The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.98 You Save: $9.02 (53%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $3.43 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
Book Review: Everyone Should Read This
Summary: 5 Stars
While yes the author admits to being biased against hospitals her research is very in depth. Everything is footnoted and explained. One of the most interesting facts I found was that most emergency c/secs happen during the day, not at night or on weekends. Makes you think.
This book is a great place to start if you are planning to have a child. You need to understand all your options good and bad. In the middle of labor is not the time to be asking questions if something happens. Research ahead of time and make your decisions beforehand. And make those decisions based on actual fact, not just because your doctor said so or because "that's what everone else does". Not that your dr is going to purposefully hurt you but in many cases they do put you through a lot of extra pain that you did not need.
Doctors are not gods, hospitals are in it for the money. When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, even though she was at one of the top hospitals with one of the beast doctors in the country, we quickly discovered we had to do our own research. Research that paid off in the end by finding other drugs that really helped her cope with the pain of chemo.
Book Review: All pregnant woman should have this in their library
Summary: 5 Stars
I read at least 10 book about pregancy/childbirth during my first pregancy. I read this book during my second pg and now I realize that all/most of the others were just "fluff". I am hardly a naturalist/holistic kind of person, but I knew after my first labor and delivery that I wanted things to be a bit different the second time around. This book provided so much knowledge that I was completely oblivious to the first time around that it is scary. I certainly do not agree with everything the author says, but I, at least, am now enlightened to the different sides of the issues. My first L&D started with an induction via pitocin, was very painful, endured an epidural and oral pain meds, and thankfully ended in a successful vaginal birth after 8 hours. My second pg, although induced again, I refused pitocin and had my water broke(baby was engaged) instead (which was not even given as an option the 1st time; 2nd time I asked for it), had absolutely no meds/epidural, used bradley coping methods, and 3.5 hours later gave birth NATURALLY to my second son. This book does not contain all the answers, but it certainly raises plenty of questions.Book Review: A tool of empowerment for childbirth
Summary: 5 Stars
Two of the most significant lessons I walked away with from this book was a sense of empowerment to trust my body and its ability to birth a child naturally and that child birth is a natural, beautiful and healthy process.If all women learned that she is the best person to determine her threshold of pain and that it should be her decision (along with the guidance, not dictate of a doctor) when medical technology should intervene, more women would have better birthing experiences.
I am in my ninth week of pregnancy and reading through the book made me aware of questions I should ask during the pregnancy that may help me avoid complications and medical intervention once in labor. I am planning on having a hospital birth but using a labor professional as an advocate for me and my husband during labor. Reading this book made me aware that there are alternative solutions to "problems" one may encounter during labor, and the right labor professional would be the one to advise you about them.
I highly, highly, highly recommend this book to any woman interested in taking a more active role in her pregnancy and childbirth.
Book Review: Not Eye Opening .... Eye Popping!
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this book on recommendation from a LLL friend (note: it is NOT LLL sponsored, though), when attending LLL classes with my pregnant sister. I had already had two babies - not in the US, but in England. I wanted to know what my sister's labor and delivery were going to be like so I could prepare myself (I was my sister's unofficial doula).
I was intrigued and frightened at the same time. Labor and delivery in the US was a whole different ball-game than in the rest of the world and I did not like it at all (I was also gearing up for my own 3rd baby - to be born in the good 'ol US of A).
In the US, you NEED to be your own advocate - and advocate for your unborn baby - otherwise, you will be steamrollered by the OBs and other hospital staff. Read this book! Knowledge is indeed power and you need this knowledge - and this power - if you want to have your baby your way, not someone else's. No one will volunteer this stuff - you have to figure it out for yourself. Empower yourself and you will have the birth you want, not a birth that is in time for your OB's vacation.
Book Review: Great, informative book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book.
The research is a little out of date, because it was published in 1999 (and it frequently cites sources from the early 90s), but from what I know of c-section and induction statistics, it is still very relevant.
The author is very biased, but she admits it. (And her studies back her up! Anyone else read the appendices?) But I didn't feel like her biases overwhelmed her research. She even included sections about how to make make interventions more comfortable for yourself if you end up needing them. Meaning, she acknowledged that sometimes certain procedures (c-sections, epidurals, induction, etc) are necessary, and there are ways to make the experience easier on yourself. I found that very comforting and empowering.
In short, I guess this book isn't for everyone. My doctor-trusting mom wouldn't like it, for instance. However, if you question medical professionals, especially when it comes to women's health, or want a completely natural birth and don't know if you'll be able to get one in a hospital, read this book. Knowledge is power.