Editorial Review:

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 Section: 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

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

Explained what I went through:

I was looking for a book that would tell me more than just the politically correct viewpoint of c-sections, and I found it in this one. The information on recovery was particularly good. Even though it didn't cover the reason for my c-section (cord presentation), or what one of my best friends experienced during her delivery (vasa previa), I felt it did give me plenty of information about other reasons a c-section might be used.
Best of all, it didn't give the usual "sorry about that, honey....maybe... more info

good information for cesarean mothers:

I came across this book when we were awaiting the birth of our first child two years ago. Cesarean was a possibility. In the end it wasn't needed but we got a very good idea about what the operation involves, the risks and expectations for all the family. I would recommend it not only to prospective mothers but to all their family.Jayne (and Richard)

I am a "caesar" baby:

I just sent a copy of this book to my best friend who will have her first baby soon. My mother had a cesarean section to birth me because after she'd been in labor for about 24 hours, my heartbeat seemed to disappear. Like some of the examples in this book, mine was an emergency c-section and my mother had no moral choice. When I was born, it was found that the cord was around my neck and I was strangling. I can thank the availability of a cesarean for my life and for not being developmentally challenged. I... more info

The blind leading the blind:

Jan, the example mother, did fail at childbirth. She should be sad about this for awhile, but then let it go because it wasn't entirely her fault: the medical establishment, which she mistakenly trusted, failed her. They are the ones who should feel bad for causing this family unnecessary trauma. The first mistake was the pitocin. It causes increased pain and does not always cause labour to progress. If Jan had the information to know to refuse the pitocin, she would have had the natural birth she wanted.... more info

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