The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth (Revised) by Sheila Kitzinger Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth (Revised)
Book Review: Wonderfully informative and pro-woman, pro-child
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read a lot of books about childbirth while preparing to give birth, and I got this one because my midwife specifically recommended I read "anything" by Sheila Kitzinger. Of all the books I've read, this one ranks as one of my two favorites. I like the author's attitude about birth: it is a natural, normal physiological process in the overwhelming majority of cases, and should be treated as such.
The pros and cons of drugs and other interventions are also presented, and while Ms. Kitzinger is undoubtedly pro-natural, I really would not say she is anti-doctor (as some have claimed). She is anti-routine-intervention, and anti-unecessary-intervention, but otherwise I feel that she's simply presenting facts for readers to consider.
As the only way to make an intelligent, informed decision about your body and your experience of birth is to be informed, I feel this book goes a very long way toward providing necessary and helpful information to women and their partners.
Book Review: Very informative but not gospel
Summary: 3 Stars
Ms. Kitzinger's book was recommended during my childbirth class and is very helpful in its description of medical terms, procedures, and fetal development. Looking at the other reviews, I, too, thought that there could be no way any pregnancy book would condone drinking alcohol during pregnancy. However, I went home and continued reading the book and came across the section on drugs and was horrified to see that she does. After talking about the potentially harmful effects of alcohol during pregnancy, Ms. Kitzinger goes on to say that most women can drink moderately and have "perfect babies". She says to limit yourself to 10 units of alcohol per week and spread it out during the week; one unit being a glass of wine or half a pint of beer. That sounds like an awful lot of alcohol even if it is spread out during the week, who should take the risk? I don't have the book with me so I don't know what page exactly but it was in the section about drugs during pregnancy. Besides this, I agree with most of what Ms. Kitzinger says and truly enjoy the pictures that illustrate different positions to take during labor, and relaxation exercises. Like any other book, take the information that makes sense to you and discard what doesn't. Still a valuable book.Book Review: Would not go through a preganacy without it - invaluable.
Summary: 5 Stars
A wonderful book full of information. Used it with all 3 of my children. Read it almost every night. Particularly LOVED the section that took you through the pregnancy week by week. I have loaned it to several friends for them to read during their pregnancies. It is in pieces and needed to order another one to have on hand.Book Review: Wonderful, useful book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I cannot understand how some readers interpreted Kitzinger's meesage as "man-hating," Or even as particularly radical. Midwifery has been common in Europe and many othere parts of the world for centuries (it was even common in the United states until this century!). it is the United States which is currently backward in its birthing techniques, in that childbirth is often considered a "medical emergency," and only normal "after the fact." As a European now living in Canada, Kitzinger hardly seems radical - she makes good sense. This text, now out in a new edition (it is on the bookshelves here) is a pleasure, and I am enjoying it far more than What to Expect When You are Expecting, which was cold, dry and filled with rather alarming DON'TS! I think women (and men) need to find ways to make the birth experience their own, surrounded (of course) by well-trained, knowledgeable medical professionals, who truly hear their clients. Both women and men are guilty of turning their doctors into gods, and we forget we are consumers of a very memorable and important service. Kitzinger reminds us of this, warmly and thoughtfully in her much-needed book.Book Review: Read this book and all of Sheila's others
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't believe people would give this book negative reviews. Sheila helped open so many doors for me during my second pregancy that I didn't even know existed during my first. She helped me gain knowledge and seek out more. I knew of every option available to me and I created a pefectly wonderful birth for me and my second child. This should be required reading for all pregnant women especially if they want to have the wonderful amazing birth that they deserve. Better birthing-better breasfeeding-better babies-----better!!!