The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth | Henci Goer, Rhonda Wheeler

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth | Henci Goer, Rhonda Wheeler | Do NOT give birth without reading this!

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The Thinking Woman...

	The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth Henci Goer, Rhonda Wheeler Perigee Trade, 1999 - 367 pages average customer review:based on 167 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

The newest procedures. The latest information. The complete rundown on modern pregnancy and childbirth...for women who want the facts.

Every intelligent, informed woman is used to gathering the most complete information she can get before making a decision. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions in her life--how she will give birth--it can be tough to get the complete picture, even from an obstetrician. Surprisingly, much of the latest research goes against common medical opinion. Certified Lamaze instructor and activist Henci Goer brings women the carefully researched facts they'll want to have. Based on the latest medical studies and literature, The Thinking Woman's Guide To A Better Birth offers clear, concise information on tests, procedures and treatments--and gives advice about:* cesareans * ultrasound * gestational diabetes * breech babies * inducing labor * IVs * electronic fetal monitoring * ruptured membranes * epidurals * episiotomies * vaginal birth after a cesarean * midwives and obstetricians * alternative birthing methods * choosing a birth location * drugs and delivery * elective induction * professional labor support * and much more

* Author is a certified Lamaze instructor and doula who counsels women on their childbirth experiences
* Author belongs to the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services
* Drawn upon the most up-to-date medical literature and studies
* Written in an accessible, understandable style, explaining technical medical terms
* Gives advice to women who were dissatisfied with their first birth experience

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Very well researched

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.

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Do NOT give birth without reading this!

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.)

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Wonderful Read

An excellent, straightforward pregnancy book for the woman who wants to consider all of her options - without an OB breathing down her neck! Very informative and helpful.

Just a good book.

I do like this book. I am pro homebirth etc IF that is what the mother wants, most of all, I am pro birthing choice.

Anyway, I didn't find the book was telling me what to think, it was giving me information, I could either take that information or ignore it, simple really.

I would much rather have some idea about birth and the intervenions including the possible side effects and go into labour informed, rather than go into labour having no idea about things or only the basics and wonder why x, y and z went wrong (unfortunutely, due to unnecessary interventions, my first birth was pretty damned rotten, I wish I had had this book back then).

Anyway, read the book (in its entirety) and use the information as you best see fit.

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