The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
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Book Reviews of The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
Book Review: Well-reasoned, well-written, well-researched
Summary: 5 Stars
I have purchased probably 6 birth books altogether and this is one of the only ones that actually instills me with confidence. I would categorize most other popular books as "pregnancy lite" reading for those who are comfortable taking their obstetrician's word as sufficient (The Mother of All Birth Books, What to Expect). I have also purchased a few more stylistically "hard core" home birth and midwifery books (Mother's Intention) about which certain criticism regarding bias could be leveled. Ms. Goer's has a point of view, naturally, but it is informed by sound research. This is a good book for cynics and skeptics because the research speaks for itself and all works are cited. Those who have a problem with the book, simply may not be ready to challenge the status quo and feel defensive when confronted with information that might require them to do that. Of all the books I purchased, this and Birthing from Within are the most useful. If What to Expect is a pregnancy primer, I'd call this pregnancy grad school.Book Review: Do NOT give birth without reading this!
Summary: 5 Stars
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 "bias" towards natural birth is based on FACT, not personal opinion... *unnecessary* interventions carry risks that natural birth does not have. It's just fact.
READ UP!!!! OBs are still doing dumb, senseless things like telling women they can't drink during labor. Even world-class hospitals, such as Johns Hopkins Bayview here in Baltimore, still does this. FIND OUT what the policies are & select a caregiver who practices based on the SCIENCE... not tradition! I'm so glad I did. (& switched out of Hopkins.)
Book Review: Very well researched
Summary: 5 Stars
I am preparing for the birth of my first child. My husband and I are both from academic research backgrounds, and do not give much weight to any "data" which does not have a legitimate scientific source. This book was exactly what I wanted in a birthing book: real facts from someone who knows how to review medical literature. I do not have access to all the medical journals and wanted someone to synthesize the information for us. Henci does this.
Yes, she is admittedly biased against the hospital model of delivery. She states this openly in the introduction, and invites you to read on with that in mind. This book does not offer any advice on pain management, meditation, hypnosis, etc. But what it does do it is give you scientifically sound peer-reviewed research to support your decision to go natural. This helped me commit to natural delivery, and now I'm reading other books for help with the HOW. If you're like me and want someone to present you with the SCIENCE you need, read this book.
Book Review: A must read for all pregnant women...
Summary: 5 Stars
As a childbirth educator teaching in a hospital, I'm limited on the amount of information I'm able to give my students. Thankfully, this book is listed in the "Recommended Reading" section of our class textbook. Through this book, I'm able to inform my students about the risks of interventions, how to communicate with their care givers, and how to have a better birth. Unfortunately, alot of my students are weeks before their due dates and they miss the extremely valuable information this book gives on how to choose a competent care giver and how to truly find out how their care giver practices. The pendulum is swinging to a very high technological approach in birth. In the five years I've been teaching, the cesarean rate has doubled at our hospital. It's outrageous and not evidence based care, as Ms. Goer's book explains (and backs up with scientific studies and references).
If you want to know the real story on epidurals, IVs, VBACs, and inductions, get this book!
Book Review: As a mom, RN, and childbirth educator, I recommend this book
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is excellent! It is very well researched with evidence-based information about routine medical interventions in labor and birth. The author gives you the facts, her opinion about the facts, and options for the pregnant woman to consider. While some of the info Henci shares with the reader is not pleasant, it is honest. If for you ignorance is bliss, then don't read this book. If you want to know how typical birth in the US adversely affects you and your baby's health, and what you can do about it, then you will love this book. At the back of the book, the author includes a copy of the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative. Be sure to take a look at this important concensus document and the list of groups and individuals who ratified and endorsed it - all the major professional organizations of midwives, perinatal nurses, childbirth educators, and doulas. Also take notice who did not endorse it - the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).