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Natural Birth
Book suggestions
Hi there,
In my process of researching natural and home births, I've read tons and tons on internet material, but I've yet to read any actual full length books on the subject. I just purchased Ina May's book which I've seen recommend to begin with but am still looking for more resources.
In particular, I'm looking for any books anyone might have read that were particularly focused on the physical aspect of the birthing process rather than the mental one. Obviously, preparing yourself mentally is extremely important, but it seems like most of what I have read has focused on this aspect.
As a bit of background, I make it a point to myself to try and read as many negative natural/home birth stories and I do the wonderful, uplifting ones. As heartbreaking as some of them can be, I really try and look at them objectively to see what went wrong in those situations, and how can I make sure to avoid it. I've noticed that main problem causers are a) pre-existing risk factors or b) midwives ignoring mother's requests to transfer (whether it be they honestly thought nothing was wrong or did not want to tarnish their transfer record).
Out of this, I have decided two things:
1. Be super careful choosing a midwife. While the majority I'm sure are great, always do your research.
2. Learn everything possible about birth so that you do not need to rely on a midwife to tell you when something is wrong god forbid something happens and they don't make it/aren't listening to you
Essentially, I plan on preparing myself for unassisted birth so I do not need to rely on anyone else but me. Of course, I would be scared to death without a midwife to check up on the health of me and my baby, but you never know what can happen when planning a home birth.
So sorry for the long post, but if anyone has any good book suggestions, I'd love to hear them!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Book suggestions
See FAQ in siggie.
I liked "The Birth Partner".
I don't really get how you can be so pessimistic and planning a home birth... there's realism, but planning to go unassisted just in case is a bit over the top.
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I loved Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. There are tons of real life stories at the beginning and lots of info on birth. I caution you, there is only so much you can learn from reading. You won't really know until you have been there or have witnessed many births. I don't think it is realistic or needed to know everything so that you will be so prepared that you will know more than a midwife. If you choose the right midwife, doctor or whatever you choose you should be able to trust them 100%, they have tons and tons of training and practice and should know way more than you. During labour you may become overwhelmed with what is going on and you will really need to trust those around you to help you out.
You can't look at 'bad' birth stories, figure out what went wrong and then not let that happen to you. No situation is the same and there are tons of other factors involved. You can look at a situation and say this is what I would like to do if that happened. All the research in the world will not prepare you fully for what your birth will be like. I found that I just had to learn to trust my body, learn to listen to it and surround myself with people I trust to help me make the best decisions for me an my baby. For the record I had a home birth and then I was transferred to the hospital. I retained my placenta and 2 doses of pitocin did nothing for me, not even one contraction. Totally something I couldn't have prepared for, nor would I have known what the next step was when the pitocin didn't work. I'm really glad I had midwives that I trusted and respected to make the right decisions for me.