with great illustrations, personal accounts, stories and poetry.

[Sarah Elson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great resource and a must for anyone dreaming of their VBAC!

[Leonie Rastas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel's book gives sure hope to women who have had a prior caesarean birth. She clearly outlines four factors that contribute to a successful VBAC and offers women's stories to support these. I only wish this knowledge was available during my birthing years and to have been able to have the births I'd wanted rather than surgical births. I would highly recommend the book to all women who have had a previous caesarean birth and their support teams.

[Jenna Maddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great resource for those planning a VBAC with true statistics and research-based evidence. I have listened to Dr Keedle on many podcasts and find her so well-informed and knowledgeable in the field. It’s nice having such a strong advocate behind women and their birth choices. A must read for any hopeful VBAC mamas.

[Emily Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great info and stats in here. Bit too essay writing style and the individuals birth stories at the end could do with some serious editing for spelling mistakes and punctuation- but overall very helpful.

[Rahma Winahyu Jannata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents various delivery options for mothers with a history of C-section based on the results of reliable and reputable research, so that it can help and be a reference for those whose fighting for Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) or for those whose put an interest this topic.

[Abbigail G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly empowering and incredible. This book was filled with dedicated research, statistics/probabilities, and personal stories. I found this book very encouraging and would highly recommend to any mama who’s hoping for a VBAC!
I am grateful to the midwife who lent me this book!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring book for any parents birthing again after a caesarean. I felt empowered after reading this and it has motivated me to take action and control. Highly recommend!

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative & empowering. Must read if trying for a Vbac :)