Rating: 
Summary: I'd give it zero stars if it were an option.
Review: A great read if you just want to be scared into a repeat c/s. This book is promoted as unbiased, but that is SO far from true!! I've also been reading the Cohen and Korte books, and Kaufmann's bias comes through loud and clear. Don't waste your time reading if you are even remotely interested in a VBAC.
Rating: 
Summary: Another point of view on a difficult personal decision
Review: Although it is impossible for anything that is the result of human thought to be totally unbiased, the author makes an effort. This is the first thing I have read that lead me to believe that I truly had a choice and got me to thinking about my own motivations. Definitely not one to read if you are already set on going VBAC, but not a bad choice if you are still undecided or really want to go for a repeat section.
The most powerful thing I got from this book was, that no matter what decision I make on this issue, and no matter what the outcome in the end, as long as it was MY decision and MY choice, it really will be OK.
Rating: 
Summary: An Insult to "Smart Women"
Review: I don't see how she can call this a guide for VBAC as it seems to be more of a guide for chosing elective repeat cesarean. There are many books available that paint a more thoughtful and complete picture of all the options available. I think this one is a waste of time and resources, unfortunately. I really disliked the perpetuation of cesarean as a "safe" choice when in reality, it is far more dangerous than VBAC and I disliked even more the perpetuation of the myths that support the obscenely high rate of surgical delivery in this country. Flamms book has more facts and he backs up his positions better, as does Wainer Cohen and Crawford and Walters.The only good points in this book are the stories from VBAC mothers. Those are a boost
Rating:
Summary: A little dry in places, but very helpful
Review: I found the first half of the book a bit dry and technical at times, being it is replete with a lot of medical facts. I did read the entire thing, however, and I'm so glad I did. The second half is an analysis of 50 women who tried VBACS, or had repeat cesareans and their feelings about both. This book really is helpful with giving you pointers on how to find a compatible care-giver and how to get what you really want (as well as how to figure out what that is).
Rating: 
Summary: A book that considers the mothers concerns!
Review: I was pretty set on at least trying VBAC, but didn't know what to expect or what questions to ask my doctors. This book offered a wealth of information on positive and negative aspects of any mother's options after having a C-section, both medically and personally. I very much appreciated the study results that the author shared on the experiences of mothers who have had both VBACs and/or repeat C-sections, whether elective or after a trial of labor. I encourage any mother facing the VBAC option to read this book. It does not push you in one direction or another. It offers practical insights and promotes communication between mothers and their health care providers. It helped me make a much better-informed decision.
Rating:
Summary: I am uncomfortable with this book!
Review: I was very uncomfortable with the information presented in this book and would not recommend it to any of my VBAC couples. I believe the author's research was slanted and unsubstantiated. VBAC couples need support and the most up to date information. I would also like to recommend Natural Childbirth After Cesarean by Crawford and Walters. I love that book!!! Good practical information
Rating:
Summary: One of the better choices I've seen on the topic
Review: I'm considering a VBAC and I like this book--I say this after reading many books from various vantage points on the subject. This book is not alarmist, and does not smack of conspiracy theories like some of the others. It isn't a pro-VBAC polemic, but it does lay out many of the realities of birth in the modern world. The best thing it does for me is provide the beginnings of a roadmap for an informed and conscious birth within a medical setting, which is a realistic and noble goal. The tone of this book is positive, and unlike many of the books on the subject does not demean or treat paternalistically those who would choose a different path than their authors. I didn't give it five stars because the writing could have been a bit less dry and I would have liked to hear more of the birth stories of the women interviewed for the book.
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money on this book.
Review: Kaufmann is a disgruntled author who was forced to have a VBAC by her OB. Besides the fact that her delivery is very dry, she doesn't give the fair and balanced look at c-section and VBAC that she promises. Korte and Flamm have both written wonderful books on the subject that are much more informative and contain information from studies done from the 1950'sto the present. If you're serious about VBAC--and there's no reason why you shouldn't be--please don't read this book. It will just make you doubt your body's ability to perform this beautiful, natural miracle because of the unbalanced information it contains. Good luck with your VBAC!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book--discussed both sides equally!!
Review: Please read this book for yourself. I found my copy at the library. It provides evidence and statistics for both sides of the VBAC argument. VBAC supporters are against this book because it tells you the truth about the risks and effects of a VBAC on both the mother and baby. There are risks involved with both procedures and it's only fair to lay them all out on the table so you and your Dr. can decide which option is best for you. I've seen the other VBAC books and this is the only one that tells both sides of the story. It's worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Even-handed look at the pros and cons
Review: Regardless of how things might be in a perfect world, in the 90's, not everyone is a good candidate for VBAC, natural or otherwise. This book will help you sort out where you fall, and will help you negotiate your decision with your health care provider. If you decide natural vbac is for you, you will want to find additional information, but this book will be a great help for women who haven't yet decided what their own "best birth" experience will be
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