Offers expectant mothers seeking natural childbirth in a hospital a detailed look at pregnancy and labor, explaining how to create a mutually supportive relationship among birth-care providers and make informed choices.

Work out what kind of birth you really want, and learn how to maximise your chances of getting it, in this refreshing, warm and witty guide to pregnancy, birth and the early weeks. Packed with vital and cutting-edge information on everything from building the ultimate birth plan, to your choices and rights in the birth room; from optimal cord clamping, to seeding the microbiome; from the inside track on breastfeeding, to woman-centred caesarean, The Positive Birth Book shows you how to have the best possible birth, regardless of whether you plan to have your baby in hospital, in the birth centre, at home or by elective caesarean. Find out how the environment you give birth in, your mindset and your expectations can influence the kind of birth you have, and be inspired by the voices of real women, who tell you the truth about what giving birth really feels like. Challenging negativity and fear of childbirth, and brimming with everything you need to know about labour, birth, and the early days of parenting, The Positive Birth Book is the must-have birth book for women of the 21st century.

Why do so many American women allow themselves to become enmeshed in the standardized routines of technocratic childbirth--routines that can be insensitive, unnecessary, and even unhealthy? Anthropologist Robbie Davis-Floyd first addressed these questions in the 1992 edition. Her new preface to this 2003 edition of a book that has been read, applauded, and loved by women all over the world, makes it clear that the issues surrounding childbirth remain as controversial as ever.

Drawing on a landmark study involving more than one hundred pregnant women and mothers, a renowned OB/GYN synthesizes the secrets to a good birth—medically and emotionally. Most doctors are trained to think of a “good” birth only in terms of its medical success. But Dr. Anne Lyerly knows firsthand that there are many other important elements that often get overlooked. Her three-year study of a diverse group of over one hundred expectant moms asked what matters most to women during childbirth. The results, presented to the public for the first time in A Good Birth, show what really matters goes beyond the clinical outcome or even the usual questions of hospital versus birthing center, and reveal universal needs of women, like the importance of feeling connected, safe, and respected. Bringing a new perspective to childbirth, the book’s wisdom is drawn from in-depth interviews with women with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, and whose birth stories range from quick and simple to complicated and frightening. Describing what went well, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently next time, these mothers give voice to the complete experience of childbirth, helping both women and their healthcare providers develop strategies to address the emotional needs of the mother, going beyond the standard birth plans and conversations. Transcending the “medical” versus “natural” childbirth debate, A Good Birth paves the entryway to motherhood, turning our attention to the deeper and more important question of what truly makes for the best birth possible.

Since the original publication of The Birth Partner, partners, friends, relatives, and doulas have relied on Penny Simkin's guidance in caring for the new mother, from her last trimester through the early postpartum period. Now fully revised in its fifth edition, The Birth Partner remains the definitive guide to helping a woman through labor and birth, and the essential manual to have at hand during the event. The Birth Partner includes thorough information on: Preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun Normal labor and how to help the woman every step of the way Epidurals and other medications for labor Pitocin and other means, including natural ones, to induce or speed up labor Non-drug techniques for easing labor pain Cesarean birth and complications that may require it Breastfeeding and newborn care and much more For the partner who wishes to be truly helpful in the birthing room, this book is indispensable.

Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for Labour and Birth The Birth Book is the ultimate guide for expectant parents-to-be. From one of Australia’s leading obstetricians, this best-selling book combines expert information, real stories and up-to-date research to earn its reputation as the essential ‘birth-bible’. Packed with vital information – the stages of labour, modern pain relief options, vaginal birth, inducing labour, caesareans, monitoring the baby and post-birth recovery – your birth options are expertly explained and demystified. With new chapters examining birthing of twins and options for those who have previously had a caesarean section, The Birth Book simplifies complex medical information to transform childbirth anxiety into empowerment. Professor Stephen Tong has guided thousands of births and is renowned as a leading specialist obstetrician in Australia and internationally. He steers global research programs chasing discoveries to make pregnancy and birth safer for mothers and babies. His mission is to prepare you for an informed, confident and safe birth experience. A warm, wonderful and reassuring birth day companion. Praise for ‘The Birth Book’ From Mums... "Stephen's unique way of approaching birth, steeped in science but swathed in soul, is an uplifting one that brings joy and laughter instead of fear and tears to the birthing suite." Dani Venn, Celebrity Chef, mum of two “It’s like no book that I read before the birth of my three children, and without a doubt the one book that I needed.” Melissa Wilson, teacher, mum of three “It was INCREDIBLE! One minute I was wowing, then I was LOLING and at times even crying- especially at the end! This book honestly gave me goosebumps.” Kristie Gatanios, professional singer, mum of Pia " Humorous anecdotes coupled with a clear, unbiased and supportive view on what to expect makes this a must-read for every soon-to-be Mum and her birthing team." Sarah Ng, banker, mum of three “I loved the book, it was fantastic! It was very informative and easy reading without getting lost in technical talk.” Gaby Cahill, teacher, mum of three “A complete & comprehensive journey through labour & birth. Filled with current evidence, witty humour and raw honesty.” Cassie Penca, mother of three From doctors, midwives and pregnancy researchers … “This is the birth-bible for expecting parents. It will provide you with all the knowledge that you need to feel safe throughout pregnancy and when giving birth.” Associate Professor Lina Bergman, Obstetrician, Eminent Pregnancy Researcher, mum of twins Uppsala, Sweden "We assume all will go to plan but during birth things can change in an instant. What better way to be prepared than to have all the information in an entertaining and easy to read book …Funny, entertaining and educational. Read it and thank me later." Associate Professor Cathy Cluver, Obstetrician, Eminent Pregnancy Researcher, Mum of three. Cape Town, South Africa. “Using humour and plain language, Professor Tong details how obstetricians think, and why. A great read for doctors; a must read for expectant parents. “ Dr Nick Walker, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Auckland "An absolute gem in the jungle of obstetric (mis)information, and laugh-out-loud easy reading. Accurate and passionate writing. Loved it!" Dr Aleide Vandewal, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Belgium. “A great book explaining the workings of an obstetrician’s mind! A must read for soon-to-be parents” Dr Prathima Chowdary, Gynaecologist, advanced laparoscopic surgeon, Auckland “Hugely informative, witty and compassionate, this book completely demystified birth…” Dr Roxanne Hastie, Pregnancy Researcher, mum of Charlie “An informative and entertaining ‘road-map’ towards birth and the many different routes the journey might take you on.” Associate Professor Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino, Pregnancy Researcher, mum of four “The Birth Book is approachable, amusing, and heartfelt.” Alex Roddy-Mitchell, midwife "A realistic account exposing the truth behind one of the most intimate experiences in human life. Prepare yourself for a brilliantly written journey of laughter and enlightenment." Alison Abboud, midwife “A wonderful guide to birth that is both informative and engaging…This book provides an evidence based and non-biased approach to labour in all its facets.”. Courtney Bird, midwife “Stephen makes complex information easy to understand, with his characteristic wit & humility.” Dr Lisa Begg, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Subspecialist, mum of three

For thousands of years women have given birth among people they know in a place they know well. Knowledge is shared between the participants and birth is a social event. In this new, revised edition of her classic book, Sheila Kitzinger explores the universal experience of pregnancy and birth. She looks closely at the place of birth, what is done to help women in childbirth and examines the bond traditionally formed between mothers and midwives.

"Giving birth is the pivotal moment of a woman's life but it is often treated as a medical procedure, and not as a rite of passage. Birthing from Within offers parents engaging and memorable ways for pregnant women, and their partners, to activate personal, social and spiritual resources that will guide them through labour and afterwards. Many birth classes teach from the 'outside', from the perspective of the professional. Yet, knowledge of anatomy and the stages of labour can often seem irrelevant in the intensity of contraction. The pregnant woman needs to know about labour and birth from her own perspective, she needs to be prepared for birthing from within. Pam England offers a method that allows a woman to fully understand her own strengths and resources. The self-discoveries made during pregnancy makes birth life-enhancing and empowers the future of the family. It is a multi-sensory and holistic approach that aims to make parents feel positively informed about what they are about to experience, confident about the birth of their child. Pain is an inevtiable part of childbirth but Birthing from Within provides resources for building pain-coping confidence in parents. It gives detailed instructions on dealing with normal labour pain and when the humane use of drugs may be called for."--Cover.

There is a global crisis in maternal health care for black women. In the United States, black women are over three times more likely to perish from pregnancy-related complications than white women; their babies are half as likely to survive the first year. Many black women experience policing, coercion, and disempowerment during pregnancy and childbirth and are disconnected from alternative birthing traditions. This book places black women's voices at the center of the debate on what should be done to fix the broken maternity system and foregrounds black women's agency in the emerging birth justice movement. Mixing scholarly, activist, and personal perspectives, the book shows readers how they too can change lives, one birth at a time.

The Power of Observation explores the vital connection between observing and effective teaching. Much more than just a set of skills, observation is a mind-set of openness and wonder that helps teachers and caregivers get to know more about each child in their care. The link between observation and building relationships is an important theme of this book. The authors share their own experiences and those of many others to illustrate how observation helps teachers and caregivers become more effective in the child care center, preschool, family child care home, or elementary classroom. It offers guidelines for effective observation and specific strategies to help you refine your observation skills and transform observing into an integral part of your teaching. This second edition includes expanded guidance on applying what you learn from observation into your daily practices and a new study guide. This study guide was developed based on recommendations from numerous university and community college professors who use the book as the textbook for their courses. We are pleased that NAEYC has chosen to make this book a 2007 Comprehensive Member Benefit.