The newest procedures. The latest information. The complete rundown on modern pregnancy and childbirth...for women who want the facts. Every intelligent, informed woman is used to gathering the most complete information she can get before making a decision. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions in her life--how she will give birth--it can be tough to get the complete picture, even from an obstetrician. Surprisingly, much of the latest research goes against common medical opinion. Certified Lamaze instructor and activist Henci Goer brings women the carefully researched facts they'll want to have. Based on the latest medical studies and literature, The Thinking Woman's Guide To A Better Birth offers clear, concise information on tests, procedures and treatments--and gives advice about:* cesareans * ultrasound * gestational diabetes * breech babies * inducing labor * IVs * electronic fetal monitoring * ruptured membranes * epidurals * episiotomies * vaginal birth after a cesarean * midwives and obstetricians * alternative birthing methods * choosing a birth location * drugs and delivery * elective induction * professional labor support * and much more * Author is a certified Lamaze instructor and doula who counsels women on their childbirth experiences * Author belongs to the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services * Drawn upon the most up-to-date medical literature and studies * Written in an accessible, understandable style, explaining technical medical terms * Gives advice to women who were dissatisfied with their first birth experience
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Do NOT give birth without reading this!:
This book is phenomenal. It is so well written, wonderfully structured, fascinating & not difficult to understand. In addition to details on the risks of certain procedures, the book includes helpful facts on how to improve your own outcome.
Goer says she is "biased" towards natural birth & that made me reluctant to purchase the book at first. However, I think she's wrong - I don't consider that a "bias". That is like saying a nutritionist is "biased" towards eating fruits & veggies! Her... more info
Just a good book.:
I do like this book. I am pro homebirth etc IF that is what the mother wants, most of all, I am pro birthing choice. Anyway, I didn't find the book was telling me what to think, it was giving me information, I could either take that information or ignore it, simple really. I would much rather have some idea about birth and the intervenions including the possible side effects and go into labour informed, rather than go into labour having no idea about things or only the basics and wonder why x, y... more info
Wonderful Read:
An excellent, straightforward pregnancy book for the woman who wants to consider all of her options - without an OB breathing down her neck! Very informative and helpful.
Informative, but an eye-roller:
First, I must preference that you have to read this book with blinders on. The author does not hide the fact that she is very much in favor or a completely natural childbirthing experience and that she does not like hospitals and OBs...and that's that. The good points about this book are the ideas that you don't HAVE to have medical interventions for your labor, even if you labor in a hospital. Most of the time, the docs don't HAVE to break your water, you don't HAVE to have an IV drip, you don't HAVE... more info