Guide to Less Pain During Childbirth

Easy Labor: Every Woman's Guide to Choosing Less Pain and More Joy During Childbirth by William Camann & Kathryn Alexander

This book is an excellent survey of labor options and pain relief methods. It seems fairly un-biased - not pulling either to home birth or to hospital birth. It is explains different medications and alternative methods and has quotes from mothers and practitioners on their experiences. It emphasizes the need to think ahead, to be flexible, and to be prepared for the unexpected turns that labor and delivery can take. I am on the brink of my third delivery and I agree with the authors that all expectant mothers should be "armed" with information about both natural and medical pain relief because labor does not always go according to your plan. Even if you plan on getting an epidural, you should know some comfort measures, in case you can't get that epidural right away.

As a childbirth educator and founder of Hypnobabies, I very much enjoyed seeing the authors provide us all such a nicely balanced collection of ideas for being more confident and comfortable during childbirth. I always love to see expectant moms research their choices for childbirth and this book has many. Easy Labor starts out with excellent information on choosing your birthing environment and caregivers, addressing childbirth fears and concerns, and giving wonderful resources.

The next section is all about epidurals and medications for birthing, with the information women need about the benefits, risks and side effects for each one as well as how and when they are administered, and how a birth partner can help if meds are chosen. Especially helpful are the comments from caregivers and mothers who have experienced using these medications for childbirth. There is even a chapter on medication for Cesarean births that answers many questions for women.

Of course the part of the book I am most impressed with is the section on Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Labor-Pain Relief. The authors very sensitively and concisely researched various forms of "CAMS" (complimentary and alternative medicine) from natural childbirth classes and waterbirthing to using hypnosis, acupuncture, aromatherapy and labor support. Resources are given throughout and the information is very comprehensive.

Incredibly fascinating are the chapters on the history of pain relief in childbirth and the birth stories from medical caregivers - their own birth stories! Doulas, OBs, nurses and midwives tell what they experienced, learned, and found helpful for their own baby's births. They also share perspectives on how their own attitudes impact their patient's childbirth experience. Great book. Get it, read it!

BUY HERE

Husband-Coached Childbirth : The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth

Husband-Coached Childbirth (Fifth Edition): The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth BY Robert A. Bradley, Marjie Hathaway, Jay Hathaway & James Hathaway

This book is more about the Bradley philosophy, and because of this many reviewers felt it was long winded. I felt like the philosophy was the most important thing- as his research and history in the practice explained why the method and classes were important. So, I feel like this is the perfect companion for Bradley classes and other Bradley books. In my opinion, this is the best book, the most helpful book, and by far gave me the most motivation.

Dr. Bradley has his own reasons for advocating natural child birth. I think his reasons helped him understand child birth as a natural process and helped him "create" the Bradley Method. You or I might have different or adjusted reasons for wanting a natural delivery but we can still benefit from his methods. I appreciate that while he recommends an un-medicated delivery, he is not anti-doctor. He says a delivery doctor should be like a life guard: fully trained, ready and able to deal with any complication. Yet he says any woman about to have a baby ought to "learn how to swim." His book helped me immensely! I had one medicated birth and two accidentally un-medicated births. Then I read his book and learned what my body had done and why. His information encouraged me to chose an un-medicated hospital delivery for my fourth child.

Epidurals are NOT the instruments if torture they used to be so don't let his stuff on that scare you into natural child birth. If you do want natural child birth, for whatever reason, I highly recommend this book and the one written by his nurse Susan McCutcheon. Hers has more details on the method. It is a must-read! I ordered it and got it in on my due date. My husband and I read it cover to cover that night (watch out - lots of photographs!) and I'm so glad we did. Dr. Bradley's book was helpful. Susan's book was invaluable! If you can't get both, get hers.

I think his method is the best natural child birth method. I really do. I don't agree with his reasons for choosing natural.

From this book I was most helped by his understanding of what a laboring woman needs.

BUY HERE

The What to Expect Pregnancy Journal & Organizer BY Murkoff

The What to Expect Pregnancy Journal & Organizer [Spiral-Bound] BY Heidi Murkoff

This journal asks (and answers)all the questions you may have week by week with your pregnancy!


This has absolutely everything you need and more to navigate and document your pregnancy...journals, places for pictures/sonograms, a place to write down questions you want to ask your doc, a birth plan, doula interview sheet, etc. Literally everything.


This organizer is great if you actually use it. The best parts are the areas to write down questions for your next dr. visit, and what dr. told you at each visit. Also has areas for tracking daily movements (after 5 months), and an area to make sure you're getting the appropriate number of servings of each food type in the food pyramid, daily. I used that dedicatedly and only gained 20 pounds!!!!WOW Also has area to record baby gifts received, thank you notes written, baby names you like etc. and it's only about 1 inch thick.


This is an ideal way to remember all those special moments before your baby arrives. You can review all your worries, all your cravings. Weight gains, length of morning sickness. Names considered. Fun way to tell your child all about carrying them their delivery ect. Great to share when they grow up.


After giving birth, if you ever want to look back and see what was going on or what you went through for the 9 months this book is for you. It does have a lot of places to track information which makes it different than other books. The tidbits of information are helpful too.

BUY HERE

The Baby Owner's Manual BY Borgenicht,Borgenicht

The Baby Owner's Manual (Owner's and Instruction Manual) BY Louis Borgenicht & Joe Borgenicht

The book reads a bit satirically -- think of your standard baby care book but written like a VCR manual. But it's actually useful information. It's easy to read and avoids a lot of the editorializing and "my baby was this way" found in similar books.


Excellent book, provides a great deal of knowledge that a parent must posses and what to do when an issue is not covered on the book.


This book is very black and white. There is not much emotion just the facts presented as a full on technical instruction manual for having and maintaining a baby. There is a great wealth of information that is easily organized.


The book is extremely funny and refers to your baby as a "model" and "item" bringing a very entertaining way to learn about baby care. Though it is very entertaining and funny, don't be fooled. Its just an entertaining way of viewing your baby with very helpful hints that include on how to put your baby to sleep, bathe the baby, feeding, and much more.


Just like the owner's manual on pregnancy this book is comical and smart. Every man needs to get this book. When I got the book it was used. Inside the cover there was a message. It said To Steve: This book was written by men for men. I believe that man was right. This book is very informative to where men should read this as well. Babies are complicated but if you know what your doing then things will go more smoothly.

BUY HERE

Guide to Childbirth Preparation BY England,Rob Horowitz

Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation BY Pam England & Rob Horowitz

This is, by far, the best book for preparing a couple for labor and delivery. _Birthing From Within_ takes a completely new approach to childbirth preparation and focuses on what each individual woman and her partner need to do to prepare for THEIR own birth. Following the exercises in this book will help couples work through their "issues" and prepare for the best birth possible for them.

This book takes a gentler approach. The authors DO make the point that the medical community has made childbirth more of a convenience for the doctor than the mother, but the book encourages couples, and suggests ways to make the birthing process their own in the midst of all this. It also teaches about the "soul" of pregnancy and birth, which many other books do not go into, by having the parents express their expectations through drawings, journal writing and other creative methods. This book reminds the reader that birth is not just about the baby, it's about the family.

Great book for those women/couples that would like insight into pregnancy beyond the scientific explanations. A very comforting and spiritual approach to pregnancy and birth.

This book is fun to read, informative, and stress relieving.

I enjoyed every single page of this book and literally shed a tear when I was done with it. I love this book! It includes everything, everything questions I had, every thought, every fear, every concern, every hope, everything! It addresses all topics from what actually happens during birth to how to prepare your psyche to facing your fears to how to make a scented heat compress. I took so many notes as I read this book. I carefully read every word and loved her voice. The illustrations and excerpts from various women gave me a new perspective to birth and pregnancy, ones that I had never thought of. Thanks to this book I feel confident and excited to give birth! I actually anticipate this moment and feel so prepared and ready. Plus all the tips, tricks, and techniques really give you something to focus on and practice during your pregnancy. I am so thrilled and happy to have purchased this book and read it and I just wish that all pregnant women would automatically receive a copy of this book. I cant sing its praises enough. If you are pregnant, especially for your first time, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! IT WILL LEAVE YOU FOREVER CHANGED, FOR THE BETTER.

BUY HERE

HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method

This book was easy to read and very informative. I found everything relevent and concise and look forward to putting everything into practise when I go into labour. I also attended classes as suggested in the book and I practise my meditations and visualisations regularly. The affirmations in the book are very helpful too.

HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method: A natural approach to a safe, easier, more comfortable birthing (3rd Edition) BY Marie F. Mongan

Reading this book will be a very effective way of getting rid of any fear that you may have of childbirth. The first edition of this book completely changed my life and my children truly owe their lives to it. Before this book there was no way I would have ever considered getting preganant or giving birth. I was too afraid of birth.

So what will you learn? I can't do it justice in this review. It isn't only about self-hypnosis. That is only a small part of the HypnoBirthing classes and book. You will learn other tools like breathing (that actually works during birth), birth plans, laws of the mind, exercises, choosing a caregiver, how to avoid artifical inductions, c-section, nutrition, and much more.

Great book is teaching me how to deal with stress in a much better way. Im sure It will help a great deal with my delivery. in a month.

Every woman should be educated on what is happening to her body during childbirth so she can master her fears and look forward to a beautiful birth. my one and only complaint was that although my order was supposed to be in good condition, it didn't come with the dvd so I feel like I wasted the purchase since I want it and will have to buy a brand new one anyway.

BUY HERE

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg

This book and the associated classes made all the difference in the world!! This book is not meant for those looking for the 'middle ground'. Bradley childbirth is NOT the 'middle ground'. If you are looking for reassurrance, practical relaxation techniques and guidance for your coach AND you are planning for a natural, personal childbirth THEN this is the book for you

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way is an excellent resource on the Bradley Method. Author, Susan McCutcheon introduces you to the Bradley Method, explains how it differs from Lamaze, discusses how to choose your childbirth educator and your doctor, explains the importance of nutrition and how to prepare yourself for this life transforming experience.

In addition to the general information she provides in helping you to prepare, she thoroughly walks you through the Bradley Method. Through exercise, illustration, nutrition, and practice, McCutcheon completely covers how you should prepare and deal with both First and Second Stage of Childbirth. Finally, she closes the text with a discussion of various childbirth controversies -- episiotomies, caesarean sections and homebirth.

This book excels in preparing you for a Natural Childbirth, as defined by the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth -- a birth that is without unnecessary medical intervention. However, some view her tone as "fear tactics" or "outdated" ideas. I disagree. Rather, she educates you on the principles of Bradley and provides you with the ability to recognize when the medical personnel are undertaking a procedure for their convenience or for your best interest. In short, she provides you with information and proven tools to make informed decisions and take responsibility for your birth.

Despite the strengths of this book, I highly recommend that, whenever physically possible, the reader enroll in a Bradley class to supplement the reading in this book. If you *really* desire a Natural Childbirth, the class will provide you with the knowledge, practice and support you need to achieve your goals. Though this book is excellent, your instructor is almost essential -- she can guide you in recognizing when you need medical assistance and when you do not!

BUY HERE

Pregnancy,Childbirth & the Newborn:Complete Guide

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn (4th Edition): The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin

This book covers all the bases for first time moms and approaches interventions in childbirth in an unbiased way so that parents can come to their own decisions about mom and baby's care.


There are several chapters on labor and delivery. It was extremely informational to learn about the different "stages" and how they progress, as well as positions and situations to help ease the pain during each of these stages. I feel like I'm much more informed about labor now than with any other resource I've come across. Does the phrase "perineal stretches" sound familiar? It does now!
The final few chapters review what to do once the baby enters the world. How do you breastfeed? How do you position your child? How many times should you feed each day and how many wet/poopy diapers should you expect? What are some common causes for concern? Answers to all of these questions are provided, as well as illustrations for breastfeeding, holding your newborn, etc.
There are a few paragraphs scattered throughout this book for Dads, but this book is not geared directly towards men. I'm sure they would find it very informative, although the squeamish ones might shy away.


A potential con is if you're interested in week by week drawings of your little fetus and getting updates on what fruit or vegetable s/he is, then you'll need to augment this book with the Mayo Clinic Pregnancy Book or sign up for Baby Center's week by week email. Penny Simkin's book will cover general fetus development and what you can expect in each phase of your pregnancy but invests much more in the types of proactive exercises you can be doing to prepare for the birthing process. There is also a section at the end on how to prepare for the newborn, breastfeed and other aspects of basic newborn care.
The book has simple pictures to illustrate techniques. My husband and I started about 2 months before our due date by spending 5-30 minutes each night practicing some of the suggested natural birthing management techniques. There were so many different techniques but the book did a great job of suggesting short routines so that we could work on a few techniques each night. It was great "us" time too!
In addition, there are also sections on possible interventions such as a c-section, different drug options, membrane stripping, etc. It was great to be exposed to these possibilities early on so that I could make the appropriate decision and refer back to the book as needed.

BUY HERE

The Birth Partner 3rd Ed. by Penny Simkin

The Birth Partner, Third Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions (Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, &) by Penny Simkin

For first-time parents, giving birth to your little bundle of joy can be nerve-wracking. There is so much you don't know! And not-knowing can be a nasty breeding ground for fear. My wife and I are first-time parents, and while we weren't scared to death, we certainly wanted to know what we were headed towards. Knowing is half the battle, right? Because of how much there is to know, we even thought about hiring a doula (birth coach). Luckily, we found this book...373 pages of confidence-building.

THE BIRTH PARTNER is broken into 4 parts:

1) Before the Birth

This section is largely just introduction to the concept of pregnancy. It contains some good lists to remind you what to prepare to take to the hospital. Probably the most important stuff was on Kegel exercises and the Perineal massage. Oh yeah, and make sure to compile a list of friends and family to call or have someone call.

2) Labor and Birth

This section has crucial information about the pre-labor process, the signs of labor, the "bag of waters" breaking, false vs. true labor, timing contractions (there's a great chart to make copies of), and breeched babies. Her breakdown of the 3 stages of labor is especially helpful.

For those parents attempting a natural birth, she details the 5-1-1 rule for contractions, so you know when to head to the hospital. She walks you through a ton of strategic labor positions to use to relieve pain and allow gravity to do its work toward birthing the baby (these assume you haven't had an epidural...there's a whole section on epidurals and anesthesia).

She gives advice for the birth partner's role -- from leading her through breathing routines and rituals to knowing how to work with and sometimes against the doctors, depending on what they're saying. Fast labors, slow labors, irregular labors...they're all in here.

3) The Medical Side of Childbirth

Medicine, drugs, shots, tests, interventions and all that good stuff. To epidural or not to epidural? And what about Cesarean sections? It's all in here. Helpful information to keep you sane and in the loop. It's amazing what the doctors won't tell you unless you ask. Remember, it's a business.

4) After the Birth

Cleaning the baby, shots, warming, breastfeeding, postpartum depression and how to deal with it...what happens after the birth is almost nearly as important as the before and the during.

THE FINAL TAKE

This book is a mental lifesaver. Whether you're heading into the birth with complete trust of the doctors and the medical system or with a healthy (or unhealthy) bit of logical skepticism, there is a wealth of essential knowledge in here about what to look for, what to know, and what to ask about. You won't regret reading this book. It's concise and detailed in the all the right places and is clear enough that you know exactly what she's talking about. I'm a first-time, thinking-man's father-to-be, and I sure feel more prepared after reading it. After all, it's just my baby we're talking about here.

If you want to learn how best to help an expectant mother have a happy and healthy childbirth, The Birth Partner, Third Edition is the only book you'll need. For almost 20 years, husbands, partners, friends, relatives, and doulas have turned to this book for guidance on being a supportive partner in the delivery room. The expanded third edition includes the most up-to-date information about techniques, devices, and medications for easing labor pain; tests and treatments of the fetus and newborn; strategies to help labor progress; potential medical procedures and interventions; and how best to help the mother during the early days after the birth. And, with its easy-to-use format and new illustrations, the The Birth Partner is the essential guide have on hand in the delivery room.

Buy Here

Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

The author is a superstar in the field of natural childbirth, largely as a result of her 35+ years work at "The Farm", a kind of birthing commune in Tennessee. The first half of the book is a compilation of natural childbirth stories written by mothers who've either done it at The Farm, or somehow in conjunction with the author. While these are certainly useful as illustrative examples of how it all goes down, they tend to get rather repetitive and could certainly stand to be scaled back a bit. And for those who know little about the birthing process, some of the terminology can be unclear. Finally, for those who might want to read this book on the subway (like me), be forewarned that there are some pretty graphic photos of childbirthing in this section.

The second half of the book walks the reader through the entire process, mostly with the aim of explaining why modern medical childbirthing procedures are not based on the mother's health and needs, but are designed for convenience of the medical establishment. Stuff like epidurals, amnios, fetal monitoring, pitocin, forceps, vacuum extractors, etc. all come under sustained assault. Gaskin makes a convincing case for most of her criticism, with plenty of good examples from historical texts and anthropological research. Perhaps the most striking and compelling examples come from studies of childbirthing in modern Scandinavia. Sometimes Gaskin stretches a little to far in her attempt to debunk every single medical procedure and doesn't always have the most current data. For example, Rhogham does not have any mercury whatsoever any more, and the danger from amniocentesis is vastly overstated. However, simply in terms of the debate over natural childbirth vs. hospital birth, it's awfully hard to argue with the data she's gathered from thousands of natural childbirths.

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.

BUY HERE