However, I think it's a bit out of date, especially in terms of what the hospital will and won't allow (but we'll see). Our culture really does make a medicalized birth seem normal, when in reality, the opposite is true. Positive stories shared by women who have had wonderful childbirth experiences are an irreplaceable way to transmit knowledge of a woman's true capacities in pregnancy and birth. This book is one of the most frequently recommended resources I’ve seen mentioned to mothers who are considering a natural childbirth.

s are not critical thinkers (or at least haven't been taught this vital skill in medical school) and that they don't have time to read recent studies. Hospitals and doctors have come a loooong way in being more patient centered and accommodating women's wishes with childbirth. Drawing on over 40 years' experience, internationally acclaimed midwife Ina May Gaskin shows you how to use the mind-body connection to help labour progress calmly and safely.I also didn't like how biased it was, I was hoping for an open view of childbirth and what I got was a really negative view of hospitals and doctors. S. While the tone of the book is much too touchy-feely/hippyish for me, I have to admit that it is well worth reading regardless of whether you're planning a natural childbirth or a fully tech'ed out hospital one. That said, the book did a pretty good job of convincing me that the mother's mental approach to childbirthing and expectations for the experience are the single most important indicator of how it will all go.

The book makes the assumption that a pregnant woman will feel more comfortable and cared for in the company of other women because her wishes will be respected. With Gaskin’s timeless wisdom, you can approach birth with confidence and excitement, wherever and however it happens. The biggest came during the sixth month of pregnancy, when I was sent a certified letter that made no sense whatsoever, unless one read it do it my way or else. And although I know that natural birth hasn't changed all that much since then, I felt that the hospital parts of the various stories were grossly unfair--although interesting! Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth takes the fear out of childbirth by restoring women’s faith in their own natural power to give birth with more ease, less pain, and less medical intervention.

A lot of information on the professional merits of midwifery, so I admit skipping some chapters for the time being to learn content more directly related my partner's pregnancy.