Childbirth Without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth

"If you never read any other book on childbirth, make sure you read this one. I first read this book before I had my first child in 1992. I was so glad I did. My understanding of the labour-fear-tension connection enabled me to have a relatively pain-free labour. I have since had 2 more children and reread this book each time, using the knowledge I gained to feel in control of my birthing experiences. Relaxation has been key and as a result, I can honestly say that giving birth has been the most fantastic experience for me each time. My midwives have all said they've never seen anyone give birth in such a relaxed state."
~ Written on 2007-07-22

"This is one of the best childbirth books ever written! Many women are indebted to Dr. Read for the wonderful truths he rediscovered about birth when it was highly medicalised in the 1940s. Nothing with the woman's body has changed, and his findings are still very true. We don't have control over a lot of things as women in labor, but we do have control over the mind, and Dr. Dick-Read shows us how to control that fear and use it to positively shape the direction of our birth. This is a hidden jewel that needs to get out in the mainstream again.

Other useful books include:
Christ Centered Childbirth by Kelly Townsend
Husband Coached Childbirth by Robert Bradley, MD"
~ Written on 2007-03-07

"I was recommended this book by my granny who is a retired nurse and midwife, and was completely hooked on it within the first few pages. Grantly Dick-Read devoted his life to investigating why natural childbirth was painful when he believed there is no reason for it to be so. In this book he describes how fear is an abnormal reaction to childbirth, and how this fear causes abnormal tention within the muscles of the womb that should be relaxed, leading to extremely painful cramp-like pains during contractions. So learn not to fear birth to stay relaxed, and the whole thing can be painless. IT WORKS. I gave birth effortlessly and painlessly to a 8lb 12oz daughter after a labour that only lasted 4 hours! [...]It's worth it's weight in gold. "
~ Written on 2007-02-11

"This is the only book you will ever need to read during your pregnancy. Understand the Fear-Tension-Pain cycle and how pain is just mind over matter. Birth doesn't have to be painful. This is such a wonderfully well written book, first published back in the 1930's and still relevant today. I know he's a man, but if he was still alive I would pay Grantly Dick-Read to be at my birth. God bless him!!"
~ Written on 2006-10-19

"This book is absolutely fantastic and should be provided free to all mums-to-be. I always planned to have a natural childbirth and was looking for a book which told me the facts and also helped me believe that I wouldn't necessarily need pain medication. As I read it my confidence grew as I understood the process of labour and the "pains" involved and I found my mind remembering sections whilst I was having contractions. I did end up with a natural pain med free childbirth and I know this book helped more than anything else."
~ Written on 2006-01-04