International Cesarean Awareness Network

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

Drawing upon her thirty-plus years of experience, midwife Ina May Gaskin shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience. With the exception of her discomfort with VBAC after single-layer closure of the uterus in a previous cesarean*, Ina May’s Guide to Natural Childbirth gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention.  read more »

Birthing from Within : An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation

This holistic approach to childbirth examines this profound rite-of-passage not as a medical event, but as an act of self-discovery. Exercises and activities such as journal writing, meditation, and painting are designed to help mothers analyze their thoughts and face their fears during pregnancy. A wonderful resource for women planning for a new birth, or for women looking to do some emotional work on healing from a past birth experience.

What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know About Cesarean Section

This informational booklet gives important facts and research references about cesarean section surgery.

Cesarean Voices

Cesarean mothers tell their stories and feelings of loss, pain, anger, sadness and more in their very own words. A very emotional read, this compilation shows that a cesarean section surgery is not just another way to have a baby, and that how the mother feels about her experience does matter.

Silent Knife

Often referred to as ‘the bible of cesarean prevention,’ Silent Knife discusses both the technical and emotional aspects of a cesarean and of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Written in a style that leaves you feeling as if you’re having a conversation with the author, readers often find within the pages a safe place to process their birth experiences, and learn how to plan a birth experience with a high likelihood of satisfaction and a low likelihood of needing surgical intervention.

Pushed

This up-to-date book takes a critical look at the active management (as opposed to expectant management) of birth in the United States and other parts of the world with many well-researched statistics and facts mixed with a sensible approach. The author asks important questions about why birth has become so medicalized and presents the answers to this from parents, organizations, and professionals, providing important insight on the subjects that most influence fads in the management of birth. Just who are really making the decisions- women, or the medical profession? What are the reasons behind these decisions- evidence-based safety, or convenience and liability? Are cesareans really safer than vaginal birth, or is the active management of medicalized birth what makes vaginal birth less appealing?

Born in the USA- How a Broken Maternity System Must be Fixed to Put Women and Children First

Highly respected with excellent credentials, Dr. Wagner takes a look at the trends in birthing interventions and their ramifications. With the epidemic of interventions, inductions, cesarean sections, and against-label use of Cytotec, along with the lack of access to midwifery care, this book gives an insightful critique of the multiplying interferences in birth in America today.

Rebounding From Childbirth

Madsen’s book focuses on an aspect of childbirth that is all too often ignored: the emotional aftermath. Few women planning a pregnancy or anticipating childbirth would dispute that the birth of a healthy child is their primary concern. Even when this happy outcome is achieved, however, the process of childbirth itself can wreak havoc on a woman’s emotional and physiological well-being—especially when unforeseen medical complications or interventions change the expected course of labor and birth. This book is a crucial resource for women working through a traumatic birth experience.

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.

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth

Goer gives clear, concise information based on the latest medical studies. This book helps you compare and contrast your various options and shows you how to avoid unnecessary procedures, drugs, restrictions and tests. A popular favorite that helps you learn how to take charge of your birth!