The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth | 
| Authors: Henci Goer, Rhonda Wheeler
Publisher: Perigee Trade
Category: Book
List Price: $15.95
Buy New: $8.34
You Save: $7.61 (48%)
New (43) Used (33) from $7.40
Avg. Customer Rating:  164 reviews
Sales Rank: 3354
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 367
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 6 x 1.1
ISBN: 0399525173
Dewey Decimal Number: 618.4
UPC: 807728460402
EAN: 9780399525179
ASIN: 0399525173
Publication Date: October 1, 1999
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Condition: Brand new, never opened, in stock, and ships right now.
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Book Description
The newest procedures. The latest information. The complete rundown on modern pregnancy and childbirth...for women who want the facts.
Every intelligent, informed woman is used to gathering the most complete information she can get before making a decision. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions in her life--how she will give birth--it can be tough to get the complete picture, even from an obstetrician. Surprisingly, much of the latest research goes against common medical opinion. Certified Lamaze instructor and activist Henci Goer brings women the carefully researched facts they'll want to have. Based on the latest medical studies and literature, The Thinking Woman's Guide To A Better Birth offers clear, concise information on tests, procedures and treatments--and gives advice about:* cesareans * ultrasound * gestational diabetes * breech babies * inducing labor * IVs * electronic fetal monitoring * ruptured membranes * epidurals * episiotomies * vaginal birth after a cesarean * midwives and obstetricians * alternative birthing methods * choosing a birth location * drugs and delivery * elective induction * professional labor support * and much more
* Author is a certified Lamaze instructor and doula who counsels women on their childbirth experiences
* Author belongs to the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services
* Drawn upon the most up-to-date medical literature and studies
* Written in an accessible, understandable style, explaining technical medical terms
* Gives advice to women who were dissatisfied with their first birth experience
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| Customer Reviews: Read 159 more reviews...
 Informative, but an eye-roller July 17, 2008
First, I must preference that you have to read this book with blinders on. The author does not hide the fact that she is very much in favor or a completely natural childbirthing experience and that she does not like hospitals and OBs...and that's that.
The good points about this book are the ideas that you don't HAVE to have medical interventions for your labor, even if you labor in a hospital. Most of the time, the docs don't HAVE to break your water, you don't HAVE to have an IV drip, you don't HAVE to have Pitocin... If you've never been around hospitals much, it's nice to know that you do have a choice. This book bring that point home.
However, in my opinion, this book was just a to anti-medical for me. I studied the sciences in school, and I know that there comes a time when 1000's of years of medicine are better than the "old ways." As I read the book, I skipped a lot of the text where the author goes on about how each procedure is unnecessary and sometimes plain wrong. Granted, sometimes OBs get a bit too antsy about giving out meds and speeding up your labor, but a quick chat with your OB before delivery should make that a moot point. Most doctors want what the patient wants -- a delivery that satisfies the mother's idea of a good birth experience -- and are willing to listen to what the patient wants. It's all about communication.
Bottom line...if you'd like to know more about the different procedures and interventions that can happen during L&D, then this book is good. But read it like the title tell you, as a "thinking woman." It's up to you to make your own judgment about each procedure and how you want your birth to be. Talk to your OB about what you read and then form your opinions.
 Great, informative book! July 16, 2008
I loved this book.
The research is a little out of date, because it was published in 1999 (and it frequently cites sources from the early 90s), but from what I know of c-section and induction statistics, it is still very relevant.
The author is very biased, but she admits it. (And her studies back her up! Anyone else read the appendices?) But I didn't feel like her biases overwhelmed her research. She even included sections about how to make make interventions more comfortable for yourself if you end up needing them. Meaning, she acknowledged that sometimes certain procedures (c-sections, epidurals, induction, etc) are necessary, and there are ways to make the experience easier on yourself. I found that very comforting and empowering.
In short, I guess this book isn't for everyone. My doctor-trusting mom wouldn't like it, for instance. However, if you question medical professionals, especially when it comes to women's health, or want a completely natural birth and don't know if you'll be able to get one in a hospital, read this book. Knowledge is power.
Even if you're not interested in homebirth (or can't have one) June 13, 2008
This book does a great job of looking at obstetric myths and realities and warning mothers about the various medical advice and interventions they will face; especially if you will be birthing in a hospital, read this to know what to expect, and what/how to refuse!
An Absolute Gem June 5, 2008
This is a classic. Rather than spout her birth philosophy, Goer analyses the studies out there, condenses them into layman's terms, and lets you choose what works for you and your birth. Don't think that you are going to learn everything you need to know in a hospital birth class. If you are ready to dive into the wealth of information out there, this is the book for you.
Great Book For All Women! May 29, 2008
One of the most needed books about women's health care during pregnancy, labor and birth. I highly recommend this book and or buy it as gifts for pregnant friends.
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