Rating: 
Summary: Disturbed by this book's all or nothing approach
Review: Although there seems to be a lot of useful and practical information in this book, I was deeply disturbed by the complete dismissal of necessary C-sections -- particularly in the case of fetal distress. My daughter would be dead if if her level of distress had not been caught by a monitor and they hadn't gotten her out as quickly as they did. It was not a pleasant experience-- but it was what needed to be done. THe alternative would have been my child's death. To fail to distinguish between a lifesaving c-section and the kind of inappropriate c-section that is all too common completely undermines the book. For instance, the author's discussion of fetal monitors and fetal distress only emphasized erroneous readings and never acknowledged that guess what, sometimes babies really do go into distress and die-- and this is a situation where a judicious c-section (first or second time!) can be a life saver. Another VBAC author, Kaufman, wrote an earlier VBAC book (also listed with Amazon)that seemed to me to be a great deal more balanced because it did acknowledge there are situations where you need first time or repeat sections-- and it also emphasized that the patient should be primarily responsible for deciding what is best for her baby and herself (as opposed to the doc, the med establishment at large, what is currently fashionable, etc) This book seems to think that only foolishly fearful women will consider repeat sections, which is quite offensive given what's at stake. I am awfully disappointed in this book, which I had hoped would help me decide on the whole VBAC question with balanced, thorough information-- the all or nothing approach makes it difficult to trust the author's judgement.
Rating:
Summary: Better than other reviewers say it is!
Review: I didn't purchase this book due to some of the negative comments it received. Instead, I borrowed it from the library. After reading it, I feel that it is a VERY informative book giving both sides of the story, which is incredibly important in making informed decisions about such a controversial topic. I think it is supportive and helps you see that even if you don't achieve a VBAC in the end, you are not a failure. The personal VBAC stories were particularaly empowering, and her explanation of statistics used in literature were also very supportive. Buy this book, I am going to, just to get me through the rest of this 2nd pregnancy!
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read for those considering VBAC.
Review: I had a VBAC in 5/2000 and this book was my bible throughout my pregnancy... NOW, I'm a doula and I reccomend this book to all my VBAC clients. Korte answers all questions - even the ones' you may not think to ask. The birthstories she includes in this book are inspiring and empowering.Good luck with your VBAC. You CAN do it!
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read for those considering VBAC.
Review: I had a VBAC in 5/2000 and this book was my bible throughout my pregnancy... NOW, I'm a doula and I reccomend this book to all my VBAC clients. Korte answers all questions - even the ones' you may not think to ask. The birthstories she includes in this book are inspiring and empowering. Good luck with your VBAC. You CAN do it!
Rating: 
Summary: All or nothing approach discouraging
Review: I read this book expecting some hints on labor positions and other things that would make labor easier and make it less likely for me to have another c-section. What I found was a very all or nothing approach that made it seem that the healthcare profession (doctors, nurses, and hospitals) were against VBAC attempts and only midwifes and birthing centers were pro-VBAC. Since this is definitely not the case with me, I couldn't relate to the book and found myself getting frustrated with the assumptions the author made. While I'm still going to attempt my VBAC, I will do so without the help of this book. I had heard great things about it, and was very disappointed with the overall tone of the book when I read it.
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Summary: After reading this book I'm confident I can have a VBAC
Review: Just holding this book in my hands and looking at it made me cry. I had a c-section almost 8 years ago, and am expecting a daughter in early October. It is hard to explain, sometimes, why the event of my c-section was so emotionally (not to mention physically) tough. But just having this book brought it all back, and all I could say as I held it was "I want to do this, I want to do this." It's been 8 years since my son's birth. This book captured perfectly all the emotions I went through at the time: the isolated feeling in the operating room that didn't feel like a birth as much as, well, a surgery; waiting a long time to see my boy; the large blood loss and subsequent weakness; the difficulty of recovery; the inexplicable (I thought at the time) depression that was so much more than "baby blues." Diana Korte really gets it all down -- for the first time reading something on this subject I really felt like the author really "gets it.&qu! ! ot; Best of all, she is a wonderful advocate for VBAC. She presents statistics so clearly but without rancor, makes logic out of twisted medical "recommendations," gives solid advice on how to get what we want -- a VBAC. She addressed some "secret" fears I've had for a long time -- like that my body "can't" do this or that I'm secretly inadequate because I didn't deliver my son "normally." So many times when writing about this subject authors take the perspective that doctors are evil and hospitals are bad. I completely comprehend how authors get to that point -- the emotions surrounding the subject of cesarean are some of the most powerful I've ever felt and I'm sure unnecessary medical intervention is to blame for at least some of the out-of-control c-section rate in the United States. But Korte's approach -- educational, factual, calm -- is really more helpful for a woman like me who doesn't feel comfortable with the idea of a ! ! home birth but doesn't want a c-section again. This book ! gives wonderful advice on how to increase chances for VBAC. Without being anti-doctor or hospital Korte advocates home birth for some people who want some things. She also describes the benefits of a hospital/doctor assisted birth and strongly advocates the use of a labor coach in any setting. I'm going to suggest that my doctor give a copy of this book to all his patients who have had C-sections before or upon whom he performs c-sections in the future. I've already ordered a copy of it to give to him. It is a comforting book as well as being authoritative and educational. How I wish I'd had this book 8 years ago when I was recovering from my surgery and the painful emotions surrounding it. I am feeling more healed now that I understand more, and am confidently looking forward to my October labor and delivery.
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Summary: My Saving Grace
Review: The VBAC Companion saved me from simply scheduling another C-section!!! I had already made the decision to leave my midwife and go back to an OB after the traumatic labor and birth of my son. I was convinced that I would just have another C-section. I wasn't even going to try. But, after reading The VBAC Companion, I was enlightened as to many of the contributing factors in a birthing experience. You see, I was raped at 16 and became pregnant. I was so scared that I decided to terminate the pregnancy. I believed that I had made peace with the whole ordeal but, after reading The VBAC Companion, I learned how to assess my sons labor and birth and, how to improve on my next babys birth. Looking back, I remember the terrifying feeling of being out of control, (as I was many years ago). But, this time, my Husband and I will be in control!!! I left my OB and I am going back to the midwife who was my saving grace with my son. Thanks to Diane Korte and The VBAC Companion, I regained the power I lost so many years ago. I truly believe that midwives are angels sent from God to watch over his newest additions and their mommys.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book for anyone planning a VBAC
Review: The VBAC Companion: The Expectant Mother's Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean by Diana Korte (The Harvard Common Press, 1997. PB: ISBN :1558321292, HB ISBN: 1558321284) This book is a joy to read, and I recommend it highly to all women, especially those seeking a Vaginal Birth After a Cesarean (VBAC). With the ongoing discussions and research about the safety of VBACs, this book becomes a current, up to date and valuable resource. Korte starts out with a historical perspective of cesarean birth and the changing yet sometimes conflicting viewpoints in this area, and then proceeds into an excellent decision-making format, including addressing particular concerns such as the rupture of a uterine scar, and other risks associated with Cesarean Birth. Information is presented in a sequential and logical manner. Having worked with women and families desiring VBAC birth I have seen parallels in problem solving and thoughts women go through to accomplish their goal of a vaginal birth. Questions are always raised about safety, and the most obvious: Can I do it? I feel this book gives good guidance and very detailed tools for decision making. The titles of the three sections summarize the complete focus of the book: 1. Understanding Why and Overcoming Fears 2. Planning 3 Giving Birth The Appendix is a wealth of resources and references which help to put VBAC in perspective with what is happening elsewhere. Especially helpful is a section with a discussion of VBACs, Cesareans and Infant Mortality Around the World providing fascinating statistics about infant mortality rates and cesarean and VBAC rate. There were several aspects of The VBAC Companion that I especially think women will like. The first was the personal narratives sprinkled throughout the book, related to the topic being discussed. The author wasn't just telling us her opinion. She shared personal viewpoints from a wide range of women in each chapter especially surrounding decisions making and implementation. The positive ! tone of the book with questions and where to go for more information helps encourage the confidence women are seeking when planning a VBAC. The Planning Section is especially helpful for a variety of reasons. Korte starts out with good guidelines for seeking a supportive environment and provider for a VBAC, and gives reasons why a women might even choose a home birth for a VBAC. I appreciated that she was very supportive of midwives, and strongly encouraged their use for women wishing a VBAC. Some of the recommendations are very new and current, such as the prevention of herpes at term. Lots of 'tricks of the trade' are presented in a variety of formats. I found her section discussing the impact of sexual abuse on pregnancy, labor and birth especially valuable, and an area not commonly addressed in books such as this. Two excellent chapters are especially useful and practical: "Work with Your Other VBAC Helpers" clearly delineates the types of support that can be given to a woman in labor, both by her partner, and by others the mother chooses to have around her. The author adds many tips for turning breeches, posterior babies and maintaining a calm approach. The chapter "Experience a VBAC labor" gives a realistic view of what a women can expect, and also provides guidelines for a woman to ask her hospital and provider ahead of time about the process of labor and birth The final chapter, "Appreciate Your Birth Experience," pulls everything together, and again affirms that a woman can work through and learn to live with whatever the outcome of her plans. The author's viewpoint promotes what is healthiest for mother and baby, both mentally and physically, and attempts to decrease the guilt and grief sometimes associated with a birth experience. Should a women need or want a cesarean birth, there are suggestions for making a cesarean birth more of a birth and less of a surgical event. This book would be a welcome addition to the library of every childbirth educator, and a wonderful basic text for a! VBAC preparation course. Pat Sonnenstuhl, May, 1998
Rating:
Summary: Understandable and thoroughly researched, very encouraging
Review: This book explains why a VBAC is better than a repeat c-section. It gives suggestions on how to prevent another emergency c/s. (Who wants to labor for half a day only to end up with major surgery again?) I am constantly using this book as reference material to assure moms that wanting a VBAC is not being selfish. It is usually the healthiest birth possible for both mom and baby. Even if you are destined for another c/s, this book gives ideas to make the event more of a birth and less of a surgical procedure.
Rating: 
Summary: Good book, but not good enough if you want to attempt VBAC
Review: This book has a lot of facts and medical stats, which is good to know before you try attempting VBAC. The problem that I find with this book is that it lacks support, what I mean by that is that the way is written, it sounds like if the author is blaming you for your cesarean, like if was your fault for not doing more research and stuff. After I read this book, it made me deppressed and with a feeling of guilt...I expected the book to be different, like teaching us what we should do and what we shouldn't do, including your recent situation (pregnancy)and why your last pregnancy resulted in a c-section, to help us make a decision wether VBAC should be appropiate or not. Also, the author wrote this book based on Doctors opinions, and from moms that have or haven't accomplished VBAC. At the very beginning of the book, the author writes, how she never had a vbac, how she never had to go through that, and how she gave birth naturally, without any problems to her kids (talk about a slap in the face right from the beginning), on the other hand, the only knowledge she has about this, is what she wrote on her book, after that, she knows nothing else, how do I know this? the author invites you to write her, but her replies are all the same: "please do some research on that, all I know is what I wrote on my book"... makes me wonder, why the hell did she write this book without having any other information and knowledge about this topic, when all she knows is what others have told her?
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