I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it to be extremely interesting. It delved into several truly significant topics for me, such as labor induction, epidurals, episiotomy, eating during labor, continuous monitoring, and scheduled c-sections, among others. The points it raised were highly thought-provoking and very helpful to me as I am in the process of planning my next birth.

I firmly believe that all women should read this book so that they can make the most optimal decisions for themselves and their precious babies. However, I would caution that one must read it while "thinking," just as the title implies. In one chapter, Goer refers to respiratory paralysis and cardiac arrest from an epidural occurring "as commonly as 1 in 3,000 cases." Just two chapters later, when discussing repeat cesareans, she states that 4 per 1,000 will have scar ruptures and then says "should this rare event occur..." (On the same page, she then accuses medical professionals of using loaded language.) Now, I surely wouldn't desire either of these complications, but I don't think one can be considered common while a more frequent one can be classified as rare.

My personal opinion is that birth for low-risk mothers is a relatively safe process regardless of what one chooses, whether it be a home birth, an epidural, or something in between. I am firmly against inductions and c-sections unless they are medically necessary, which is extremely rare. I feel that doctors often fail to inform mothers of many of the risks associated with certain procedures, be they rare or common. Women have the right to know what different birth choices will entail and should not be pushed into conforming to the social norms of the day. They should be allowed to make informed decisions for themselves, but this can only be achieved if they are provided with accurate information.

I truly hope that this upcoming birth can be an amazing experience for us and something that we will cherish for a lifetime. I firmly believe that birth is meant to be a beautiful and wonderful occasion. This book can serve as a valuable resource to help you understand some of the options available to you in order to plan the best possible birth for you and your baby.

This book was truly interesting.

At the beginning, she claims to be unbiased, but it is quite evident that this is not the case. Fortunately, my own biases happen to align with hers, so this didn't overly concern me.

She also provides some excellent and well-balanced information about topics that are not frequently discussed in medical settings. For example, she delves into the details of epidurals and repeat c-sections.

These matters are often presented in a way that makes it seem as if they carry no independent risks or potential side-effects, and are thus always the best choices. However, as Ms. Goer shows, nothing is without risk, and she offers proof of this, which I believe is extremely valuable for birthing parents to know and understand.

Nevertheless, I can understand how this book might be alarming for a first-time parent. Therefore, I think this book is best comprehended within the context of birth worker education or for parents who are in the midst of subsequent pregnancies.

This way, they can approach the information with a more informed and rational perspective.

Here is some excellent information on obstetrical research. It provides valuable insights and details about various aspects related to childbirth and obstetrics. The author has done a great job in presenting this information in a comprehensive and understandable manner.

For those who are interested in getting updated information, they can refer to Optimal Care in Childbirth by the same author. This book is likely to offer the latest research findings, best practices, and new developments in the field of obstetrics.

Whether you are a healthcare professional, a researcher, or someone who is simply interested in learning more about childbirth, this information and the recommended book can be a great resource. It can help you stay informed and make better decisions regarding obstetrical care and childbirth.

Good research plays a crucial role in understanding the potential benefits and risks of different medical interventions. It helps us make informed decisions and find ways to minimize those risks.

The book in question was written in 1999, and it would be fascinating to explore how the research in this area has evolved over the years. Reading this book has been an interesting experience for me.

However, I am disappointed that the author seems either unwilling or unable to offer a balanced perspective. She frequently depicts obstetricians and hospitals as the adversaries of laboring women, suggesting that they operate with their own biases and self-interests. But I know from personal experience that this is not the philosophy of all obstetricians, including the one I have.

Moreover, the author herself is culpable of using biased language throughout the book and makes no genuine attempt to keep her opinions separate from the discussion. This lack of objectivity can undermine the credibility of the book and make it less useful for readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Despite these flaws, the book does offer some valuable insights into the potential benefits and risks of different medical interventions during childbirth. It serves as a reminder that we need to approach these decisions with caution and consider all the available evidence.

In conclusion, while the book has its merits, it also has significant drawbacks. I hope that future research in this area will provide a more balanced and objective view of the complex issues surrounding childbirth and medical interventions.

This is fairly old now but still an interesting and informative read.

It contains a wealth of knowledge and insights that can be applicable even in today's context. The ideas presented are thought-provoking and can stimulate further discussion and exploration.

Although it may have been written some time ago, its relevance has not diminished. The author's writing style is engaging and makes the content accessible to a wide range of readers.

Whether you are new to the subject or have some prior knowledge, this piece has something to offer. It can serve as a valuable resource for learning and expanding your understanding.

Overall, it is a worthwhile read that can provide both entertainment and education.

I truly appreciated the fact that the author didn't simply reference her supporting material. Instead, she took the extra step of including it in the appendices.

This approach provides several benefits. Firstly, it allows the readers to have direct access to the detailed supporting information without having to search for it elsewhere. It enhances the credibility of the author's work as the readers can verify the sources and data for themselves.

Secondly, including the supporting material in the appendices helps to keep the main body of the article focused and concise. The author can present her arguments and ideas clearly without being burdened by excessive details.

In conclusion, I believe that the author's decision to include the supporting material in the appendices is a great example of good academic writing. It shows her attention to detail and her commitment to providing the readers with a comprehensive and reliable piece of work.

Really excellent.

I felt informed, not coerced. She gives a lot of sources, though I didn't peruse them all.

Haven't given birth yet

I discovered that this was extremely beneficial for soothing my anxieties when I was carrying my first child. During that special time, the anticipation and uncertainties often led to feelings of nervousness and worry. However, this particular something provided a source of comfort and relaxation. It helped me to take a step back, breathe deeply, and focus on the present moment. Whether it was a gentle activity, a favorite book, or a quiet place to unwind, it made a significant difference in my state of mind. It allowed me to better cope with the challenges and enjoy the journey of pregnancy. I am truly grateful for having found this way to calm my anxieties and look forward to sharing this experience with others who may be going through a similar situation.

This book was meticulously well-researched.

Despite being a decade old, it remains incredibly relevant and crucial for anyone contemplating having a baby to peruse.

There are an abundance of supporting articles and back-up data within its pages, far more than in any other birth-themed book I've encountered, enabling one to truly delve into specific subjects should they desire.

I particularly appreciate the alternative means the author presents as available before resorting to traditional interventions.

The journey to having a baby is not as straightforward as TLC's A Baby Story might lead us to assume.

However, I had a couple of issues.

At the outset, the author claims to be unbiased. But I'm sorry to say that NO one penning a non-fiction book, regardless of the subject, can do so without some degree of bias. It's simply not feasible.

Secondly, when reading, it's essential to bear in mind that while the statistical evidence may reveal certain trends, a doctor or midwife who knows you and your health history intimately is unlikely to have malicious intent.

The main contention is that maternal care in this country has "evolved" into something entirely distinct from that in the rest of the world.

I don't think doctors are malevolent, but they do operate within a model that guides their actions.

And perhaps I'm naïve, but I believe there are still rational individuals on this planet.

Occasionally, the overarching message seemed to be that one option was always good and another was always bad.

I also wasn't fond of the title - it insinuates that anyone who doesn't read is a mindless drone who blindly follows whatever someone more educated than them proclaims.

For a book that aims to empower women to understand that they have choices, I felt this slightly diminished its validity.

Ah, the politics of childbirth. There is indeed a wealth of good information presented here. I find myself largely in agreement with the author on many points. However, at times, her rather aggressive polemics can be a bit off-putting. If one is seeking a scathing indictment of the "obstetrical mindframe," then this book is definitely for you. It does a more than adequate job of vividly depicting what one doesn't want when it comes to childbirth. But if your intention is to look for practical and helpful hints on how to manage labor naturally, that is, what one does want, then it would be advisable to look elsewhere. Specifically, you might want to explore works by Ina May Gaskin. This book, unfortunately, is more likely to heighten your anxiety regarding labor and childbirth rather than instill in you a sense of empowerment to attempt natural childbirth. So, while it serves as a great source of facts, it fails to be the most emotionally supportive guide that I have come across.

Love the concept of this book, but I think it falls short on delivery.

First and foremost, the organization is off-putting. Instead of relegating supporting evidence to an appendix of sorts, the exercise would have been far more productive with coordinating end notes. As a reader, I desire to know precisely which studies are referenced on one page versus another. This lack of clear organization makes it difficult to follow and verify the author's claims.

Secondly, I appreciate Goer's bias toward natural childbirth. However, this book has more than one sin of omission. If this is the only book an expectant mother reads, it is worrisome. Maybe Goer assumes it is to be a companion piece to the standard hospital labor and delivery curriculum. Generally, Goer takes issue with the primary technical/medical intervention, often rightly finding it unnecessary, potentially harmful, and costly. But she fails to account for secondary or tertiary reasons for considering it. The cumulative picture is much more complex than she presents.

What's more, the statistical analysis doesn't always add up. For example, to show that resuscitation is often the result of other hospital procedures, she argues that 65 babies (about 5% of a hospital study) needed breathing assistance, and 11 needed Narcan. But this leaves 54 babies or 83% unaccounted for. She then uses a different study to note another 43% can be attributed to other hospital interventions. Setting aside the apples to oranges comparison for a moment, there are still 26 babies or 40% that would require resuscitation for unknown reasons. It is inconsistent to label 39 hospital-attributed resuscitations as alarming while calling 26 a "miniscule risk."

Finally, one should note the author's general distrust of OBGYNs and hospital nursing staff. Regardless of her opinion, some women with high-risk pregnancies will need to have a hospital birth. Why would she want to instill such fear and distrust in these readers? They are not simply lambs to the slaughter. Ideally, women should make an educated choice about where and how to give birth. But if they do not have that option, they should also be given tools to make the most of this experience.

Can't argue with facts. This statement holds true in many aspects of life, especially when it comes to parenting. As a mama, being informed is crucial for making the best decisions for our children. We would love to read an updated edition with current statistics that can provide us with the latest information and insights. With this knowledge, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities that come with raising children in today's world. Here's to informed mamas! Let's continue to seek out the most accurate and up-to-date information to help us raise healthy, happy, and successful children.