The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer: Reviews

[BellyBelly]

Please share your reviews if you have read this brilliant book!

Award winning medical writer and birth activist Henci Goer gives clear, concise information based on the latest medical studies. Goer will help you compare and contrast your various options and show you how to avoid unnecessary procedures, drugs, restrictions, and tests.

Chapters include:

1. The Cesarean Epidemic: Obstetrics on the Cutting Edge
2. The Full-Term Breech Baby: Cesarean Section is Not the Only Answer
3. Induction of Labor: Mother Nature Knows Best
4. IVs: "Water, Water, Everywhere, Nor Any Drop to Drink"
5. Electronic Fetal Monitoring and Cesarean for Fetal Distress: The Machine that Goes Ping!
6. When Doctors Break the Membranes: If It Ain't Broke, Don't Break It
7. Slow Labor: Patience Is a Virtue
8. Epidurals and Narcotics: A Shot in the Dark
9. Episiotomy: The Unkindest Cut
10. Elective Repeat Cesarean Section: Just Say No
11. Professional Labor Support: Mothering the Mother
12. Obstetricians, Midwives, and Family Practitioners: Someone to Watch Over You
13. The Place of Birth: Location, Location, Location

[Tobily]

This book is AMAZING.
Absolutely essential reading for anyone who is pregnant, but especially if you are birthing in hospital and are wanting a natural intervention free birth, or if you're planning a VBAC.
It's very easy to read and understand, and what I love most is that every single assertion she makes is impeccably referenced and backed up by reputable, independent studies.
I love how she's structured it - most chapters are written with a background of the issue, and what drives the obstetric approach to it. She then goes on to discuss the evidence based research for the issue in question and leaves you to make up your own mind.
Great book, everyone should read it and if you're looking for the studies/research/facts to back up your case for a vbac, or for refusing an intervention, this is a great starting point.

Highly recommend

[christy]

Very highly recommended!

When I was first researching for my VBAC I found this book hard to read. I was frustrated with learning about my first birth and how things didn't have to happen the way they did. As I read on, I grew more and more determined to have the birth I wanted. When I went into my first antenatal appointment at the hospital with the midwives I was ready. I stated that I was having a VBAC. There was no "trying" for a VBAC. This time I had knowledge on my side.

[AJP]

i have this to read and am looking forward to it!!!