What an difference! This saved me from TERROR! | Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

This book teaches us what our bodies are made for! | Ina May's Guide to Childbirth | Ina May Gaskin

books:


	• Ina May's Guide to Childbirth Ina May Gaskin Bantam, 2003 - 368 pages average customer review:based on 272 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

this book grows on you

When I first read through this book (about seven months into my pregnancy), I thought it was full of interesting and helpful information, but it seemed a bit touchy-feely for me. Honestly, I couldn't understand why everyone loved it so much. But I have noticed, as my delivery date approaches, that I keep thinking about the birth stories that make up this book's first half--so much so that I actually re-checked this book out at the library.

I have to say that reading through the natural birth stories of other women has really helped me feel more confident in my ability to give birth naturally and has made me feel more relaxed and centered in general. We shall see if these calm feelings translate into a pleasant and serene delivery (ha ha), but for now I am thankful that something has been able to make me feel less anxious about labor.

for more information click here

What an difference! This saved me from TERROR!

Yes, terror!!!!
I went into my first birth with the attitude that I would do my best not to be given drugs and drug through what is considered "normal" in our culture for child birth, only to be bullied into the worst series of interventions (induction, 34 hours of the worst terrifying hellish labor, drugs, epidural, and close to c-section)I never felt so alone, scared and powerless than in those 34 hours, and more than a year of deppression, and years of guilt and anger.

A dear friend of mine excitedly lent me this book, and I read it in about 2 days. It helped me to deal with the trauma and scars of the first experience and prepare for a better one. I learned more about the interventions and (although this is not particularly a Christian book,) I prayed with all of my heart for the boldness I needed to stand for what was best for my child, for the right nurse, and for the right doctor to be on call or available to step in if needed, and for my husband to do what he needed to do to be a part of the process and help me to focus and feel loved and as relaxed as possible. I also had a friend who loves me come and bring me cold water and rags during the last part. Something that really helped me was soft soothing worship music. I remember that some of the lyrics included that God was holding me. It helped me to let go and trust God in the process. I listened to that for about an hour and dialated from a 3 to a 7, then the rest was over in about 45 minutes!

This book informed us and made a natural birth possible for my very big baby! (He was much much larger than my daughter, but by far easier because I had the information in this book) There is a lot of Hippy language and very touchy feely stuff (far out-groovy stuff), things more conservative women may be turned off by. If you continue reading, you will find that, aside from the far out groovy hippy stuff, we really do need to be open and honest and Informed about all the details regarding childbirth!

Buy one for yourself, and if you are giving birth in the hospital, buy one for your doctor and make her read it before your birth if they havn't already! I didn't do that, but it's a good idea for the future! Also keep it on hand during labor, as it was very useful in looking up an induction drug they tried to give me that wasn't so widely known.

If I could meet Ina May, I would give her a great big hug. Thank you for sharing your gift by writing this book!

for more information click here

This book teaches us what our bodies are made for!

By starting the book with stories from and about women in labor Ina May shows us what is possible! I am having my first baby and after reading this book I feel so much more prepared and confidant that my body knows what it is supposed to do. This book is a great resource for anyone who wants a natural unmedicated birth!

for more information click here

Amazing!

This book is so inspiring for those who want to have a natural childbirth. The birth stories at the beginning of the book are amazing. The stories definitely inspired me to desire my natural childbirth. The knowledge in the second half of the book is great as well. To know what's going to happen while in labor, and what options you have are invaluable.

for more information click here

My Best Help!

I bought this book while preparing for the birth of my 3rd child (my first VBAC). I enjoyed reading all the birth stories in the first half of the book. Many of them were birth stories very different from my own, but it was nice to read how many women could give birth. It helped me renew faith in my body that I had lost. While in labor during my VBAC, Ina May's words would ring in my ear. I tried several of her techniques and they helped me so much! (I had a completely unmedicated VBAC!) I do wish my husband, who was my support during labor, would have read this book instead of the Bradley book I asked him to read. I think it would have helped him see more of what I needed and I wouldn't have had to explain to him why I was singing during rushes or making horse sounds. I think it would have made him overall more comfortable with the birth process. This book was extremely helpful for me, even though I was not preparing to birth in a cabin in the woods, but in a hospital downtown. Throughout my pregnancy and delivery, Ina May offered me the assurance that my body was not a lemon!

for more information click here

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 Natural 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 Natural 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.

for more information click here