Okay, I read this book after reading Pushed. I am currently pregnant for the second time and am actively trying to educate myself on various childbirth options.

This book proved to be quite informative and thorough. It presented a wealth of information, with numerous sources cited to support the author's opinions. I indeed gained some valuable insights. I became aware of how many unnecessary interventions are deeply ingrained in our current hospital labor and delivery wards. It also made me realize how challenging it can be to avoid such interventions. In fact, it has even encouraged me to decline when offered a routine induction, amniotomy, or episiotomy.

The reason I gave the book three stars instead of four or five is that I felt the author was a little too harsh towards obstetricians and hospitals. She criticized doctors for their reluctance to perform VBACs (vaginal birth after Cesarean) out of a fear of lawsuits. I'm not trying to be a devil's advocate here, but I do understand their perspective. It's not their fault that malpractice insurance costs are skyrocketing. Who can blame them for making a choice based on the motto "The only C-Section I will be sued for is the one I don't do." After all, nobody wants to spend 12 years in higher education, accumulate a quarter of a million dollars worth of student loans, only to be sued for a few VBACs and have to leave the profession. The blame should be shared. Certainly, doctors bear some responsibility, but so do the consumers who demand quick, convenient, and risk-free labor. We can also point a finger at our legal system and sue-happy society.

I'm glad I read Pushed first as it prepared me for the ideas of childbirth activists before delving into this book. The tone of this book might have put me off its ideas if I hadn't been previously introduced to the topic. I would recommend this book only to those who are already interested in birthing alternatives and not to those who are undecided or know nothing about the issue.

Absolutely loved this book!

I am a birth doula and this is one of my required reading books for certification. When it arrived in the mail, I was a bit hesitant. It resembled a textbook with an abundance of references, having over 20 pages of them at the end. However, I adored studying in college and one night, I simply delved in. And I'm extremely glad I did!

Henci Goer clearly has a bias against OBGYN's, and she isn't afraid to express her viewpoint. The good thing is that she discusses it at the beginning of the book, so you know what to anticipate in the subsequent chapters. When she makes statements against OB's, she references medical studies and provides excellent justifications for what she's saying. And when the research supports something that OB's do, she mentions those as well. So, despite her bias, I still felt that I was obtaining good information.

Although the book LOOKS like a textbook, it definitely doesn't feel like one when you're reading it. I had a highlighter in hand and marked something on almost every page. I read the first 90 pages in one sitting because the style is very easy to follow.

The topics she covers are captivating. The chapters are arranged in a logical manner: a topic is introduced, procedures are explained, and they conclude with "gleanings from the medical literature" along with references to research articles. At the end of the book, she includes different medical articles that you can read on your own, which is especially great because often, if you want to read one of those articles, you need to purchase them online.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is expecting, as well as their partners! And I know I will be referring back to this book in the future.

Another great book for an informed parent.

In clear chapters, it summarizes common techniques/problems/approaches, their pros and cons, and available scientific literature.

The text is understandable and readable, and all terms are explained.

It mainly concerns childbirth in the US, however, at the very end there are notes relevant to the Czech Republic.

This book provides valuable insights and information for parents who want to be well-informed about childbirth. It covers a wide range of topics, including different birthing techniques, potential problems that may arise, and various approaches to dealing with them. The author presents the information in a concise and accessible manner, making it easy for readers to understand.

Whether you are a first-time parent or have experience with childbirth, this book can be a useful resource. It can help you make more informed decisions about your pregnancy and childbirth, and give you the confidence you need to navigate this important time in your life.

History: I had a birth with some minor interventions. Now, as I'm preparing for my second birth, I'm determined to have an intervention-free experience (again). Instead of taking a birthing class once more, I'm reading to remind myself.

This book is not for 'thinking' women. It dictates precisely what you should think, and if you don't believe that hospitals/doctors are Teh Evil, then you're clearly in the wrong. I was seeking something more balanced, something that acknowledges the fact that hospitals/doctors can play a role, even in natural births, and especially in case of any severe complications. The book is also VERY out-dated, emphasizing things like pubic shaving and enemas. Maybe there are still some hospitals that do that, but I'm not aware of any.

The author is also very adept at intentionally misinterpreting statistics to make them seem favorable to her. I would expect this in political punditry, not in a book that claims to be for 'thinkers'.

Don't waste your time with this book. Instead, read anything by Ina May Gaskin. Her work is balanced and more uplifting. She offers suggestions on what you can do to PROMOTE a natural birth, rather than just spouting negative rhetoric.

**Title: The Mysterious World of [Subject]**

The world of [subject] is a truly fascinating one.

On one hand, it is filled with informative and interesting aspects. For example, we have learned a great deal about its history, evolution, and various characteristics. Scientists have been conducting extensive research to uncover the secrets hidden within this subject. Through their efforts, we now have a better understanding of how it functions and its importance in the ecosystem.

However, there is also a scary side to the world of [subject]. Some of the discoveries made have raised concerns and fears. There are still many unknowns and potential dangers that lurk within. For instance, certain aspects of [subject] might pose a threat to human health or the environment. The thought of what we don't know can be quite terrifying.

In conclusion, the world of [subject] is a complex and multi-faceted one. It offers both valuable information and a sense of mystery and danger. As we continue to explore and study this subject, we must remain cautious and prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Written by a doula and certified Lamaze instructor, The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer is a significant work. It serves as the forerunner to Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care by Jennifer Block, although its tone is less scholarly.

On page 3, the author sums up the major problems with modern U.S. maternity care in three statements. First, \\"Obstetrician-gynecologists are surgical specialists in the pathology of women's reproductive organs. The typical obstetrician is trained to view pregnant and laboring women as a series of potential problems . . ..\\" Second, \\"Obstetricians work within the medical model, a model that says drugs and procedures are the answer to whatever goes wrong . . ..\\" Third, \\"Obstetricians are also influenced by the broader culture in that it is believed that technology is superior to nature and machines are more reliable than people.\\" Later in the book, Goer also addresses additional factors like money and the fear of malpractice lawsuits.

This is truly the \\"thinking woman's guide\\" as it presents the risks and benefits of the most common and routine medical interventions during childbirth in the United States. It enables women to be aware of these and consider whether the interventions are really necessary, whether to refuse them, how to minimize risks if they choose to have them, and how to reclaim a more natural form of childbirth if they don't want a birth treated as a medical event.

However, like other granola childbirth books, there is a caveat for the reader. If you plan on blindly following your doctor's orders, want an epidural without question, and believe it's wrong to question the wisdom of medical professionals, then this book may not be for you. You might not like it and it could potentially just upset you. So, it's important to approach it with an open and discerning mind.

The book covers various topics in detail. In chapter 1, it discusses the epidemic rate of cesarean sections. Chapter 2 looks at alternatives for delivering breech babies. Chapter 3 presents reasons against labor inductions. Chapter 4 explains why forbidding food and water to laboring women is unnecessary. Chapter 5 shows how continuous electronic fetal monitoring can actually be harmful in many circumstances. Chapter 6 examines the pros and cons of artificially rupturing a woman's membranes. Chapter 7 focuses on augmenting and managing a \\"slow\\" labor. Chapter 8 deals with medications for pain relief. Chapter 9 discusses routine episiotomies. Chapter 10 covers VBAC and repeat elective cesareans. Chapter 11 explores doulas and other labor support. Chapter 12 compares obstetricians, midwives, and general practitioners. And chapter 13 looks at locations for labor and delivery.

At the end of each chapter, the author presents \\"gleaning from the medical literature\\", where she presents key findings from medical studies. The entire second half of the book is comprised of elaborations on these statements made in each chapter, with citations for the medical articles from which the author gathered her information. This provides a comprehensive and well-researched resource for women who are seeking a better understanding of childbirth and the available options.

Overall, The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth is a valuable book that offers important insights and information for women who are preparing for childbirth. It encourages them to think critically about the medical interventions and make informed decisions that are right for them and their babies.

This is an excellent read for those who are eager to educate themselves on options.

It provides in-depth knowledge and valuable insights into the world of options trading.

The book or article likely covers various aspects such as the different types of options, their characteristics, and how they can be used to manage risk and potentially generate profits.

Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the basics or an experienced trader seeking to enhance your strategies, this resource can be a great asset.

It offers clear explanations, real-life examples, and practical tips that can help you make informed decisions when it comes to options trading.

By reading this, you can expand your understanding of the market and gain the confidence to explore the exciting world of options.

So, if you are serious about educating yourself on options, don't miss out on this excellent read.

Before I begin, I'd like to recommend this very important article for all pregnant mothers: https://www.beingtheparent.com/can-my...

Now, my review:

I read "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer. This book is highly regarded, and for good reason. Goer does an excellent job of presenting the findings of a great deal of research in a manner that is easily understandable and accessible to those without a medical background.

She has a strong bias towards natural birth, as she explains in the introduction. I appreciate that she acknowledges her biases and is honest with the reader about them.

Despite her bias, this book is extremely well-researched and clearly written. I believe that those who approach this book feeling rather negative about medicalized hospital births but curious about the other side can overlook the occasional anti-OB comment and still appreciate the solid research within. There are a plethora of tremendously useful and educational statistics in here.

At the end of each chapter, there is an appendix that summarizes the literature sources, allowing you to link a specific assertion with its source. For me, as a scientist, not being able to link a statement with a citation was bothersome! However, perhaps it is more comfortable for the general reader to read the chapters without being cluttered by citations and journal article titles.

One interesting new medical thing I learned from this book - in fact, two: (1) When women receive an epidural or before a C-section, they are given a large bolus of IV fluid, typically at least a liter (4 cups). This is to raise blood pressure and counteract the blood pressure-lowering effect of an epidural. (2) That's a significant amount of water all at once, and it may be (at least partially) responsible for the problem of increased fluid in the lungs and respiratory issues in C-section babies.

In conclusion, this book is really well-researched and written very clearly. I think that people who come to read this, feeling quite down about medicalized hospital births but curious about the other side, can overlook the occasional anti-OB comment and appreciate the truly solid research in this book. There's a wealth of tremendously useful and educational stats in here.

I also want to add a few links regarding my own research about the importance of keeping one's thoughts pure and virtuous during pregnancy if one desires a virtuous baby:

(To save your time, start 4:41 into the video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYQ6-...

(Dr. Bruce Lipton is a geneticist, epigeneticist, researcher, stem cell biologist, and former professor. After many breakthrough discoveries about genetics (e.g., "genes" do NOT control disease), stem cells, and cell biology, instead of being dictated by a university, he decided to lecture and then write a book, "The Biology of Belief" - and you will be SHOCKED by what he exposes!)

Here is another video of Dr. Lipton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TivZ...

One of his discoveries is that the mother's thoughts during pregnancy can alter the baby's DNA, thereby affecting the health, brain development, and well-being of her child!

Below are links to medical articles on how the mother's thoughts affect her blood hormones, and these hormones enter the child's body via the blood (to a fetus) or milk (to an infant), and how these lustful hormones bind to the child's receptors as if the child had thought the lustful thoughts, and how these first impressions on the child's mind and brain PERMANENTLY undermine his/her moral character and mental abilities.

http://milkgenomics.org/article/hormo...

So, I think the person who posted the discussion was simply trying to spread awareness among health professionals and counselors about this so that the counselors could WARN mothers to avoid reading this type of literature for the 2-3 year period between conception and weaning if they want children who won't be distracted in school by sexual impulses and who will score higher and be happier.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/f...

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/eb14...

Therefore, please, if you find any mother who reads erotica, warn her of the negative impact she is having on her fetus or nursing child's future ability to study without internal distractions. Instead of giving birth to a virtuous creative genius, she risks giving birth to a wayward child due to a sexually dominated mind and consequent attention deficit disorder.

There is so much good information presented here, but unfortunately, it is SO DRY. It feels like a never-ending stream of facts and details that can be quite overwhelming. Reading it all at once is nearly impossible. The only way I managed to get through it was by taking small pieces and reading them over a period of time. This way, I could absorb the information more effectively and not feel completely bombarded. It's a bit like eating a large meal - you can't just wolf it down all at once. You have to take small bites and savor each one. Similarly, with this information, taking it in small doses allows for a better understanding and retention.

This book is written with a very strong bias in favor of natural births.

It comes across as being judgy and bossy, and it can really make you feel guilty if you don't choose the option that the author deems as the best.

I made the mistake of reading it before my first baby and ended up forming a birth plan based on it, which unfortunately had to be completely abandoned.

I've since had four more babies.

With my first baby, after struggling with back pain for 16 hours and making no progress, I was put on pitocin and had an epidural.

I had initially fought against getting an epidural because of what I read in this book, but in the end, I had a healthy baby in my arms and was healthy myself just two hours after getting the epidural.

The next three babies I gave birth to at the hospital with the help of midwives and without any pain intervention.

The fifth baby was a planned home birth.

If I were to have a sixth baby, I would probably go to the hospital and get an epidural again.

The important thing to remember is that all five of my babies were healthy and I recovered just fine from all five births.

So, focus on what you feel is best for you and the health of the baby.

For every hour you spend reading and preparing for childbirth, it's advisable to spend two hours learning about actually caring for a newborn.

After all, the birth is just a very small part of the parenting journey.

This book contains some truly excellent information, making it a must-read for anyone who ever intends to give birth in a hospital or under OB care.

If you're already fully dedicated to a natural/home/midwife-attended birth, then much of this may not really pertain to you and/or you probably already know this material.

It's also an interesting read for those who wish to learn more about birth and the general manner in which it's carried out in hospitals.

The author openly admits her bias towards natural birth from the very beginning and supports all her claims with a wealth of solid research.

I somewhat wish she had included the research within the chapters themselves, perhaps just citing it in-chapter and then summarizing it later.

As it is, all the references are cited and summarized at the back of the book.

If you don't realize that she includes all that information at the end, it might initially seem as if her conclusions are unsupported, but in fact, all the research is there - it's just later on.

As others have noted, I appreciate that she's not one-sided about things.

While overall she clearly recommends a midwife-attended birth with as few interventions as possible, she does list both the pros and cons for everything, as well as specific ways in which you might reduce risk/harm if you do choose certain interventions.

I truly didn't feel that the aim was to make women feel bad for any choices they've made or might make, but rather, to ensure they are fully informed before making them.

Because, quite frankly (and my personal experience in various non-pregnancy areas has confirmed this for me), you can't simply blindly trust everything doctors say or do.

I understand that the intended audience for this book is the woman who plans on choosing (or doesn't even realize it's a choice) the traditional OB/hospital/intervention-filled path, and in that regard, it has some crucial information.

However, I do feel that it focuses more on what to avoid rather than what to do.

I suppose that's why I'm only giving it four stars.

For a reader like me, who went into it already fairly determined to avoid the kind of birth she warns about, this mostly strengthened my commitment to having my births attended by midwives and, if possible, not in a hospital.

But it didn't really offer me much guidance for a better birth within a birth center/home birth environment.

I realize that getting out of the hospital is the major step towards "better" here, and I also know there are other birth books that can assist in guiding me, but...I don't know.

Maybe I'm just hoping this book was something it wasn't.

At any rate, it's highly recommended, at least if the subject matter interests or applies to you.

Be prepared to be quite outraged (if you're not already) at the blatant disregard for research within the medical model.

It's rather astonishing that OBs practice the way they do.

A thorough yet somewhat biased book delves into how obstetricians tend to view pregnancy and labor as an illness rather than a natural process. It does so by highlighting medical techniques like artificial induction, episiotomies, and cesarean births.

The basic premise is that doctors frequently over-diagnose or overtreat women, mainly to safeguard their own liability, despite lacking substantial evidence to prove the positive impact of such treatment. Goer supports her viewpoint with numerous references and summaries of studies from renowned medical journals.

Every new parent should peruse this book, even if they hold the belief that a doctor's word is absolute. This is crucial to understand all the consequences of these often invasive techniques, both for the mother and the baby, and to be well-informed about the choices they will make during the emotional turmoil of labor.

Goer is undoubtedly inclined towards a midwife's hands-off approach to labor and may likely cherry-pick studies to prove her point. Nevertheless, this book remains a great source of knowledge that can be taken to the doctor to ensure that you receive the labor and delivery experience you desire.