Books

Choosing Cesarean, A Natural Birth Plan
Magnus Murphy MD & Pauline McDonagh Hull
Prometheus Books, February 2012

Reviews
“At last a sensible and ‘easy-to-read’ book about the pros and cons of cesarean at the mother’s request. It reviews the scientific evidence thoroughly enough to satisfy professionals but also explains it in
straightforward language for the nonmedical reader.” Phil Steer, emeritus professor and BJOG former editor in chief

“Any woman making a birth plan should add this book to her reading list, while healthcare professionals and policy makers would also benefit from the information presented in this book.” MedicalScienceBooks.com

“a valuable addition to any pregnancy- and childbirth-related shelf.” Library Journal
(look inside the book here)

The 21st Century Motherhood Movement: Mothers Speak Out on Why We Need to Change the World and How to do it
[Chapter] Surgery is a Natural Birth Plan for Many Women: The organization electivecesarean.com
DEMETER PRESS, May 2011

This anthology, the first on the 21st century motherhood movement, includes seven sections: Becoming a Mother; Maternal Identities; Maternal Advocacy; Maternal Activism; Violence, Militarism, War and Peace; Social Change and Social Justice; Writing/Researching/Performing Motherhood—and features more than eighty motherhood organizations from around the globe. Each chapter discusses the context, history, mandate of the organization and examines the organization’s activities, challenges, future goals, and its relationship to the larger motherhood movement… This book affirms that the 21st century motherhood movement is an autonomous and distinct social movement that makes possible a much needed and long overdue mother-centred theory and politic of feminism (more information on the book is available here).

 Additional Reviews for ‘Choosing Cesarean’

– “An excellent presentation of the complex issues surrounding maternal request cesarean delivery. In this era of informed consent, the authors have addressed the most common and most debated pros and cons in such detail as to allow the individual patient and her physician to make a truly informed decision.”
Ralph W. Hale, MD, FACOG, former executive vice president, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

– “A woman’s right to choose how she will deliver her baby is the last bastion to overcome in women’s long struggle to control their reproduction and sexuality-indeed, to control their lives. Choosing Cesarean is a powerful weapon to help women to finally win this battle.”
W. Benson Harer Jr., MD, former president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

– “This book provides an outstanding summary of the potential for negative effects of childbirth on a woman’s sexual anatomy. The anatomical details are clear and easy to understand, and it is a must-read for all women. Women need to be informed with all information related to elective c-section versus vaginal birth. This book arms women with the information needed to make the choice that suits them best.”
Jennifer R. Berman MD, urologist and sexual health expert at the Berman Women’s Wellness Center

– “Choosing Cesarean is a thoroughly readable book, beautifully written and well researched. The authors offer a supportive approach, with informed decision making. Their argument is cogent and clearly reasoned in favor of women’s choice, including the right to elective cesarean section. This book opens the subject to a healthy debate. A compelling book I can thoroughly recommend.”
Dr. Peter De Jong, obstetrician and gynecologist, Christian Barnard Medical Centre, Cape Town

– “As a global maternal health advocate, I hope that all women will someday have more birth options to choose from-and that once a woman has had access to information about her options and makes an informed decision about her birth, the rest of us will stand behind her to support that choice.”
Christy Turlington Burns, director/producer No Woman, No Cry and founder of Every Mother Counts