Other Sources of Information
Websites and books
Some websites and books have proved to be particularly informative and we have included their links here. We cannot be held responsible for the content and accuracy of these sites.
- www.electivecaesarean.com - a good source of up to date news and research on the issue of caesarean delivery
- www.naturalchildbirth.co.uk - information about many alternative birthing techniques
- www.childbirth-bristol.co.uk - information about the use of hypnotherapy in preparing for birth and avoiding a caesarean
- www.independentmidwives.org.uk - information on fully qualified indpendent midwives for continuous labour support
- Optimal Foetal Positioning by Jean Sutton & Pauline Scott (NZ) 2nd edition, 1996. - a book about helping to align the baby in your pelvis prior to labour. Useful if your baby is in a position that is forcing you into a caesarean that you would rather avoid
- www.activebirthcentre.com - provides a lot of information about alternative therapies to help you with labour, breastfeeding etc.
- www.rcmnormalbirth.net/ - an excellent website by the Royal College of Midwives. It is aimed at midwives and shows a very positive approach to midwife led birth and the options and techniques that you can hope to have presented to you should you proceed through a midwife led birth
- www.csectionrecovery.com - a useful list of resources and a useful "tips" section
- www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
- a good source of support if you have experienced a traumatic delivery in the past
- www.vbac.co.ukis a good on-line source of information
- VBAC Information And Support is an organisation whose aim is to help women who wish to avoid
unnecessary surgery for the birth of their babies. They offer support by telephone and can, for a
small fee, provide very relevant information leaflets - for details email them at
www.vbac.information@ntlworld.com
- parenting.ivillage.com
has lots of information about the implications of induction
- NICE guidelines - the UK guidelines for caesarean procedure
- www.guideline.gov - a medical document highlighting all the caesarean related NICE guidelines elements 27 - useful if you really want to go into detail with your consultant about the procedures, drugs etc. which they will be using during the course of your surgery
Antenatal classes
Antenatal classes, including those run by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) offer instruction and an opportunity to meet a network of women all at the same stage of pregnancy as you. This can be particularly useful when you are going to be at home with your baby for several months. These classes can provide you with a lot of information about birthing options and should include information about caesarean delivery. There is some 34
Contact your local midwife, hospital or NCT representative for information about antenatal classes and hospital visits.
Hospital visits
Hospital visits are really worth taking as, for many women, their birth will be the first time they have been in hospital since their own arrival in the world. A visit can help to dispel fears and answer questions about how your birth will be conducted. Again it is worth bearing in mind that even in hospitals, caesareans are still viewed as an intervention best avoided and that this may affect both the perspective that you are given about the caesarean experience and the amount of information provided.
Yoga
Yoga is an excellent and safe way to keep fit both in pregnancy and following your birth. Classes specifically tailored to pregnant women teach you all about positions and breathing techniques that will help during labour. It is also useful if you are choosing to have a caesarean as it teaches you how to calm your mind while also gently exercising your body. The Active Birth Centre 30 runs courses in London and searching the web will no doubt turn up local courses.
Caesarean belt
A caesarean belt may provide extra relief, support and confidence for some women. Theraline Caesarean belt is a typical product which offers this www.bumpto3.com.
C-Panty
This product claims to assist in scar management. We have not tested this product and so cannot comment on it's effectiveness. www.c-panty.com.