The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer, Rhonda Wheeler Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
Book Review: Great reference if you are pregnant or planning to be
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fantastic book, full of information - including the references to where she got her data from, which is very important. Some authors just pull stuff out of their... I mean, they make stuff up, or they may as well be if there are no references to provide the evidence for what they are saying.
As for the criticism that it is "not balanced": I don't know what she was supposed to do. Say that there are some good things about routine episiotomy (when there aren't any)? Say there that from one perspective, it's good that almost 1 in 3 births in the US are by C-section (when of course it's not good)? The facts are the facts and they are unequivocably in favour of a more natural birth, when at all possible (which is the vast majority of the time). She provides the empirical evidence for this position. Try finding empirical evidence (not just somebody's word for it) that the US C-section rate is just right, or that routine episiotomy is necessary, or that women should not be allowed to eat or drink during the hard work of labour. Although something may seem like "common sense" to a doctor, that doesn't make it a good idea.
Yes, it's wonderful that C-sections exist for the few emergency cases in which they are required. Obstetricians are wonderful for that kind of surgery. But midwives are empirically proven to be safer birth attendants at low risk births. There is no way to be more "balanced" than that.
The book is getting a little old now, however, and for a more up-to-date companion, I recommend the wonderful "Born in the USA" by Marsden Wagner.
If you're reading this while pregnant: Have a safe and beautiful birth for you and you baby!
Book Review: Great Source of Information
Summary: 4 Stars
I really like this book, it is full of information on Hospital Birth and this book is what made me feel confident enough to switch to a Birth Center...The author is definitley one sided but it has a lot of stats and good information.Book Review: For the Thinking Woman who wants a natural birth
Summary: 3 Stars
If you're anti-medical establishment and definitely thinking of having a natural birth, then this book is perfect for you. If, however, you're looking for an unbiased book, this is not the book for you. While full of helpful information, the author is very up front about being an advocate for natural birthing, and doesn't have much positive to say about medical practices or practitioners (OB/GYNs, hospital nurses, etc). For those who want a balanced look at both sides, this book doesn't quite cut it.Book Review: Excellent Book for the thinking Woman
Summary: 5 Stars
I recommend this book. Henci Goer wrote this book using research and statistics to provide the reader with concise, factual, easy to read information. Topics covered in the book include
* whether to use a Midwife or a Doctor for pregnancy and birth,
* Doula's
* Testing
* Epidurals
* Episiotomys
* Birth options
* Breech babies
* Electronic fetal monitoring
she addresses the national epidemic of cesarean birth and so much more.
Henci Goer is an award winning medical writer and international speaker specializing in birth issues. Henci has written Obstetric Myth vs Research Reality, The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth, she has also written consumer pamphlets and articles in various magazines. Henci worked as a Doula for over 20 years and as a Lamaze Instructor for 10 years.
This is a great book to add to the bookshelf of a Labor Doula, pregnant woman and anyone interested in learning more about the science behind the tests, medications and procedures that are often used throughout pregnancy, labor and birth.
This is a book that should be used as a resource throughout pregnancy.The insightful information provided will assist the reader in making decisions. This book provides the pros and cons to the medical procedures and interventions that are often recommended during pregnancy and labor.
Book Review: Very Informative- but some things are not up to date
Summary: 4 Stars
A friend recommended this book to me. She was going the all natural homebirth route. I, on the other hand, will be delivering via hospital with the assistance of an epidural. I found this book VERY informative and honest. It it written by a Midwife, not an OB, so some of her views are a bit slanted toward MW's- which didn't really bother me. I think every woman should really know all of her options going into L&D and know ways to avoid a medically unncessary c-section. (If for nothing else, that chapter was worth the whole book for me!). It also lists all pros & cons for options during L&D. The only reason I give this book 4 stars, not 5, is because there are a few things she recommends/suggests that are totally out of date and behind medically. When I shared my Birthing Plan with my care provider after reading the book, I learned that a couple of the things the author highly recommended, our practice hasn't done- or seen done- in over 20 years! (such as limiting IV fluid, mediolaterally episiotomy, etc). So, just follow up with additional research by talking with your MW or OB when creating your Birth Plan and do not take Henci Goer's word 100%. This being said, I would still HIGHLY recommend this book for any first time mom... even dad!