The Irish Caesarean and VBAC Guide

national | consumer issues | press release Thursday July 29, 2010 11:23 by Tracy Donegan tracydonegan at doulaireland dot com

1 in 4 babies will be born by caesarean in Ireland. Experts estimate that 1/3 of Irish caesareans are
avoidable. As the HSE announces a caesarean reduction strategy more Mothers are questioning the rise
in surgical birth.

A must read for all expectant Mothers. Tracy Donegan’s latest guide to birth in Ireland explores the
epidemic of surgical births in Ireland and the growing number of women choosing VBAC (vaginal birth
after caesarean). The Irish Caesarean and VBAC Guide provides answers to the many overwhelming
questions associated with caesarean birth and VBAC.

Original Writing is very proud to announce the release of a new book, The Irish Caesarean and VBAC
Guide.

1 in 4 babies will be born by caesarean in Ireland. Experts estimate that 1/3 of Irish caesareans are
avoidable. As the HSE announces a caesarean reduction strategy more Mothers are questioning the rise
in surgical birth.

At night in one maternity unit a solitary Midwife takes care of 30 women and their babies on the post
natal ward with post surgical new mothers struggling to pick up their newborns while heavily medicated
alone and distressed.

A must read for all expectant Mothers. Tracy Donegan’s latest guide to birth in Ireland explores the
epidemic of surgical births in Ireland and the growing number of women choosing VBAC (vaginal birth
after caesarean). The Irish Caesarean and VBAC Guide provides answers to the many overwhelming
questions associated with caesarean birth and VBAC.

“The WHO recommends a caesarean rate of no higher than 15%” says Donegan “but we’re seeing rates
as high as 30% in some areas without improved outcomes for Mothers and babies and at significant
financial cost to the HSE. We also know that VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) is the healthiest option
for Mothers and babies without health complications but with medical claims skyrocketing consultants
are recommending repeat caesareans as the easy option”

The Irish Caesarean and VBAC Guide critically examines the risks and benefits of surgical birth and VBAC
in an easy to read format for all expectant parents to consider when making informed decisions about
their care.

When surgical birth is unavoidable couples will learn what to expect during a caesarean, emotional and
physical recovery tips, breastfeeding information and planning the next pregnancy. Couples trying for
VBAC will learn how to navigate the mountains of research and ‘mis-information’ about normal birth after
a caesarean.

About the Author

Tracy Donegan is the author of the Better Birth Book – Taking the Mystery and Fear out of Childbirth
(Liffey Press 2006). Tracy is the Founder of Ireland’s first professional Doula service and is a Certified
Doula trainer for DONA International. Tracy is also the Founder of the GentleBirth positive birth program.

Visit http://www.ChangeYourMind.ie to purchase your copy today or for additional information contact the publisher, Garrett Bonner, at Original Writing, or visit the website
www.originalwriting.ie.

Contact:
Garrett Bonner, Marketing and Sales Manager
Original Writing Limited
Spade Enterprise Centre,
North King Street,
Smithfield, Dublin 7
(01) 617 4834
http://www.originalwriting.ie