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: Best Information on Childbirth Options
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book from cover to cover, even the references have more information. If you want to learn how to have a healthy & safe birth, or if you are feeling a little bit patronized by your doctor, this book is vital. I especially liked the chapters on breech, IVs, risks of c-sections, episiotomies, and the intervention rate comparisons between hospitals, birthing centers and home births. It is very fascinating to learn that OBs and hospitals have made births less safe, and you can have a safe birth at home with a midwife.Book Review: The first 80% stinks; the last 20% is for "thinking women."
Summary: 3 Stars
Henci Goer's is the book recommended to any woman who needs an introduction to the pros and cons of birthing in a hospital using the medical model (OB is always right, epidural, episiotomy, c-section, etc). She is comprehensive, as you can tell from the Table of Contents. For every issue under the sun, she presents pros and cons. Although her only scientific background is her bachelor's degree and an unusual amount of reading on the subject, you do feel that she knows what she's talking about, in general. She has a bias, but she admits it upfront: she wants you to be afraid of turning your body over to a medical system that doesn't trust it and doesn't trust you, either.
The problem with the book, what makes the first 80% of it so utterly unreadable to me, is how she presents her content. She divides the book into "prose" and "science." The last 20% of the book is all of the journal citations and her reviews of particular articles and their conclusions. The vast majority of thousands of journal articles she cites are all from reputable scientific journals, and that part of the book is worth the purchase price.
However, the first 80% of the book is without footnotes. When she makes a statement, she'll say something like "studies indicate..." or "research shows..." without indicating what studies and which research. Not all research is good research. Further, without a specific citation, I cannot go back and double check her conclusions against the original research. This is a very unorthodox approach and smacks of not wanting to be proven incorrect on any of her points.
If you're not a particularly critical reader of scientific research, this book will be perfect for you. But if you have any kind of scientific background or are a critical reader, I would read the last 20% of the book and leave the text to the others.
Book Review: An ablsolute read for every mother and father to be
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the best pregnacy books I've read. If YOU really want to be in control of your body and your babys health, this book has the answers the hopitals do not.Book Review: A challenge to thinking women
Summary: 5 Stars
I heartily recommend this book. Be aware, however, that it is not a "Giggles and Grins" kind of book designed to make you feel good (the Girlfriend's Guide and What to Expect books are good for those who are content turning over their bodies to the "experts"). When you have information, you are responsible to do something with it - even ignore it. If you are pregnant and you want to manage this normal and significant part of your life, this is a must-read.
The author definitely has a point of view, and it is one that you are not likely to hear other places. This makes it more valuable for decision-making - you learn another side to the many issues involved in childbearing.
It is well-worth the effort to read this book and follow the references. Newer studies are out and some other books have been updated or published reflecting their results. However, the conclusions drawn in this book are still valid, and you can rely on them.
Book Review: Required Reading!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a must read for anyone expecting a baby or expecting to become pregnant. Henci is a thoughtful woman who had spent years researching her subject. She gives you nothing but the facts.
This book has the information you won't get in most doctor's offices.
Are you a thinking woman?