Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

"As a second time mum to be facing another caesarian, I was looking for a book which gave me some information on options for VBAC. While this book isn't specifically about VBAC it is an entirely positive but realistic book, the first half of which is full of birth stories which were inspiring. I'm sure I'll read it again and recommend it to pregnant friends."
~ Written on 2007-12-11

"I have read a lot of childbirth books and this is my favorite. It's great to read real and positive childbirth stories. Ina May is such an inspirational writer. I highly recommend it to everyone. "
~ Written on 2007-12-01

"This is a brilliant book and such a refreshing change from 'what to expect when you are expecting', as it tells you what few other pregnancy books tell you - that childbirth is natural and your body is built for the job so don't panic! It is on the 'hippy' side, so take out what you need. I ended up reading the book once then swotting up again just before the birth to get me focussed. Both my two children were born at home. "
~ Written on 2007-10-26

"This book helped me so much to understand what happens in labour for boh mother and baby. It removes the fear of the unknown and gives you so much information that you WILL need. I still chose a hospital birth as I wanted the 'just in case' reassurance for my first child; the NHS staff were brilliant - but they asked me throughout what I wanted. This book meant that I knew the answers and felt confident enough to say so.

The only drawback is that the book talks about the standard practices for care in the US (allegedly lots of unnecessary medical intervention). I found some of this alarming, but my actual experience of the NHS was very midwife led and helped me to have a natural birth with just Entonox, despite a compound delivery and a first baby over 9lb!

I do recommend you convince your partner to read the book too. My husband was too busy and says he felt a bit useless on the day (but he has been a superstar).

Many thanks to all the other reviewers for convincing me to read this book."
~ Written on 2007-06-04

"I live in England now, but I grew up about 10 miles from The Farm, where Ina May practices. It was quite strange to read about my rural Tennessee home in the birth stories and to see labour pictures of someone who was a guest at my wedding!

That aside - I found this an incredible empowering book and I feel so much more calm and confident about my impending labour.

Yes, the folks on the Farm are hippies - and yes, that philosophy does come through, but it's not done in an annoying way - and just because they're a bit touchy feely doesn't mean that her findings aren't based on empirical research. This book is a very easy read , too - clearly written, not patronising and not too complex or jargonistic..

I highly recommend this book. "
~ Written on 2007-04-03