I recently attended a workshop hosted by Hazel Keedle on Giving Birth After Caesarean, it was an impactful day full of research, information and stories that led to a better understanding of the unique journey that women who have had a caesarean birth face in their subsequent pregnancies. The workshop included a copy of Hazel’s wonderful book "Birth After Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth" and this blog is my review of this work.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the NBAC (Next Birth After Caesarean) process, including the risks and benefits of different decisions, as well as the different types of VBACs available (such as planned VBAC, trial of labour, and elective repeat caesarean). There is also a useful 4 pillar framework for having a better birth. These factors; Control, Confidence, Relationship Based Care and Active Labour are all explored in depth and give families who are approaching their next birth lots to unpack and dig into. Approaching any birth is a layered journey, but especially so when there are the particular pressures of a previous caesarean birth being considered by care providers and families.
Keedle also delves sensitively into the emotional and psychological aspects of VBAC, addressing common concerns such as fear of failure and potential guilt for having had a previous caesarean.
One of the strengths of this book is Keedle's use of real-life stories from women who have undergone VBAC. These personal accounts provide valuable insight and inspiration for women going through this journey and serve to dispel myths and misconceptions about the process. As humans we learnt through stories and they are used to great effect here.
The book is well-researched and up-to-date, with Keedle drawing on the latest studies and guidelines from leading experts in the field. At the end of the book she also provides a thorough list of resources for further information and support, which acknowledges the continuing emotional journey many families can be on.
Overall, "Birth After Caesarean" is an invaluable guide for women considering a VBAC. It is informative, empowering, and written in a compassionate and accessible manner. So who is it for? Although it is certainly written with families in mind I think it’s a must-read, not only for anyone approaching a birth after a caesarean but also those people who are supporting them - midwives, obstetricians, doulas and family members. I wholeheartedly recommend it and hope that you get as much out of it as I did.