Gentle Birth Choices
by Barbara Harper
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Book Summary Information
Author: Barbara HarperPhotographer: Suzanne Arms
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-08-09
ISBN: 1594770670
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Healing Arts Press
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Book Reviews of Gentle Birth Choices
Book Review: Do you want to have a Gentle Birth?
Summary: 4 Stars
By the time I was pregnant with my 3rd child, I already knew a lot about childbirth. But one day I was browsing the library shelves and looking over their pregnancy books, looking for something new to read that would start to put me in "birthing" mode. I came across the book Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper and really enjoyed it. Now that I am a doula/Childbirth Educator, I own my own copy and it is a book I often recommend.
Barbara Harper, RN is the founder of Global Maternal/Child Health Association, which is a non-profit organization committed to educating the public about natural birth - specifically water birth. I had never heard of her, or this organization, at the time that I first read the book, but I was considering a water birth then. I was already planning on giving birth at a free standing birth center, which did have Jacuzzi tubs in every room, so I was hopeful of using the water in some point in my labor, and possibly delivering there. But I wasn't really committed to it yet; it was just something that was in the realm of possibilities. After reading Gentle Birth Choices I couldn't imagine why anyone wouldn't want a water birth!
So, tell us about the book?
Gentle Birth Choices is well organized into 8 chapters. It is a very easy read, but will take more than a few hours. I read it in a few days the first time, and recently re-read it in about the same time.
Chapter 1 is called "Gentle Beginnings" and consists of explanations of what a Gentle Birth is, and examines the necessary ingredients - things like low light, a reassuring environment, well prepared mom, early breastfeeding, etc. It also includes explanations of why these things are necessary and "better" for your baby.
The next Chapter is on the Medicalization of Childbirth. This chapter discusses the history of childbirth in the US, and the corresponding results in today's healthcare. This is actually a fascinating read!
Chapter 3 is on medical myths and the goal is to debunk some widely held beliefs about childbirth (such as the hospital is the safest place for childbirth, continuous fetal monitoring is necessary, that kind of thing)
Chapter 4 is called a "Gentle Revolution" it is about the natural childbirth movement and it's history.
Chapter 5 is on the use of Midwives and their status in this country. You need to bear in mind that this book is 10 years old, so some of the information on state laws is out of date.
Chapter 6 is on water birth; its history, its benefits, water birth around the world, as well as an FAQ of commonly asked questions about water birth. If you are considering a water birth, this chapter is a must read! It is also good to give to family/friends who think you have lost your mind :)
Chapter 7 is on the mind-body connection in childbirth.
And finally Chapter 8 is on making gentle birth choices - choosing where to give birth (hospital, birth center, or home), choosing a care provider. That kind of thing.
After that there are 7 appendices, which range from questions to ask a doctor/midwife, to writing a birth plan, to resources.
All in all it is a very complete book on planning a gentle birth and why you would want to.
So, what's wrong with the book?
Nothing is really wrong with it. It is a great read and is very interesting. But I think it has a target audience of people that are already committed to natural birth. I think Ms. Harper goes a little too far with the "touchy-feely stuff" at times, which is OK - childbirth is a very emotional thing. But she also goes too far with her commitment to natural childbirth.
Let me explain that. I am a VERY staunch supporter of natural childbirth. The over medicalization of childbirth is a huge part of the health care crisis in the US. However, I also know that there are times when the interventions are necessary. Are they needed as often as they are used? Not even close, but sometimes they ARE needed. And when they are needed, I thank G-d that they are available!
However, Ms. Harper does not seem to acknowledge this well. She says that "all women" can have a gentle birth and gives the impression that interventions are never needed. First of all, that is just false, and second of all, I think it sets women up for heartbreak. For example, what happens to the woman who does all this planning for her gentle birth and then something is wrong with the baby and she has a needed c-section? Is she then a failure? I don't think so, but I am not sure that Ms. Harper feels the same.
Final Thoughts
Despite my criticism, this really is an excellent book and I do highly recommend it! It is packed full of information to help you make decisions on planning the best birth possible. It might be a bit too out there for someone on the fence about natural childbirth, but if you are already committed to a natural birth, and just want a little pep talk to help convince you that you are doing the right thing - or just want to learn more about water birth - than this is the book for you.
Summary of Gentle Birth Choices
Birth as every woman would like it to be? Recommended by Lamaze International as one of the top ten books for pregnant women and their families
? Includes a 45-minute DVD of six live gentle births
? More than 32,000 copies sold of the original edition
New parents are faced with a myriad of choices about pregnancy, labor, and birth. In Gentle Birth Choices Barbara Harper, renowned childbirth advocate, nurse, former midwife, and mother of three, helps to clarify these choices and shows how to plan a meaningful, family-centered birth experience. She dispels medical myths and reimagines birth without fear, pain, or violence. Harper explains the numerous gentle birth choices available, including giving birth in an independent birth center, at home, or in a hospital birthing room; finding a primary caregiver who shares your philosophy of birth; and deciding how to best use current technologies. She also provides practical advice for couples wishing to explore the option of using a doula or water during labor and birth to avoid the unwanted effects of drugs and epidurals.
The Gentle Birth Choices DVD blends interviews with midwives and physicians and six actual births that illustrate the options of water birth, home birth, and vaginal birth after a prior Cesarean section. The DVD clearly reveals the strength of women during childbirth and the healthy and happy outcome of women exercising gentle birth choices. It is a powerful instructional tool, not only for expectant parents, but also for midwives, hospitals, birth centers, and doctors.
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