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: "What is going on?"
Summary: 4 Stars
My second baby is due very soon - I have been to 4 practices before finding one that would allow me to have a natural child birth. All because they suspect a "big" baby.
This book is a must read for anyone who wants to learn the answer to the question, "Why not just get an epidural?" - - or address the statement "I'd just as soon have a c-section before going through all the pain of a natural birth". Mothers who want a natural birth are too often made to feel they are foolish for embracing the pain and process of delivering the way of the cavewoman (this is what I call it).
Compared to "What to Expect when You're Expecting", I felt this was a most accurate portrayal of the pros AND cons of epidural, episiotomy, c-section, induction and an array of other topics. Many other mainstream books out there don't tell the dirty truth, they just water down the topics and make it seem like no matter what you do you have made the right decision. It's simply not true. The last thing a mother needs to wonder or say at the hospital is "What is going on?". I think this book is essential to inform a woman of her rights and responsibilities when bringing another life into this world.
Book Review: This is on my "must read" list for all new parents- not to be missed
Summary: 4 Stars
It doesn't really explain the birthing process so it is an "advanced read"; read it only after you have a basic understanding of the birth process. The book really explains the pros and cons of standard interventions that occur in a normal hospital birth and how to make wise, informed choices for yourself. In my opinion, if more moms read this the c-section rate would be lower (without sacrificing a healthy baby and healthy mom) and women would be more inspired to take responsibility for their body and baby. There is so much good info in here!
I only wish 2 things...1. that the book had been updated more recently (protocols, drugs, etc change a lot in the medical community so you may get a little bit of out of date info or run into scenarios that just aren't likely to happen nowadays)
and 2. that there were a better description of how to get your care providers to discuss alternatives with you. It's one thing to read the book and understand her research on a practical level. But, the Dr. or midwife can throw some emotional ideas into the mix that can make Goer's points seem less important. (For example, I was planning a delivery without unnecessary interventions. Baby was healthy according to NST, FMs, and BPPs but Dr. said, "if you were my wife I would induce labor" since I was a few days late. No mom wants to risk her baby's health for her own desires. And no matter that I knew inducing was more likely to cause problems than waiting a few more days in my case the Dr. really was trying to play on the vulnerabilites and uncertainties of expectant parents.) All the common sense and book smarts can fly out the window when dealing with the emotional aspects of parenting. Goer should offer more information on what other alternatives there are and why they could be valid. The book does this but the format could be a bit more "parent/ user" friendly. Sometimes I worry that Goer makes things clear with, "this is what you should do and this is what you shouldn't do," but doesn't give a mom much direction.
(Hope I didn't ramble too much- I kind of get on a roll when I am talking about childbirth. :))
Book Review: Preachy and biased...
Summary: 1 Stars
I only give it 1 star because there are some informative parts. But mostly it was very preachy, anti-doctor/hospital and very one sided. "My way or the highway"-like.
The author doesn't believe that a hospital birth is any good and the best way to birth is at home or a birthing center. Obstretricans are evil. All that stuff.
There were a few moments of helpfulness when the author would discuss generalities or procedures...but other than that, useless. Borrow from a library but do not support this author!
Book Review: Unbalanced. Unhelpful.
Summary: 1 Stars
This books is not helpful if you are an impending mother who wants to get balanced information about birth and the different options. I had to stop reading this book as all it did was make me feel guilt and apprehension about giving birth in a hospital - albeit with a supportive, non-interventionist obstetrician.
Reviewers are correct in saying that the book has research to back up its statements but research can generally be found to support any view on things such as this, particularly given that no true statistical studies can be done due to ethical considerations of assigning women to birth methods.
The book also uses things that are "negatives" of hospitals (lots of equipment) as "positives" of birthing centers (equipment to deal with emergencies).
Book Review: We can have a good birth if we make the best choices.
Summary: 5 Stars
So much of our birth experiences result from the choices we make both before and during labor. This book teaches us how to understand the decisions that need to be made and how to navigate the confusion of the obstetrical world. I am a Licensed Midwife and owner of Carolina WaterBirth, a birth center in SC. I often recommend this book to women looking for answers, and we refer to it in childbirth classes. In labor, I can truly see more confidence in the women who have given thoughtful consideration to their birthing desires. You'll be grateful that you read this book.