Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

My midwife handed me this book at my 38 week appointment and said, "This is a new book. Check it out". The birth stories initially got me interested in reading it and from there I was hooked- I couldn't put it down! This is my second natural birth at a birthing center, and even though I "know" what to expect, I loved reading this book and looked to it as a sort of refresher/reminder of what I want for this birth. It is chock full of excellent information for those wanting to take control of their birth experiences, and not be subjected to unnecessary and unnatural interventions that so many hospitals use these days. If you already have the mindset that birth is normal and natural and usually doesn't need a lot of interventions, the book will just reiterate your belief. If you're new to the realm of natural birth and midwifery this book will open your eyes!

The first half of this book was inspiring, uplifting, educational, eye-opening. I found it to most helpful in trying to understand our misconceptions about what child birth really entails. However, the second half, though meant to be for awareness of all possibilities during labor and birth, seemed to emphasize the "sensational" aspects of all that could go wrong. This is best left to the doctors and hospitals who want to keep you in the dark so that they can more easily and time-efficiently "process" you through your labor and delivery.
I HIGHLY recommend reading the first part of this book, especially if you are a grandparent-to-be and your offspring has chosen to give birth naturally.

I absolutely love this book. I find the birth stories to be empowering and the information provided to be relevant, true (I used to work in a hospital--I know what it is like!) and helpful. I definitely feel good about giving birth after reading this book because I now really believe that just like (other) animals, women, too, "know" how to give birth and can do so safely at home or in a birthing center.

Even if you know that you are "high risk" and have to have a baby in the hospital (or if you choose to do so), the birthing stories would be very helpful to you. My favorite message from the book? The baby WILL come out. Never has a baby not come out. I haven't given birth yet, but I guess a lot of women reach a point in the birthing process (or pregnancy itself!) when they worry that they will be pregnant/in labor for ever. It seems like a silly, no-duh thought, but I think it would be helpful to be reminded of these things when it really counts!

Great book for any woman to read, whether or not they plan to have a natural birth. The book eases fears surrounding childbirth through the series of birthing stories included in the first half of the book and through the author's writing. She reminds the reader that the female body is designed to have children and is not inadequate as we're sometimes led to believe. The book gave me some helpful techniques to use during my (unmedicated) labor and a better understanding of some of the medical procedures and medication often used. My sister was unable to get an epidural and I feel she would have benefited from the coping techniques provided in the book.

This is a very well writen book, that will help you understand what the doctors don't tell you and don't even know. A book that tells you about your bodys true and simple wisdom and abilities.