Do Birth: A gentle guide to labour and childbirth.

by Caroline Flint

Whether it’s your first, second or fifth baby, most of us approach childbirth with some trepidation. Yet this life-changing event can and should be a positive one. Caroline Flint is a practising midwife and one of the most inspirational figures in the world of childbirth. Over the years she has helped hundreds of women give birth comfortably and confidently. And now she will help you. Find out how • Make preparations for being in labour, or even having your baby, at home • Help labour progress quickly and smoothly • Make a hospital birth more homely • Enjoy the first hours, days and weeks with your newborn Having a baby is one of life’s most exciting adventures. This book will help you to embrace it.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2013

Reviews

[Jen Mann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was given this book for my birthday and it was just not for me. I did read it but also skimmed through the book seeing if there was anything I could take to make me feel better during birth. There were a few snippets e.g. having sugary food/snacks, tips for the birth partner and knowing that our body’s are made for this so not to worry too much. However there was just so much more that I couldn’t get on with. Pregnancy, birth and being a parent is so different for everyone but certain things like being intimate with your partner during birth and spending 2 weeks in bed with the baby after birth just didn’t sit right with me as I want my partner to also bond. It may be for some but just not me.

[Buddug · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy read in the run-up to birth.

It's very pro-homebirth which initially put me off, but it does acknowledge that this isn't feasible for everyone, and suggests ways of bringing home to hospital which I liked.

A good reminder that we are just mammals, and simple things like lighting and privacy can be valuable in a gentle birth.

I also liked the honesty when talking about what could happen post-birth, such as difficulty bonding and post-natal depression.

Worth a read!

[Ján · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good - offers both practical details and also a holistic view which could help mitigate some stress and worries. I’m not yet able to compare the advice to the reality of birth, just evaluating what I can. However, I’m always sceptical when something is too pro-something, so one star down preventively :)

[Deny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives me very clear informations all about gentle birth. It helps me to understand how important giving a birth in a gentle way.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very personal perspective, very pro homebirth but a short useful recap on looking after yourself and your new baby

[Antonia D'Alessio Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas and mindsets however it is very pro home birth and dosent really give much scope for anything else.