Ina May's Guide to Childbirth "Updated With New Material"

Embracing the sexuality of birth is the most helpful information I got and was a wonderful tool in labor. I might even say that it cut the perceived intensity/pain of the contractions by 50 percent. This and letting out the energy of the contractions by saying "ahhh" to open your body and keep from getting tight and focused on "pain". Contractions are intense, but you feel them coming, get prepared, ride them out, and then they go, rest and they come back with more intensity. Perinneal massage is very helpful and this book was helpful in one story it talks about how the girl knew she had to "get big" and she did. Labor and Birth are a lot about what's going on in your head. Just knowing your body is built for it and being serious about perinneal massage and learning how to relax with a bunch of pressure down there is very helpful. I was able to get through the birth process without interventions--EVEN THOUGH I HAD AN INDUCED BIRTH!!! I had the doctor cut off the oxytocin at 100ml because the contractions were getting very intense and the labor proceeded naturally; got easier and became increasingly more intense naturally. You can do it if you know you got in this mess the same way your going to get out of it--use your sexuality. You can do it. I had an induced birth because of heart reasons in the baby a day and a week after the due date. Baby was 8.2 pounds. I did take Demerol which was helpful and gave me a bit of a rest before transition; but still used the methods I learned in this book; I believe if someone told me that when I was 8cm dialated that that was the worst of it may be I could've skipped it; but a little extra relief is helpful when it comes down to it. I was planning to do a Hypnobirth; but found the breathing impossible to get a hold of during labor may be because of induction or may be just because. It felt like I was drowning trying to breathe through them. I DO however also recommend Hypnobirth to have more tools in labor and the book helps eliminate the feeling of fear going into this. I also recommend watching videos via YouTube about natural birth so you can see how other woman get through this and have more ideas in your head when you go into labor. This is how you prepare for this. Even if you plan on getting a epidural you need these tools of how to cope until you are able to take the meds. No matter how you go you need to be prepared. I wanted a natural birth; but when I look back on the experience even if you completely don't want a natural birth you still need to figure out how your going to deal with it before you get the pain relief. This book is great. I even read all of the birth stories in the beginning when I was finished with it. This book is great because of the methods, stories, and thoughts it stirs about a positive birth experience.

Such a good book. Well written and extremely informative for home birthing or just to have an informed hospital birth.

I have been a labor and delivery nurse for 8 years and I learned so much from this book! It's geared more towards homebirth, however, it's great for learning about routine hospital and pregnancy procedures and helps inform moms of their choices and the reasons for certain tests. The birth stories are very encouraging. It's wonderful to read about normal birth.

I consider myself to be a middle of the road person. I believe in the innate power and wisdom of the human body AND have immense respect and gratitude for modern medicine. I think this book speaks to that and am genuinely surprised by reviews that find the book’s messaging to be pushy, biased, or “earthy crunchy.” As someone who is naturally curious, I found this book to be an invitation to explore a side of childbirth we don’t readily see. Her work is fascinating and reading story after story of women’s journeys was for me very empowering and really hones in on the idea that for so long women labored in a completely different way. I am drawn to the idea of an organic, natural birth IF my body allows. What a wonderful resource to have so that I can understand ways to support my labor and that wish. The second half of the book which deals with specific aspects of labor and delivery was incredibly helpful - research based, full picture presenting all options available. There is always the case of “you don’t know, what you don’t know.” And I feel good going into my experience armed with data and options but also having had time to truly digest and consider how I want to labor and deliver. I have a list of questions for my provider and choices I would not have had without reading this gem! Delayed cord clamping is one of them - I wouldn’t have known what the standard practice is and I wouldn’t have known the benefits or disadvantages of timing one way or the other. So to me, being informed NOW versus having decisions made for me or having to make them potentially in a stressful or urgent, or even life threatening way, is so much more peaceful. I have my birth “wishes” in a much more informed, concrete way. My sincere hope is that women takeaway the message that we can do this hard thing, we are built for it, and that when the stars align it can be a positive experience. And if medical intervention is necessary there is still an opportunity to design that experience (to some extent) so that it feels peaceful. Medicine is astounding and we need solid doctors, for sure, and yet, I believe there is room for midwives to be woven into the birth experience more readily.

It helps you to have a positive mindset about birth

A must must must read for all pregnant ladies out there. Also a must read for everyone giving unsolicited advice to the pregnant ladies!

Highly recommend this book to any pregnant parents, midwives, or doulas! It’s fascinating, easy to understand and informative from cover to cover.

Amazon book to profoundly change your perspective on birth. The book was one of the key factors why I ended up having a homebirth and this was just the right decision for our family. I’ve gifted the book to multiple other pregnant women and it was a highly appreciated gift. It should really be a staple for mums to be.

I bought it for my wife, and ended up reading it all before her. It shines light on what childbirth really is, and it's exactly what I needed as a father to understand the whole process. Definitely recommended.