In many Western cultures, especially in the U.S., there is much fear and many misconceptions about having a vaginal birth after C-section. Traditional allopathic doctors in the field are taught to direct and control what should be a natural process, often disregarding a mother’s needs, wants and desires. Because medical practices now are based primarily upon a model of risk management, women’s rights and choices have been pushed to the sidelines. This has led to the birth crisis we see today where C-section rates continue to rise at astronomical rate.
Ilia Blandina’s book, Give Birth a Chance: How to Prepare for an Empowered VBAC, not only gives that choice back to women but also does it in such a way that women can have a thoroughly educated and informed choice to have the birth they’ve always wanted. Given that Ilia Blandina worked extensively as a nurse midwife professionally and then faced her own VBAC, the material in this book will inspire you to take action, create a plan, and calm the voices of fear that surround the decision to have a vaginal birth after having had a C-section. The author packs this book full of invaluable exercises that will guide the reader step-by-step. We will be using it as a resource for anyone we know that is looking for answers to a topic that is wrought with misinformation and fear-based approaches.
~ Craig Weiner and Alina Frank, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) International Trainers, author of the best-selling How to Want Sex Again: Rekindling Passion with EFT
Give Birth A Chance gives the reader so much more than information and knowledge about how to have an empowered VBAC. It is written by a midwife and mother who has experienced personally having a VBAC and also experienced what is going on in the ‘medical world’ and allows the reader to make powerful and informed choices. She provides techniques and practical exercises and ways of preparing for birth which can be used by first time mothers-to-be as well. So well researched and so much experience to be gained from reading this book and from the ‘toolkit’ provided. If you want to have an empowered VBAC or a powerful birth, then this is the book for you!
~ Jenny Johnston, Founder of Quantum EFT. EFT Trainer and best-selling author of Tapping into Past Lives. www.quantumeft.com.au
"As the 'Momma of VBAC' I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened Ilia Blandina's book; I took a breath and hoped there would be something of value inside.
It's wonderful. It is filled with excellent information for how to achieve a natural birth after having had a c-section. Ilia 'gets it' - that how a woman births and how a baby is born is extremely important. She gives women hope as well as practical suggestions. She makes sense. I called her as soon as I finished reading and thanked her, as her book fills my heart with hope. Ilia is, indeed, one of my VBAC daughters!"
~ Nancy Wainer, CPM, the pioneering midwife who coined the term "VBAC". She is the author of Silent Knife: Cesarean Prevention and VBAC; Open Season: A Survival Guide for Natural Birth and the soon to be released Birthquake: A Pre-and Post Childbirth Book for Strong Women and Women Who Want To Be Strong