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: A Frightened Woman's Guide to a Distrustful Birth
Summary: 1 Stars
I have had this book recommended to me quite a few times, so I picked it up. I have to say, that this book does a good job of trying to insure that the woman will not only "think", but be frightened of anything done by an OB or in a hospital during pregnancy and childbirth. If all Obstetricans are really this horrid and unfeeling, that they would willingly impose tons of dangerous and unnecessary procedures on women- why are so many women still going to an OB and delivering at a hospital? Why are the majority electing for pain meds? This is just another book in a long line of books that assume that women today are just sheep who have no common sense what-so-ever, and that all would jump at the chance at a painful natural birth in their house if only they "knew". This book also can drive a wedge of mistrust and suspicion between a woman and her doctor, leading her to not take the doctor's knowledgable advice or to refuse something in labor that can actually help, or force her to "grit her teeth" in pain through labor because she is so scared of the meds that can help. I for one, chose a doctor I feel is trustworthy who cares about me and my baby. I think women should be offended by this mentality cropping up that women are all stupid, don't care about their babies or are selfish if they chose a medicated, hospital birth. Any study done can be slanted toward a person's point of view. Talk to your doctor about procedures done in childbirth- they are human and they want you and your baby to come out healthy.Book Review: A Frightened Woman's Guide to a Distrustful Birth
Summary: 2 Stars
I have had this book recommended to me quite a few times, so I picked it up. I have to say, that this book does a good job of trying to insure that the woman will not only "think", but be frightened of anything done by an OB or in a hospital during pregnancy and childbirth. If all Obstetricans are really this horrid and unfeeling, that they would willingly impose tons of dangerous and unnecessary procedures on women- why are so many women still going to an OB and delivering at a hospital? Why are the majority electing for pain meds? This is just another book in a long line of books that assume that women today are just sheep who have no common sense what-so-ever, and that all would jump at the chance at a painful natural birth in their house if only they "knew". This book also can drive a wedge of mistrust and suspicion between a woman and her doctor, leading her to not take the doctor's knowledgable advice or to refuse something in labor that can actually help, or force her to "grit her teeth" in pain through labor because she is so scared of the meds that can help. I for one, chose a doctor I feel is trustworthy who cares about me and my baby.Book Review: A wonderful, research-based approach to birth
Summary: 5 Stars
Henci Goer is a serious researcher, and her book is an information-packed work just right for anyone who wants to learn what they can do to help themselves have a better birth experience. When I was writing my own book, GIVING BIRTH: A Journey into the World of Mothers and Midwives, I was impressed with Goer's research skills both here and in her book Obstetrical Myths vs. Research Realities. This book is key reading for expectant moms who want to know what they'll be dealing with in labor and birth.Book Review: Encouraging, incredibly informative
Summary: 5 Stars
In my opinion, this book best fits the woman who finds comfort in knowledge and who wants to educate herself on hospital delivery--what tends to happen, the outcomes of interventions on yourself and your baby, and how to avoid problems.For example, there is a chapter on epidurals that tells how they're done (with picture) and the pros and cons of the procedure.
Do realize that the author does openly promote a "natural" style of birth (p.136). I wanted that, so I found this book incredibly encouraging and informative. It gives research that supported my desires and it tells procedures of how to avoid episiotomy, unneccessary c-section, IVs and narcotics, etc. This book also helped me to develop my birth plan and gave me confidence in my decisions.
The last third of the book is filled with literature summaries to support the claims she made in the text. Full references are there, in case you want to look up the research article yourself.
Book Review: Too Angry! Other Books Say It Better
Summary: 2 Stars
I would recommend this book to others IF THERE WEREN'T other books that teach the same information in a more positive way. I think that everything this book teaches about the medical community should be mandatory learning for expectant mothers. HOWEVER, this author often speaks out of anger and (though she does her best to provide all sides) she pushes her view of how things should be done just as or more strongly than any doctor I've encountered. Most of the things she rails against are no longer standard procedures (at least not in California hospitals), and staff are usually very familiar with and accomodating to patient requests. I finished this book with (incorrect) feeling that the hospital staff is out to get me. This is why I'd recommend books like "Husband Coached Birth" by Bradley. Bradley actually was an obstetrician for many years and his books give you an inside view of how these doctors think while providing the mother AND father with ways to cope with childbirth without fear or anger. I'd suggest people read this book, but with a BIG grain of salt over the emotional anger and fear this book produces.