Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
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Book Reviews of Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
Book Review: Excellent Resource for Childbirth
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the most wonderful book. I have read other childbirth books (Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth; Birthing from Within; Hypnobirthing), but this one is the best by far. Ina May really teaches you to trust in yourself and in your body. I also realized how important it is to be comfortable with your care provider be it a midwife or doctor. (I'm thinking about switching after reading this book.) Anyone can give birth naturally and Ina May proves it with her stories from The Farm and statistics and strategies to acheive a good birth (not just a good outcome--healthy baby). I am going to recommend this book to every expectant mother I know (who does not think my idea to have natural chilbirth is totally insane . . . but maybe them, too!). Buy this book. You will love every minute reading it and you'll want to read it over and over. It is just so inspiring and empowering.
Just an update:
I gave birth 4 months ago, and it was this book that got me through natural childbirth, especially transition (I did "horselips" nearly the whole time). Ina May; thank you for giving me the natural childbirth I wanted!
Book Review: A Cure for Fear
Summary: 5 Stars
I would recommend this book (and do!) to any girlfriend who is pregnant and wondering what to expect from labor and delivery.
I was planning on a natural childbirth and was concerned about the pain I would face, and how I would be able to deal with it. I read this book from beginning to end and found the positive birth stories incredibly uplifting, empowering, and inspiring. I remembered some of the strategies the women used and applied them during my own labor, and they worked! I especially just kept thinking back to the fact that these women made it through--and made birthing a wonderful experience--and that experience was available to me, as well.
Is this book a tad hippie-dippy? Ok, a wee bit (but you should read Ina May's earlier book _Spiritual Midwifery_ if you think this has a lot of Peace & Love goin' on at The Farm). But overlook those aspects of the book that don't connect with your personal birthing philosophy and read it for the positive birthing stories--so opposite from the horror stories we see on Discovery Health Channel and hear from well-meaning friends and family!
Book Review: The most helpful resource for my pregnancy!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not a huge organic natural freak but my best friend is and she bought me this book when I was pregnant. I was like, " Oh boy what is she pushing me into now?" She thought I would benefit from it and it was amazing! This book gave me the inner peace and courage to have my baby without medication. The hospital scheduled me 2 appointments to consent to an epidural and I cancelled both appointments. When my water broke I waited 7 hours to go to the hospital and the staff freaked out and was very upset with me. Among many issues I had with the hospital, when I told them I didnt want an epidural, they wheeled in a t.v. and video and made me watch it on having epidurals. I stayed strong to my beliefs to not have medicine and it paid off. I feel like much stronger of a person to of had my child naturally. I wouldn't of been able to do it if I hadn't read this book. I brought my book and my best friend read me the parts I had underlined while I was in labor. Between that and my radio I brought full of Bob Marley songs I proudly had my baby boy healthy. This book is totally worth it!!! I suggest to it anyone!Book Review: You'll soon be buying it for all your pregnant friends!
Summary: 5 Stars
I waited until after my birth to write this review, and now I can honestly say that this book made a difference. In addition to this book, I also read "What to Expect...", "...Week by Week", "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn", "Girlfriend's Guide...", "The Pregnancy Journal", "Birthing From Within", and the pregnancy & childbirth chapters of "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom". This book is the ONLY one which really prepared me for all the different ways a birth can go, helped me to know what to expect, keep an open mind, and to listen to my body. I knew before my midwives did that I was in transition; after responding to my cries to my husband of "why aren't they coming to check on me?" they did and reported with a bit of surprise that yes, I was 7 cm and making very quick progress!
If you want a normal, natural birth, this book is your guide. If you think you don't want a natural birth, Ina May may change your mind. I have recommended it to two friends so far who have both thanked me greatly! Oh yeah- and make your husband read it; mine and my friends' husbands loved it too.
Book Review: Wish I'd read this book during my first pregnancy!
Summary: 5 Stars
Even if giving birth outside a hospital just doesn't seem like you (or me), keep reading this book. Ina May's "Guide" is well written, with interesting history, and aware of today's trends. Every woman and birth is different, and every woman in this book is capable of more than you (or often she) can imagine. The first half of the book is birth stories- and the second half is Ina May's detailed explanation of the birth process and options. Now I know exactly why my own labor "failed to progress" -I was scared! And each of my secret fears were addressed in this book. Learn what a good midwife could do for you and what your body really could be capable of when you believe in yourself. I wish I had read this book during my first pregnancy!! Women centered birth makes so much sense- but change isn't going to come from the midwives- change can only happen when mothers make that choice. We mothers need to become aware that we always have options- knowledge overcomes fear. Ina May is an experienced and well-spoken midwife who reached through the pages to make a difference to me.