Books about Natural Childbirth

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
by Susan McCutcheon, Erick Ingraham (Illustrator), Robin Yoko Burningham (Illustrator)

Bradley Worked For My Three Births
Reviewer: Amy W. from Binghamton, NY USA

   If you are committed to natural childbirth, or even if you are only considering it, this book is a MUST read. The text presents a very detailed and easy to understand description of labor and birth - including many accurate illustrations and photographs. In addition, it provides a wealth of information for the husband (or birth "coach") - in far greater detail than I have found in any other resource. Many husbands today, are nothing more than "observers" in the delivery room. But with the Bradley Method, your husband will learn to be your advocate, your encouragement, and will have an active role in the birth of your child.

   All three of my children were delivered (using the Bradley Method) without any medication or intervention, and I can ASSURE you that the techniques in this book are practical, logical and very effective. And my husband cherishes his important role in all of the births (as do I!).
 

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Gentle Birth Choices:
A Guide to Making Informed Decisions About Birthing Centers, Birth Attendants, Water Birth, Home Birth, Hospital Birth
by Barbara Harper, Suzanne Arms (Photographer)

Most OB/GYNs won't recommend this book...
Reviewer: LisaM5305 from Texas

     Because it focuses on the mother-to-be naturally reclaiming the birth process. This book was one of my tried-and-true resources during my pregnancy while I was thoughtfully trying to decide what birth experience I wanted. I ended up making an informed decision to have a midwife-assisted natural homebirth, and it was the most exhilarating experience of my life. There is no other way I would want to bring a child into this world. I challenge any mother-to-be to think for herself, inform herself of all the options, and make the choice SHE (not just her OB/GYN) feels is right. Thank God a medically-controlled hospital birth is not the only option. Blessed are the babies who receive such a warm welcome into the world. And, my heart breaks for every innocent little soul who is yanked from his mother's womb by a pair of cold, latex-gloved hands in a cold, bright, sterilized hospital. Trust me, women...there IS a better way! You have all the resources and strength within you to have exactly the kind of birth you want.

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Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally
by Janet Balaskas

One of the BEST books available if you want a natural birth
Reviewer: Lina from Australia, Melbourne

   I am a childbirth educator and birth attendant living in Australia. I have been helping moms and their partners for nearly 20 years to be informed and confident in their native capacity to give birth normally, without all the unnecessary medical intervention that is unfortunately occurring these days. There are heaps of books on birth to buy ,but still I am convinced that if a pregnant mother can only get ONE book-get this one. It is informative and very empowering and the photos in the new edition are fine and the prenatal exercises are great. The chapter on labour is good for dads to read too. It is a book for folks who would prefer a natural birth and the author is well aware of the consequences of routine medical interventions. Working as a midwife I see what goes on when women are not fully informed when they make choices about birth (more complications, more epidurals and alot more fear.)

   Read this book to see what options there really are available for birthing women. THEN make your choices (of birth place and caregiver). There are some other really good books around too. I am in the process of creating a website and will include these titles too, as well as info on relaxation tapes I have created for pregnant women. Meanwhile, please know that Janet Balaskas has great passion and integrity in her work to teach and empower birthing women. Any of her books are great. I have worked and trained with many people but the time I spent in UK with Janet so many years ago continues to inform my work now, and I continue to receive fantastic feedback from the moms, dads, partners and midwives who I now teach and work with in Australia. If you are pregnant and wanting to hear and develop a positive attitude about birth (rather than the scary portrayal on popular media), you need to buy the right books and talk to the right people. Find an independent midwife in your area and have a chat. Talk to women who have a positive attitude about their birth experiences. Read this book and practice relaxation skills for birth and beyond. I hope this little book review and these suggestions are helpful. Giving birth is one of the most amazing experiences in a woman's life - a real gift.. Enjoy the passion and the challenge and the opportunity to grow.

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