Ina May's Guide to Childbirth: Updated With New Material (Paperback)
Staff Reviews
Ina May Gaskin is a founding member of Midwives Alliance of North
America and has been practicing midwifery since the 1970's. Her book is
for all women, and birth partners, who are interested in having a
natural childbirth. One of the many wonderful things about this book is
the first third of it consists of birth stories from women who have all
had vastly different experiences. Birth is a very intensely personal
experience, and this book seeks to educate women about their birthing
options. In essence, it helps to empower women and birth partners who
may be unclear of what is involved in the natural childbirth experience.
Pregnancy and childbirth can sometimes be treated as an illness by
some medical professionals, even when medical intervention is
unnecessary. Based on scientific evidence, Ina May's book takes the
reader through each stage of labor, and gives information on prenatal
care as well. I found the chapter on medical tests very helpful when
deciding whether or not to receive certain tests, such as amniocentesis.
I found this book to be an informative guide, full of wisdom, and
positive encouragement.
Description
What you need to know to have the best birth experience for you.
Drawing upon her thirty-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience. Based on the female-centered Midwifery Model of Care, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention.
Filled with inspiring birth stories and practical advice, this invaluable resource includes:
• Reducing the pain of labor without drugs—and the miraculous roles touch and massage play
• What really happens during labor
• Orgasmic birth—making birth pleasurable
• Episiotomy—is it really necessary?
• Common methods of inducing labor—and which to avoid at all costs
• Tips for maximizing your chances of an unmedicated labor and birth
• How to avoid postpartum bleeding—and depression
• The risks of anesthesia and cesareans—what your doctor
doesn’t necessarily tell you
• The best ways to work with doctors and/or birth care providers
• How to create a safe, comfortable environment for
birth in any setting, including a hospital
• And much more
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.
About the Author
Ina May Gaskin, certified professional midwife, has been a midwife for more than forty years at The Farm Midwifery Center at The Farm, in Summertown, Tennessee.
