Caesarean Birth

‘Anyone pregnant or planning a baby now has a comprehensive resource to help differentiate fact from opinion, and doctors and midwives will have a valuable asset to help their patients make fully informed birthing choices.’
- Dr Jenny Dowd, Senior obstetrician and founder of Women’s Obstetric and Gynaecology Specialists Melbourne

‘Drawing on her significant experience and expertise as an obstetrician, an academic, a communicator and woman, Caroline de Costa presents us with a comprehensive and most accessible book on caesarean birth.’ - Professor Cate Nagle Chair in Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research - Barwon Health Partnership, Geelong, Victoria, Australia Adjunct Professor in Nursing and Midwifery, College of Healthcare Scriences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia

‘By documenting the transition of caesarean birth from pure maternal risk to valid maternal choice, Professor De Costa has provided a definitive resource on the history of caesarean birth and its role in modern obstetric care. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper appreciation and understanding of the most significant operation in women’s health.’ - Kara Thompson Obstetrician and Clinical Lecturer, Deakin University Medical School, creator, Pregnancy Uncut podcast

‘Caroline de Costa’s new book, Caesarean Birth, is a comprehensive and authoritative guide that thoughtfully explores every aspect of caesarean section for both mother and baby. This is an important and reassuring resource for all pregnant women and their caregivers, offering clear, evidence-based information to support informed and confident decision-making.’ - Dr Paul Howat Obstetrician and gynaecologist, formerly Divisional Director of Women’s and Children’s Health Services, Northern Hospital, Epping, Victoria

‘Few writers bridge the worlds of history, clinical medicine, and women’s lived experience as elegantly as Caroline de Costa. In this engaging and accessible book, she demystifies caesarean birth, tracing its evolution from ancient myth and historical accounts, including enduring associations with Julius Caesar, to modern obstetric practice. She offers women clear, balanced insights into indications, risks, benefits, and long-term implications. At once a practical guide and a thoughtful reflection on how medicine and society have reshaped birth, this is essential reading not only for expectant parents but for clinicians navigating the complexities of contemporary obstetrics.’ - Dr Natalie Drever, Obstetrician and gynaecologist and Senior Lecturer, James Cook University, Cairns

Caroline de Costa was Australia’s first woman professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at James Cook University College of Medicine and Dentistry in Cairns, Queensland. She is now an adjunct professor at The Cairns Institute of JCU. She has spent more than 45 years as an obstetrician and gynaecologist and an academic, teaching medical students and trainee doctors.

De Costa is the author or co-author of more than 160 peer-reviewed papers on topics relevant to obstetrics and gynaecology.

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