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Cesarean Section Resources


Childbirth Connection's Pregnancy Topic on C-Section

We provide in-depth coverage through our Pregnancy Topic to help inform you about cesarean section and how it compares with vaginal birth:

Other Childbirth Connection Resources Relating to Cesarean Section


Resources for Learning More About Cesarean Section

Caesarean.org.uk: Caesarean Birth and VBAC Information: information and support on many aspects of cesarean and vaginal birth after cesarean, including articles and cesarean birth plan

International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN): a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC); includes a page of ICAN White Papers

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Caesarean Section: this clinical guideline offers evidence-based advice on the care of women who have had, may need, or are considering having a cesarean section. A version for patients is also available as an MS download.

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer, helpful chapters for cesarean section
the thinking woman's guide to a better birth
 The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth (1999), by Henci Goer.

Chapters 1, 2, 7 and 10 are especially relevant.

Learn more about The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth from Amazon Buy The Thinking Woman's Guide, a pregnancy book

Understanding the Dangers of Cesarean Birth: Making Informed Decisions (The Praeger Series on Contemporary Health and Living) by Nicette Jukelevics

understand ces danger nicette jukelevics cesarean section books
 Understanding the Dangers of Cesarean Birth: Making Informed Decisions (2008), by Nicette Jukelevics.

Has sections on impact of cesarean section on women and babies, common reasons for cesarean, reducing risks for cesarean, and changing the status quo.

Learn more about Understanding the Dangers of Cesarean Birth from Amazon Buy The Birth Partner, a pregnancy book

Videos of Cesarean Section Surgery

Hartford Hospital: Birth by Cesarean Section

University of Michigan: Surgical Video, Cesarean Delivery

Photos of Cesarean and Vaginal Birth, and of C-Section Belly Scars

Cesarean.org.uk: Caesarean Scar Pictures

PattiRamos.com: Caesarean Birth and Cesarean Scar Gallery (pictures): a photographer, birth educator and doula displays photos of cesarean birth, as well as photos of cesarean section scars.

Resource for Finding a Local Caregiver and a Place of Birth

International Cesarean Awareness Network: ICAN Chapters: provides information about area hospitals and caregivers, sharing and getting support, and making change in the community.

U.S. Cesarean Section Rates

Map showing state-level cesarean rates in the U.S.: shows considerable variation across states. This is also the case for caregivers and hospitals.

Baby in a Breech (Buttocks- or Feet-First) Position Resources

American Academy of Family Physicians: What Can I Do If My Baby is Breech?: describes external version, and the process of turning babies to a head-first position. Available in English and Spanish.

World Health Organization: External Version: Cochrane review on the use of external cephalic version for breech presentation. Links to related videos are also available.

Resources for a Long and Possibly Difficult Labor


The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth by Penny Simkin, a pregnancy book

the birth partner penny simkin cesarean section books
 The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions (3rd edition, 2007), by Penny Simkin.

Wise resource to help your spouse/partner, friend or another companion give you the special and powerful gift of continuous support as you give birth. Includes many labor "comfort measures" and strategies for difficult labors that can make all the difference for you.

Learn more about The Birth Partner from Amazon Buy The Birth Partner, a pregnancy book

The Labor Progress Handbook: Early Interventions to Prevent and Treat Dystocia, a pregnancy book

the labor progress handbook penny simkin ruth ancheta cesarean section books
 The Labor Progress Handbook: Early Interventions to Prevent and Treat Dystocia (2011), by Penny Simkin, Ruth Ancheta, Suzy Myers and Shanna dela Cruz.

Pocket handbook providing practical advice on the prevention and treatment of dysfunctional labor. For nurses and midwives. Key features include: evidence-based strategies, rationales for techniques, and clear illustrations. Bulleted-outline format.

Learn more about The Labor Progress Handbook from Amazon Buy The Labor Progress Handbook: Early Interventions to Prevent and Treat Dystocia, a pregnancy book

The Cesarean Section Experience and C-Section Recovery Resources

Birth Rites: Healing After Caesarean: an online version of a 52-page booklet covering physical and emotional recovery, planning future births and vaginal birth after cesarean.


Cesarean Recovery by Chrissie Gallagher-Mundy, a cesaeran section book
cesarean recovery by chrissie gallagher-mundy cesarean section books
 Cesarean Recovery (2004), by Chrissie Gallagher-Mundy.

A personal trainer gives special attention to exercise. Helps with physical and emotional recovery from surgery while in the hospital, during the initial days at home, and over the first six months after birth. Topics include breastfeeding, nutrition and exercise.

Learn more about Cesarean Recovery from Amazon Buy Cesarean Recovery, a pregnancy book

CSectionRecovery.com: Practical Tips for Cesarean Recovery: includes online forums and pages on the following topics: general cesarean section resources, emotional recovery and postpartum, depression, postpartum doulas, breastfeeding, exercise, medical and statistical information.

Emotional Recovery From a Cesarean: in-depth discussion about many dimensions of this topic, including grief, bonding, breastfeeding, future pregnancies, and resources.


The Essential C-Section Guide by Connolly and Sullivan, a cesarean section book

the essential c-section guide by maureen connolly cesarean books
 The Essential C-Section Guide: Pain Control, Healing at Home, Getting Your Body Back, and Everything Else You Need to Know About Cesarean Birth (2004), by Maureen Connolly and Dana Sullivan.

"A most excellent, comprehensive source for just about any aspect of anticipating or recovering from Cesarean birth. It's almost as good as having an experienced girlfriend in the hospital bed next to you. Take all the hospital days your insurance will give you, rest, nurse your baby and read this book." - Peg Moline, Fit Pregnancy

Learn more about The Essential C-Section Guide from Amazon Buy The Essential C-Section Guide, a pregnancy book

Resources for Help for Cesarean Section Recovery While Caring for a Newborn

DONA International: Find a Postpartum Doula: an online directory for support, advice and assistance with your recovery, your baby's needs, your relationships, and household tasks.

The Postpartum Doula's Role in Maternity Care: DONA International's position paper on the postpartum doula's role in maternity care.

Peer Support Resources for Thoughts and Feelings About Cesarean Birth

International Cesarean Awareness Network: ICAN Chapters: an online directory for finding local chapters; also provides information for finding local contacts and starting a chapter

iVillage Message Board on Cesarean Birthing: offers discussions and support for physical and emotional aspects of having a c-section and information and guidance for those undergoing a cesarean birth
Most recent page update: 12/11/2012
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Listening to MothersSM III is the third national survey exploring women’s experiences in pregnancy and childbirth. Commissioned by Childbirth Connection, conducted by Harris Interactive, and funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the survey polled 2,400 women who gave birth in U.S. hospitals from 2011 to 2012. Results show that medically intensive experiences are typical, and evidence-based practices are underutilized. Childbearing women need better support and knowledge to navigate their maternity care.
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New Cesarean Resources:
Go to Best Evidence Report
Go to web pages and booklet for women

 
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