Books

HopeSprings2012

I know people ask for a lot of book recommendations here, so I'll apologize in advance... But I'm really looking for books that will offer practical things for me and DH to do for me during labor. Is there anything like that? I've already read about birth stories and how to be my own advocate in a hospital setting, but would love to read a book that recommends helpful stretching, moves, pressure points, chants etc. that anyone found helpful in their labors.. Whatever they may be. I unfortunately couldn't take a Bradley Class and am just looking for more tools to put in my back pocket for when labor gets tough. Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

aylafsu88

Bradley has a lot of info like that.  They talk about positions to labor in which can ease pain, exercises to get your body ready for birth, and relaxation techniques.  If you buy the Bradley workbook it has all of this info condensed down into easy to am easy to read format.

https://www.amazon.com/The-Bradley-Method-Student-Workbook/dp/0931560012/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376349836&sr=8-1&keywords=bradley+workbook

HopeSprings2012

aylafsu88 said:

Bradley has a lot of info like that.  They talk about positions to labor in which can ease pain, exercises to get your body ready for birth, and relaxation techniques.  If you buy the Bradley workbook it has all of this info condensed down into easy to am easy to read format.

https://www.amazon.com/The-Bradley-Method-Student-Workbook/dp/0931560012/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376349836&sr=8-1&keywords=bradley+workbook

Thanks very much! Would it be helpful even without taking the Bradley classes?

aylafsu88

I think so.  The workbook does have some questions and answer pages for you to fill out. The big thing that we liked about it was the charts/info.  They have a chart on the overview of labor which tells you what to expect, what the needs of the woman may be, and physical signs.  My H found this really helpful so that he could gauge where I was in labor. They have info on second stage positions which I liked as well.  Throughout they have relaxation techniques and visualization suggestions. 

HopeSprings2012

aylafsu88 said:

I think so.  The workbook does have some questions and answer pages for you to fill out. The big thing that we liked about it was the charts/info.  They have a chart on the overview of labor which tells you what to expect, what the needs of the woman may be, and physical signs.  My H found this really helpful so that he could gauge where I was in labor. They have info on second stage positions which I liked as well.  Throughout they have relaxation techniques and visualization suggestions. 

Great, thank you so much!

MariaKeegs

Active Birth by Janet Balaskas (last name spelling could be off) is really good!!