Even though I don't think I'll be giving birth in a hospital, I still found this book extremely informative. It's more frank and realistic than some of the other natural birth books I've read. It has in-depth explanations of every stage of labor, a myriad of coping mechanisms for each one, and many different birthing stories that illustrate the personal approaches different women have taken to help them through difficult decisions/situations. The writer seems very knowledgeable.Another thing I liked about this book is that it doesn't just describe one method (like the Bradley Method or the Hypnobirthing Mongan Method), but instead acknowledges each method as a valid way of handling natural childbirth, and discusses how each method was used effectively by different women. I found this to be interesting and informative. Underneath the tone (that I detected) of "you need to fight the hospital on everything if you want it to happen your way" I did find some helpful information. The description of labor and what one could feel both physically and emotionally was extremely helpful. It is good to read this book to get a different perspective than other childbirth books that don't necessarily give you information on how to get through labor and just focus on the basic trajectory of a standard labor & delivery.
A great read, written from a doula's perspective. Lots of useful tips for first-time moms.
—tintin
A wonderfully empowering book for first timers.
—Mita
Great resource. Lots of practical information.
—dowgiello
Great information for dads too
—lolipop
The Birth of a Child
—Stella
