Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
by Ina May Gaskin
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Book Reviews of Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
Book Review: this book grows on you
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
UPDATE: I gave birth to my son two weeks ago and was able to do it without pain medication--even though I had to be induced with Pitocin. This book did end up helping me believe in myself and my ability to go through labor without medication. The birth stories from this book helped, but what helped me more was using some of the visual imagery exercises that Ina May suggests. (I really liked using her term "rush" instead of "contraction.") At any rate, this book helped me manage my labor pain better.
Book Review: A must have for birth workers and birthing women
Summary: 5 Stars
I think the top thing I love about this book is that you are not starting out with a 'here is your uterus' discussion. She assumes you know how to find your vagina and what basically is going to be happening to it. Ina May is warm and encouraging- the book itself leaves you feeling as though birth is not some insurmountable event in your life that you have to endure, but something that can be (dare I say it!)- enjoyable, fulfilling, courageous and wonderful.
Her photos share the faces of ecstatic birth in all settings. The concept of sex and childbirth being tied in more than the obvious way is one that I hope catches on quickly.
I am a labor doula in WA state and I tell my clients that if they read two books for birth, let this be one of the two they choose. Ina May had me captivated when discussing the relationship between our sphincters and the need to be relaxed, and feel safe for them to function properly. Additionally, the frank discussion about Cytotec use in laboring women is such a wonderful bonus to those of us who are sharing this information with our clients but have little mainstream material to share with them about it.
I want to buy extra copies so that I can give this book to the women who call me for consultations- if nothing else, so that I can leave them with Ina May's wisdom!
Book Review: If you are pregnant the first or fifth time....
Summary: 5 Stars
... you need this book!It is incredible. Whether you plan to give birth with or without drugs, this book will give you an entirely new perspective. The first half contains non-medicated birth stories written by dozens of women. I got such strength by reading their stories. In American society, we are taught that childbirth pain is unbearable and that we need drugs. Reading the stories of these women made me see that there are so many non-drug related ways to cope with labor pain, and above all, IT YOUR ATTITUDE GOING INTO THE BIRTH THAT INFLUENCES YOU THE MOST.
I used to be so afraid of childbirth. I am 11 weeks pregnant and I'm not scared anymore. I plan to have a non-medicated birth. I know that if other women can do this, I can do.
The second half of the book contains the philosophy utilized at The Farm, where the author works as a midwife. The Farm has incredibly low intervention rates. Their philosophy is what permits them to have such incredible statistics. It is a philosophy that is entirely different than what you would find at a hospital which intervention and unnecessary procedures are routinely performed.
Even doctors with the best intentions don't always have all the facts. Further, if you ask 5 doctors, you will get 5 different opinions - medicine is an art as much as it is a science.
Book Review: Five Stars in Every Way
Summary: 5 Stars
The first half of this book is an invaluable collection of essays written by women who have given birth - not all naturally or at The Farm. There are several examples of women with "issues" that were resolved in most cases by their midwives, though there are a few examples of when and how midwives make the decision to take a woman to the hospital. Rather than making me feel anxious or uneasy, all of these birth stories helped me gain a sense of how birthing is handled by a midwife (with a few stories of how they are handled by doctors, too). The various scenarios and women's feelings give you a good grasp of the range of experiences and how no two are alike.
The second half of the book was equally riveting to me. I found the narrative easy to follow and never dry, even when tackling statistics or the history of certain interventions.
I am feeling so much more empowered about my choices and about the natural options available. I am personally going to stick with a fully natural doctor/doula/hospital birth, but I am very glad that I read this amazing book. I only wish that I had read it years ago.
I recommend this book highly to every woman who is planning to give birth or is pregnant whether planning a natural birth or not. I think their partners would benefit, too.
Book Review: An ABSOLUTE read for any pregnant woman!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book within just a few days...
I am at 31 weeks pregnancy and was searching for some sort of encouragement. I have known my entire life that when I do have a child, I wanted to do it as naturally as I possibly can. But when I found out I was pregnant, my choice was inundated with snarling remarks from my family, my friends, and even my obstetric care providers. I began to doubt myself and fear was starting to set in. Can I really do it???
I spoke to a midwife about my concerns, and she immediately recommended this book. I ordered it the same day, and Amazon delivered it in 2 days time. From the moment I picked this book up, I could not put it down!
Ina May is an amazing midwife and author. This book will ease your fears and give you back a sense of empowerment, both in yourself and or all women alike.
The stories of other women's birth experiences are uplifting... and the information in the second half of the book will solidify your decision to give you and your child the gift of a natural childbirth.
Throughout the book you will learn many tricks and skills for dealing with the "pain" in labor that we are all told to fear instead of look forward to.
I am about to re-read the book, and I'm SO excited for my birth!!!
Thank You Ina May!!!