International Cesarean Awareness Network

Expectant Parent's Guide to Preventing a Cesarean Section

At the writing of this book, 1 in 4 babies were born by cesarean section surgery- today, that number is 1 in 3 babies. Most women who have a cesarean suffer pain and disappointment and search out ways to avoid the experience again. Filled with authoritative and practical information, this book points the way toward safe and positive vaginal birth for both first-time and post-cesarean parents.

What If I Have A C-Section?

Rubin’s book looks at some reasons why cesareans are performed, what to expect during a cesarean, suggestions for communicating with your care providers to get what you want out of your birth experience, and how to sort through some of the controversy surrounding choices about cesareans. There are also some helpful talking points throughout the book which suggest questions to ask your care provider.

Cesarean Recovery

Covering the basics of what to expect during a cesarean, this book gives great details and tips about what to expect afterwards. Along with breastfeeding information, it also breaks down what to expect, and some suggestions on what you can do, during the first days and weeks of cesarean recovery.

The Essential C-Section Guide: Pain Control, Healing at Home, Getting Your Body Back, and Everything Else You Need to Know About

This book helps women to know what to expect with a cesarean section, touches on both the physical and emotional aspects of healing, gives suggestions for pain management, and also provides a section on post-cesarean workouts. Although this book does a good job of providing general information, ‘The Essential C-Section Guide’ is anti-homebirth, without providing any evidence to support why they make such a stringent recommendation. ICAN believes that it is an individual woman’s right and responsibility to make an informed decision on which birthing environment is best and safest for her and her baby. Please refer to the White Paper on Choosing Your Birthplace, found here: http://ican-online.net/resources/white_papers/wp_choose_birthplace.pdf. Otherwise, the tips for healing can be incredibly helpful.

The Cesarean Myth

The assumption that a cesarean delivery is safer than vaginal birth is a myth. Dr. Mortimer Rosen and freelance writer Lillian Thomas use numerous examples from Rosen’s three decades of practice and experience to help determine when a cesarean is necessary, when it is unnecessary or unwise, and when the decision is a judgement call.

The Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Experience- Birth Stories by Parents and Professionals

Although this compilation is dated in the 80s, these beautiful stories are never out-dated! As told by the professionals attending the births and by the women themselves, this book includes a number of empowering VBAC stories, including some VBACs after classical cesareans and multiple cesareans.