Pages: 319
Rating: PG - just be aware, there are a few photos of women laboring (some are completely naked) and a few pictures of babies actually emerging from the birth canal. Which I don't think is a BAD thing, but....wanted to put that out there.
Summary:
What you need to know to have the best birth experience for you. Drawing upon her thirty-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience. Based on the female-centered Midwifery Model of Care, Ina May’s Guide to Natural Childbirth gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention.
Filled with inspiring birth stories and practical advice, this invaluable resource includes:
• Reducing the pain of labor without drugs--and the miraculous roles touch and massage play
• What really happens during labor
• Orgasmic birth--making birth pleasurable
• Episiotomy--is it really necessary?
• Common methods of inducing labor--and which to avoid at all costs
• Tips for maximizing your chances of an unmedicated labor and birth
• How to avoid postpartum bleeding--and depression
• The risks of anesthesia and cesareans--what your doctor
doesn’t necessarily tell you
• The best ways to work with doctors and/or birth care providers
• How to create a safe, comfortable environment for
birth in any setting, including a hospital
• And much more
Ina May’s Guide to Natural Childbirth takes the fear out of childbirth by restoring women’s faith in their own natural power to give birth with more ease, less pain, and less medical intervention.
My Thoughts: I found this book to be incredibly helpful. I also read "Birth Matters" also by Ina May Gaskin, and although that one was also great, I liked this book just a tad better because I felt like it got more into the details of natural childbirth and what the benefits are, plus what all the risks are associated with various medical interventions. I also loved how the entire first half of this book is just a bunch of natural birth stories. Those kinds of things are pretty empowering to read!
I just love the overall message that a woman's body is not defective, it's not broken, and pregnancy and childbirth doesn't need to be treated like a disease. If you've ever wondered what might drive someone to choose natural birth, look no further than this book. You'll be considering it yourself after you read this!
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