Cut, Stapled and Mended: New Life Birth Services Book Club
Reviewed by: Birth Doula Caitlin Armijo
“Cut, Stapled and Mended” is a birth memoir written in rich detail by Roanna Rosewood telling of her first two cesarean births, followed by her long-awaited vaginal birth after cesarean. This book provides insight into the different ways a baby can be brought into this world. I recommend birthers read this book, especially those considering having a VBAC, or who have had a VBAC, birth partners, and anyone constantly surrounded by birth such as doulas. Whether or not you have ever experienced a cesarean birth, this memoir brings to light the emotions, empowerment, and misconceptions that come along with pregnancy and birthing.
“Cut, Stapled and Mended” is a mirror to show other birthers that their feelings, whatever those may be regarding birth, are valid. “Tears in my eyes, I talk to the baby in the picture, the baby in my womb. If we have to go through a cesarean, it will be okay. Birth is not everything. We have an entire lifetime to share.” This is an incredible quote from the book that you will appreciate more with context. It is a turning point for the author after going through an intense grieving process, a point of acceptance that many birthers attempting vaginal births after cesareans often face. How you bring your sweet baby earthside is your birth story, that will require processing, but there are so many more chapters to come in the lifetime you will spend loving them.
I will admit some parts of this book made me wonder what does this have to do with cesarean births? A whole chapter was devoted to her trip to Hawaii while pregnant. Then the poetic analogy is uncovered, “Could it be that underneath the violence of the contraction, there is a comfortable place to be?” Roanna says of the 50-foot waves in Hawaii. It is important for the audience to remember patience while reading these chapters. The connection to the birthing process will be apparent by the end.
It is eye-opening to follow Roanna through the journey of her first cesarean birth, her second cesarean birth, and lastly her home vaginal birth. She had to overcome critics, self-doubt, self-judgment, and the judgment of others to finally become happy with herself. She came to accept the mother and woman she was always meant to be, through the ups and downs of her births. It is important to note this book contains controversial practices and opinions that not everyone will agree with, but it is the beauty of another birther’s journey emotionally and physically that can, in the end, be appreciated. In addition to this, not every birther has the same feelings surrounding cesarean births or births in general. Again, this is a memoir. Readers must remember through it all every birth story is different, so Roanna’s birth story will not be yours and yours will not be Roanna’s. Taken in all of its context there are many aspects of relatability in her pregnancy and birth journeys in the pages of this book. As a birth doula, and a mother of two this memoir made me laugh, cry, and in the end reminded me to be gracious with myself, and I hope reading it does the same for you.