| For Your Reading Pleasure! The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer (Back of book) As an intelligent woman, you are probably used to learning as much as you can before making major decisions. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions of your life-how you will give birth-it is hard to gather accurate, unbiased information. Surprisingly, much of the research does not support common medical opinion and practice. Birth activist Henci Goer gives clear, concise information based on the latest medical studies. The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth helps you compare and contrast your various options and shows you how to avoid unnessary procedures, drugs, restrictions, and tests. The book covers: * Cesareans * Breech Babies * Inducing Labor * IVs * Electronic Fetal Monitoring * Rupturing Membranes * Coping with Slow Labor * Pain Medication * Episiotomy * Vaginal Birth After A Cesarean * Doulas * Deciding on a Doctor or Midwife * Choosing Where To Have Your Baby * And Much More
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Gaskin Using history as her guide, nationally recognized midwife Gaskin explores what she hopes will be a renaissance in natural childbirth, something that she's been advocating since the mid-1970s. By focusing on how women of ancient civilizations and other modern peoples give birth, Gaskin puts our own hypersensitivities in perspective, uncovering a beautiful, sometimes orgasmic experience rather than a dreadful, painful one. Sure, pain is part of childbirth, but preparing for the pain in a realistic rather than sentimental way--whether giving birth at home or in a hospital--can be the key to a woman's ability to deal with it naturally. Within the pages of personal anecdotes, some touching, some startling, from Gaskin's patients and colleagues, every woman is sure to find something to relate to, whether or not she chooses to have a medicine-free labor. The helpful back matter features a glossary, a detailed resource list including advocacy groups and Web sites, and a bibliography that includes periodicals, rounding out an extremely comprehensive and up-to-date guide on the topic. The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth by Klaus, Kennell & Klaus Today, parents-to-be who want a birth that is shorter, healthier, and easier are increasingly choosing the help of a trained labor companion called a "doula." This warm, authoratative, and irreplaceable guide to support in labor will help every couple plan for the best possible birth, both for themselves and their baby. The Doula Book completely updates the Author's earlier work, Mothering the Mother, and adds much new and important research. In addition to basic advice on finding and working with a Doula, the author shows how a Doula: reduces the need for cesarean section shortens the length of labor decreases the pain medication required enhances bonding and breast-feeding.
Active Birth by Janet Balaskas In an "active birth," a mother moves about freely, finds comfortable positions for labor and delivery, and seldom needs drugs or obstetrical interventions. In Active Birth, Janet Balaskas teaches mothers to develop all of their bodily resources for giving birth, to follow their own instincts, and to take full control of the birth experience. Active Birth includes: Fully-illustrated exercises for a comfortable, energetic pregnancy Massage for pregnancy and labor Ways to create the ideal setting for an active birth in the hospital or at home Positions for labor and birth, for maximum comfort and efficient contractions The latest information about water birth, and how to plan one Exercises for recovery and relaxation after birth Helpful tips for partners and birth attendants
| | For Your Viewing Pleasure! The Business of Being Born by Ricki Lake Director Abby Epstein's controversial documentary takes a hard look at America's maternity care system, juxtaposing hospital deliveries against the growing popularity of at-home, natural childbirths that some expectant parents are opting for. Former talk show host Ricki Lake was inspired to produce this compelling exposé after a dissatisfying birthing experience with her first child left her with many unanswered questions. | |