Ilia Blandina - Give Birth A Chance: How to Prepare for an Empowered VBAC

As the Momma of VBAC I wasnt sure what to expect when I opened Ilia Blandinas book; I took a breath and hoped there would be something of value inside. Its 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

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Full disclosure: I am Ilias husband, and the father of all four of her sons. Our sons. To say that this book was a labor of love for Ilia, is not really accurate. It was a driving passion of hers to get this information into the hands of as many pregnant or planning to be pregnant, women as possible.

Even though I am not really a part of her intended audience, I am a part of her story, and I share her desire to have as many people get in touch with their bodies, and have information that can make people feel confident in the natural function of their body.

I think the book is highly readable, yet blends spirituality and science seamlessly. I have always felt that the most spiritual moments in my life were being there for the birth of our four sons.

I highly recommend this book for everyone, including expectant dads. It is chock full of insight to the wonderful gift of childbirth.

GARY BLANDINA

AUTISM COACH, SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

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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 mothers needs, wants and desires. Because medical practices now are based primarily upon a model of risk management, womens 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 Blandinas 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 theyve 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

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Its hard to believe that a new book about childbirth can possibly have new information to offer. But here it is. Give Birth A Chance is a delightfully refreshing, very complete guide to successful birthing for any woman. You dont have to be wanting a VBAC, or having your first baby to benefit from the information and recommendations gathered here. I am proud of Ilia for the message she conveys and the courage to express the truth. As a provider of out-of-hospital birth services, I intend to make this book required reading for all of my clients.

P. FADWAH HALABY

CNM, FOUNDER & OWNER OF MIDWIFE360,
SPECIALIZING IN HOMEBIRTH

Give Birth a Chance empowers women seeking vaginal birth after cesarean and brings light to the many shortfalls of hospitals in maternity care and labor/delivery. I have long said that the media is responsible for creating fear during delivery. You have to watch a documentary on natural child birth to see a peaceful birth these days. I especially love the positive affirmations and the many exercises that Ilia includes to change your perception on pain. This book is not only great for educating one on vaginal birth after cesarean, it is great for anyone who is pregnant and fears delivery.

CANDISS OREILLY

CO-OWNER AT ECO BABY EXPO

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Ilia Blandinas book, Give Birth A Chance , surprised me. What I thought was going to be a book focused on having a vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) is a comprehensive guide to having an empowering birth experience for the mother, her partner, and baby. She goes into great detail about the history, science, and nature of birth covering how the mind and body work together while giving tips on how to achieve the birth you desire. I highly recommend this book to any pregnant woman who wants an empowering birth.

KERRY MARRAFFINO

MOM & CROSSFITTER,
HTTP://KERRYMARRAFFINO.COM/

Ilia Blandinas book, Give Birth A Chance: How to Prepare for an Empowered VABC , guides readers through the miracle that is birth, aids in our re-membering of ancestral birth wisdom, and provides an honest assessment of current healthcare practices with regard to vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC). Her book provides a workable roadmap for VBAC success, introducing Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) concepts. With strategies for easy application during pregnancy and labor, her book is an appropriate resource for both the novice and seasoned practitioner supporting mothers seeking a VBAC or preparing for the birth process in general.

NIKKI SMITH-ROMAIN

MSN, LCCE DOULA, CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR
WWW.MIDWIFE360.COM

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Give Birth A Chance is a MUST read for all who are considering becoming pregnant as well as parents considering adding to their family and I would like to add, future grandparents.

Though I had my babies in the 70s I learned some valuable information which I will share with my clients, family and friends and definitely encourage them to read Give Birth A Chance , by Ilia Blandina.

Personally, I loved being pregnant and for me the deliveries were like having bad cramps. As I was reading, memories did return of how our doctor had us sign papers to release him and the hospital from all liabilities because I refused all drugs. My first pregnancy was during the return of natural childbirth and the Lamaze breathing technique.

A couple years later we chose to have our baby at home. Again, as Ilia describes in her book, the best laid birth plan doesnt necessarily work out as planned. I intuitively listened to my body and knew I had to head to the hospital. Fortunately, we were able to still deliver our baby using the Laboyer Method. No drugs and the atmosphere was calming, dimmed lights and warm.