I highly recommend this book to any woman going through her first pregnancy.

It can also be beneficial for someone who simply wants to be more informed for a future pregnancy.

A friend gave it to me, and initially, I was not excited about the size of the book.

However, it turns out that it's a book that you can pick through, and half of it is a literature review.

I found the dissection of several different common labor procedures and techniques from various standpoints to be extremely interesting and educational.

It definitely gives one a lot of questions to ask any midwife or doctor and will inform the pregnant woman about what to expect and allow them to develop a stance on what is important to them during their delivery.

My only concern with the book is that it's over ten years old, so some things have changed since its publication.

Despite this, it still offers valuable insights and information that can be helpful to pregnant women.

I would encourage anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant to give this book a read.

It may just provide the knowledge and confidence you need to have a positive and informed birthing experience.

Required reading for pregnant women is of utmost importance.

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes numerous changes, and it is essential for her to have a comprehensive understanding of what to expect. This reading material provides valuable information on various aspects such as proper nutrition, physical exercise, and emotional well-being.

It offers detailed guidelines on the types of foods that are beneficial for the mother and the developing fetus, ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, it educates pregnant women about the importance of regular physical activity, which can help maintain a healthy weight and improve overall fitness.

Moreover, the reading material also addresses the emotional challenges that pregnant women may face and provides practical tips on how to cope with them. By reading this, pregnant women can feel more confident and empowered throughout their pregnancy journey, knowing that they have the necessary knowledge and support to make informed decisions for the health and well-being of themselves and their babies.

I began reading this book when I had scarcely read anything about labor and delivery. Initially, it scared and stressed me out, so I set it aside. After reading more of the basics, I returned to it, and it made more sense.

This book gives very little, if any, ground to medical convention. I wish it did, as it would have made me engage with it more seriously. However, its completely unyielding anti-medical establishment perspective was difficult for me to reconcile with my basic confidence in the sanity and soundness of my OBGYN's judgment as her patient over the past decade.

I don't doubt that there are many flaws in some of the basic assumptions, practices, and procedures involved in a typical hospital birth. That much seems evident, and it's part of the reason I wanted to read this book in the first place. But it was challenging to get on board with a book that was so combative.

Nevertheless, I still managed to learn a few things from this book.

A book that is simple to read and focuses on the facts of modern-day childbirth has been written. It is not influenced by the author's personal opinion. Instead, it is based on extensive research into the processes, reasons, and outcomes of each type of birth, including homebirth, midwife-assisted birth, and hospital birth.

It is truly absurd that, despite all the statistics and actual cases of obstetric failure, we are still led to believe that giving birth in a hospital is the best option. There are many factors to consider when choosing a place to give birth, and each woman should make an informed decision based on her own circumstances and preferences.

This book provides valuable information that can help women make a more informed choice about where to give birth. It presents the facts in a clear and easy-to-understand way, without pushing a particular agenda. Whether a woman chooses to give birth at home, with the assistance of a midwife, or in a hospital, she should do so with confidence and knowledge.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to obtaining most of my birth information from hippies.

On the one hand, the advantages are notable. Given that I plan to give birth in a hospital, approaching it with hippie values might be moderately healthier and safer. Hippie values often emphasize natural and holistic approaches, which could potentially have some benefits during the birthing process.

On the other hand, there are also several disadvantages. There is a probably unmerited skepticism towards medical professionals, which can be a problem when giving birth in a hospital. Additionally, people may assume that I am anti-science, when in fact, these choices are often more supported by evidence than standard medicine. Another issue is that I feel a little guilty considering making "normal" choices regarding analgesia, knowing that it has significant risks and side effects.

Overall, while there are some potential benefits to incorporating hippie values into my birth plan, there are also several challenges and drawbacks that I need to consider carefully. Gosh darned hippies.

This article provides good information on a wide range of topics, supported by data sources. However, it has a strong bias.

The righteously indignant tone can be a bit patronizing at times. I would have preferred more nuance rather than the extreme stance of essentially no medical intervention ever.

Although the author is writing for the "thinking woman," she says "you've probably never considered birth at home" (p. 201). This comes after the top recommendation in previous chapter summaries is to simply avoid giving birth at a hospital.

It seems that the author is pushing a particular agenda without fully considering the complexity and individual circumstances of each woman's birth experience.

While it's important to present alternative viewpoints and information, it's equally important to do so in a balanced and respectful way.

Perhaps the author could have explored the pros and cons of both home birth and hospital birth more thoroughly, and provided more guidance on how to make an informed decision based on individual needs and preferences.

Overall, the article has some valuable information, but the strong bias and lack of nuance may turn off some readers.

While this book provided a great deal of information on the diverse range of interventions, I have to admit that I was rather disappointed with the author's writing style. I found it to be condescending, as if the author was talking down to the readers. This made it difficult for me to fully engage with the content and enjoy the reading experience. Additionally, I felt that the book was too biased. The author seemed to present only one side of the argument, without considering other perspectives. A little more balance would have been highly appreciated. It would have made the book more objective and allowed the readers to form their own opinions based on a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. Overall, while the information in the book was useful, the writing style and lack of balance detracted from its overall quality.

This book presented itself as an engaging read during pregnancy. However, I feel compelled to issue a caution to those who might be inclined to pick it up.

Right from the introduction, the author makes it evident that there is a bias towards drug-free home births. That being said, she does an admirable job of maintaining a relatively balanced perspective. In fact, everything, and I truly mean everything, within the book is supported by scientific and medical studies and data.

The book is highly technical and graphic in nature. This aspect proves to be a great fit for someone like me with a type A personality, as I have an insatiable desire to know all the potential scenarios that could unfold during labor.

Nevertheless, if you are a bit squeamish or prefer a more narrative-driven approach, this book might seem overly dry and medical for your taste. On the other hand, if you are like me and渴求 a realistic portrayal of what lies ahead, then this book will be an absolute perfect choice for you. So, go ahead and enjoy!

This book proved to be an excellent choice for reading during my childbirth classes.

Although it encompassed a significant amount of information that I was already familiar with, it was extremely beneficial in enabling me to pose the appropriate questions. This helped me to clarify the hospital policy, determine the preferences I needed to state, and have discussions with my doctor.

The author, right from the start, admitted that she has a bias and that at times this bias would be evident. Indeed, her bias was palpable throughout the entire book. I do appreciate her upfront honesty, but there were moments when it seemed as if she was expressing the belief that one cannot have a good experience in a hospital. Then again, perhaps this is revealing my own bias or insecurity regarding my decision to give birth in a hospital rather than a birthing center.

In any case, this book is definitely worth reading if you are planning on having a baby, are pregnant, or are not satisfied with your current care provider. I wholeheartedly advocate for being well-informed about your options and having a clear understanding of what your body is truly capable of and what it cannot do.

Well, for starters, the title of this book initially struck me as a bit presumptuous. However, once I delved into its pages, I was pleasantly surprised.

This book was truly great!!! Goer presents her bias for "natural" childbirth in an unemotional and research-based tone. Her approach is informative and inviting, making it easy for readers to engage with the content. I did not find this book to be alarmist or slanted in any way.

Each chapter is neatly summarized with a bulleted list at the end, which I found very helpful for quick reference. As I was approaching the birth of my son Jackson in 2006, I found learning about natural childbirth to be both exhilarating and freeing. Before I had much knowledge about birth, I was filled with fear and anxiety, relying on all the newest medical interventions for comfort and as a safeguard against any potential horrors. Fortunately, we came across some information that presented both sides of the story.

This book serves as an excellent primer on birth and medical interventions, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the options available. It is a must-read for anyone interested in childbirth and making informed decisions.

This book is truly remarkable in its research. In the back of the book, which takes up over one hundred pages, you can find comprehensive literature summaries, a detailed bibliography, useful charts, and a helpful index. It's truly impressive. The author admits a few times that she has her own opinion, but the vast majority of the book is a retelling of her intensive research.

Unlike some books that only list the pros or cons of medical interventions at childbirth, this author includes all possible pros and cons of both medical interventions and natural practices. It feels like neither side is overlooked.

Some parts of the book are a bit repetitive, but the author explains that this is intentional. This way, an inquisitive reader doesn't have to read the entire book cover-to-cover when looking for specific information. You can simply turn to the relevant chapter and find all the related details.

The author is very even-handed, but she does have the general view that while obstetric interventions are necessary, they are overused among low-risk women and babies.

When reading the quotes that I found important or interesting, keep in mind that they may not give you a balanced view of the book. I only chose the ones I wanted to remember.

The book contains many thought-provoking quotes. For example, from "Midwifery and Childbirth in America" by Judith Pence Rooks: "We can no longer say that a great deal of American obstetric practice goes forth without adequate research. It is now more accurate to say that many interventions are used routinely or frequently in spite of research that has clearly shown that the procedure is being used inappropriately in this country."

Another quote from "A Good Birth, A Safe Birth: Choosing and Having the Childbirth Experience You Want" by Diana Korte and Roberta Scaer: "If you don't know your options, you don't have any."

The book also provides statistics on cesarean sections, electronic fetal monitoring, and other aspects of childbirth. It highlights the potential risks and benefits of different practices and encourages readers to make informed decisions.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in childbirth. It offers a wealth of information and a balanced perspective on the topic. Whether you're a soon-to-be parent, a healthcare provider, or simply someone who wants to learn more about this important subject, this book is definitely worth reading.

I'll probably read this book again as a refresher.

When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I truly found it extremely informative.

Goer elaborates on the risk/reward aspect of numerous common procedures or tests that women encounter during pregnancy and then the birth of their child.

If you're the sort of lady who automatically states - "give me the drugs and knock me out for the birth" - this isn't the book for you.

However, if you're more of a natural birther, of the Bradley-method type, then it's really outstanding.

To be fair, the title is a bit silly - I really don't believe that women who wish to avoid pain are unthinking individuals.

But the truth is, you are accountable for your own health and being knowledgeable about the pros and cons of any medical assistance you receive, whether it pertains to birth or not.

Therefore, this is a great book to assist you in clarifying those issues and having a conversation with your prenatal health care provider in advance!