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The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth
Prepare for a safe and joyful birth-with the help of America's foremost baby and childcare experts Since women enjoy more birthing options today than ever before, the path toward a safe and satisfying birth can be fraught with important decisions. Planning, understanding the resources available to you, and developing your own birthing philosophy can make all the difference. In this comprehensive, reassuring, and authoritative guide, Dr. Bill and Martha Sears, the pediatrics specialists whose books on pregnancy, babies, and parenting have become widely praised bestsellers, thoroughly explore the abundant choices couples face when anticipating the birth of their child. The topics covered in The Birth Book include: * Selecting the right birthing environment and team *preparing physically and emotionally for childbirth *using prenatal tests and technology wisely *defining the father's role *selecting a childbirth class *lessening the discomfort and speeding the process of labor *choosing or avoiding anesthesia *finding the birthing position that's best for you and your baby *decreasing your chances for a cesarean birth *turning a surgical birth into a rewarding experience As the parents of eight children and as medical professionals with nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Bill and Martha Sears are uniquely qualified to answer virtually every question you might have about the birth process. Their one-of-a-kind guide, rich in information as well as inspiration, enables you to plan and create the birth you want.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
21 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
William Sears
159 books169 followersDr. Sears, or Dr. Bill as his "little patients" call him, is the father of eight children as well as the author of over 30 books on childcare. Dr. Bill is an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. Dr. Bill received his pediatric training at Harvard Medical School's Children's Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto -- the largest children’s hospital in the world, where he served as associate ward chief of the newborn nursery and associate professor of pediatrics. Dr. Sears is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a fellow of the Royal College of Pediatricians (RCP).Dr. Bill is also a medical and parenting consultant for BabyTalk and Parenting magazines and the pediatrician on the website Parenting.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 10, 2008
Another really helpful book--in fact, I would say that this one is the most comprehensive in terms of covering medical, practical, and emotional aspects of birth. If you only read one, I would choose this book for that reason.
There were just a couple things that bothered me about this book. The first was what seemed to me a ridiculous avoidance of the word "pain" in relation to laboring. I understand the intent--most pregnant women (myself included) are inundated with horrific stories of excruciating pain in childbirth and such stories create fears and expectations that only increase painful sensations. So, the Sears' are trying to combat that. But, come on--labor hurts. And I feel like trying to say it shouldn't or it shouldn't hurt very much is more dishonest than helpful. I prefer Birthing From Within's approach to recognizing the painful experience that birthing is and having that be okay.
The other point that bothered me is related to the above. There seems to be a fair amount of emphasis placed on not "losing it" during labor. Again, I understand the rationale ("losing it" usually means lots of fear and tension, which increases pain), but again, I think there are more helpful approaches. Sometimes women need to lose it in labor to get through it, and that's okay too.
Other than that, like I said, it's a very informative read, written from a unique perspective (the married authors are a MD-RN team who have had many of their children at home).
There were just a couple things that bothered me about this book. The first was what seemed to me a ridiculous avoidance of the word "pain" in relation to laboring. I understand the intent--most pregnant women (myself included) are inundated with horrific stories of excruciating pain in childbirth and such stories create fears and expectations that only increase painful sensations. So, the Sears' are trying to combat that. But, come on--labor hurts. And I feel like trying to say it shouldn't or it shouldn't hurt very much is more dishonest than helpful. I prefer Birthing From Within's approach to recognizing the painful experience that birthing is and having that be okay.
The other point that bothered me is related to the above. There seems to be a fair amount of emphasis placed on not "losing it" during labor. Again, I understand the rationale ("losing it" usually means lots of fear and tension, which increases pain), but again, I think there are more helpful approaches. Sometimes women need to lose it in labor to get through it, and that's okay too.
Other than that, like I said, it's a very informative read, written from a unique perspective (the married authors are a MD-RN team who have had many of their children at home).
March 6, 2015
**UPDATE** After 2 very positive unmedicated births, to which I greatly credit this book, I feel that I should move it from 4 to 5 stars. I've recommended it to several friends who have also found it helpful. A good part of the book can be skipped if you have read other childbirth books but what this book adds is a great mental framework to help prepare you no matter what you want- and that is the most important preparation of all. **
Overall I really liked this book. While it is a little more anti-medical than I am, I think a lot of that is related to the fact that it was written in the 90's and a lot has changed in terms of hospital policy in the past few years. And at least it is less anti hospital than most birth books I found. My first child's birth was a very positive experience including an epidural and I decided I would like the experience of a natural birth. I searched for a book that could support my 3 main goals: First, a healthy baby and mom; Second, a positive experience; and Third, as drug free as possible. I think the book does a good job of preparing women for childbirth by setting the expectation that birth is something you can do, but it's hard and not entirely controllable. My main fear in going for a natural birth is that I won't be able to handle it and I will feel like a failure for "giving up". The book addresses this fact and has helped me to feel at peace no matter how it turns out. I think the relaxation and coping techniques are very helpful and practical for a variety of different personality types. We'll see how this birth ultimately turns out, but this book has helped me feel more confident in my abilities to give birth and less nervous about the final outcome.
Overall I really liked this book. While it is a little more anti-medical than I am, I think a lot of that is related to the fact that it was written in the 90's and a lot has changed in terms of hospital policy in the past few years. And at least it is less anti hospital than most birth books I found. My first child's birth was a very positive experience including an epidural and I decided I would like the experience of a natural birth. I searched for a book that could support my 3 main goals: First, a healthy baby and mom; Second, a positive experience; and Third, as drug free as possible. I think the book does a good job of preparing women for childbirth by setting the expectation that birth is something you can do, but it's hard and not entirely controllable. My main fear in going for a natural birth is that I won't be able to handle it and I will feel like a failure for "giving up". The book addresses this fact and has helped me to feel at peace no matter how it turns out. I think the relaxation and coping techniques are very helpful and practical for a variety of different personality types. We'll see how this birth ultimately turns out, but this book has helped me feel more confident in my abilities to give birth and less nervous about the final outcome.
January 24, 2024
Even though this book may be a little outdated in its information, I think I preferred it that way. There was none of the woke nonsense in it. Most of the stuff in it was pretty basic, but I definitely came away from it with some little nuggets of new info, especially on the explanation of different natural birth "methods" and their applications to real birth stories. I liked the authors's perspective of presenting all the options available to mothers, but making it clear that not all the options are created equal. There was an obvious, fair, and nonjudgemental, bent towards natural childbirth, which I appreciated because they were frank about their position. I also liked the fact that all of their pictures were drawings, so it was very husband friendly ;)
May 18, 2010
I picked this book out because I have a number of friends who are parents and are fans of the Sears books and also because I wasn't able to take a childbirth class and wanted some practical tips for relaxation and natural pain relief during birth. A lot of the books I looked at said things like "use the relaxation techniques from your childbirth class" rather than explaining some of the techniques themselves. This book offered a variety of suggestions for making an unmedicated birth more comfortable, from massage suggestions to diagrams of various positions for labor and birth to a recipe for "labor-ade." My husband and I both enjoyed reading the birth stories included at the end of the book, which list a variety of experiences with a variety of interventions and ways of giving birth. The book definitely promotes natural birth with as few medical interventions as possible, but it also explains the medical justification for using drugs to ease pain and help labor progress, and it is a wonderful tool to help pregnant women educate themselves about the options they may face in the delivery room.
May 13, 2008
I loved this book in 2001, before I gave birth. After giving birth, I found Sears' description about how a certain position can stop pain during back labor to be laughable. I also think much of the angst I felt about having an emergency c-section to be a result of having read this book and being so focused on a drug-free birth. Babies are resilient and having a healthy birth is so much more important than having a "Sears" birth.
June 13, 2008
I feel I now have a good grasp of what a baby is and where they come from.
October 25, 2017
With his wealth of information and gentle way of laying all options, yet staying firm in his convictions, I recommend this to every expecting mother. Whether first, second, or any subsequent baby, Dr. Sears helps the reader understand all the different aspects of labor and birth allowing the reader to make an educated choice about her desires for that life-changing day. He also reminds the reader that birth doesn’t always go as planned, yet that doesn’t mean a plan can’t be laid out with hopes of what they want if it does go smoothly. Excellent read for every expectant mother!
March 9, 2024
I thought they had a pretty good balance between mostly promoting natural birth without interventions, but going through the interventions and explaining what they were, side effects, when it might actually be more helpful to choose them. Covered different kinds of birth and locations, stages of labor, etc.
Biggest emphasis otherwise was probably on relaxing and not being fearful as one of the most important and helpful things.
Biggest emphasis otherwise was probably on relaxing and not being fearful as one of the most important and helpful things.
July 5, 2018
Overall, very good. I like Dr. Sears. It's nice to see a natural birth encouraged in a hospital setting, since that is essentially the only option in Ohio. I thought the avoidance of the word "pain" was downright silly though. Birth is pain, highness. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.
June 30, 2021
Such great information in this book. However I wish I could say 3.5 stars instead of 4, because this book leans HEAVILY toward having a natural birth (very anti-medication and anti-epidural) which isn’t for everyone! Definitely wasn’t for me (PRO EPIDURAL!!!) and never will be for me haha, despite how informative this book was.
April 18, 2019
This is going to be the only book I read on birthing. I thought it was very comprehensive and enough. I didn't sense any bias as some reviewers had mentioned. They advocate natural approach with technology use only when completely necessary.
June 13, 2022
I really liked the step by step info on what to expect during labor, which I haven’t read yet elsewhere. This book is old, so it seems the recommendations were far ahead of its time. Don’t agree with everything, but overall I would recommend it
January 9, 2021
Really good book, filled with lots of useful information and tips.
May 4, 2025
A lot of birth Doulas read this book for their training so I figured I'd give it a shot. It's old but it delivered on what I expected of this book. I can now be my own Doula
November 7, 2025
Exceptional insights on the process of birth and how to prepare for the birth you want. Ahead of its time!
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July 24, 2016William Sears is captivating as a writer, knowledgeable as a doctor, and honest - as he himself is a father. The Birth Book is great to recommend as a first exposure to the world of knowledge in the natural childbirth movement. He does a very good job of explaining complicated concepts in down-to-earth language that new parents can easily comprehend. I appreciated to hear Dr. Sears opinion about the best birth preparation approaches. He explained how the Lamaze method is mostly focused on distraction, whereas the Bradley method is more about accepting, working with, releasing and surrendering to (rather than escaping) the contractions. However, he also mentioned that it is important to make sure the woman's partner doesn't feel pressured into a role he feels uncomfortable in. Husbands should be free to do what they do best - love their wives.
His summary about different prenatal testing options was helpful. I found it interesting that dopplers actually emit higher a more concentrated beam of sound energy waves than the ultrasound scan does. I am taking that into consideration as I try to decide whether to buy a doppler or a fetoscope first. :-) It was also good to hear about the cesarean epidemic from a doctor's point of view. Every day on television there are ads encouraging mothers to sue their doctors for poor outcomes. We are hurting ourselves by creating so much fear of malpractice; it becomes the focus instead of what is best for the patient.
I also appreciated the summaries of why squatting and tailor sitting are so healthy;
❖ Squatting - stretches ligaments to widen the pelvic outlet, prepares thigh and leg muscles for this valuable birth posture, and conditions you to squat instead of bend over to pick up objects. Toddlers and young children squat a lot as they go about their "work," but in our culture, this posture has disappeared from the routine of adults. Could it be that women who squatted around the cooking fire and at the stream had a much easier time giving birth because squatting was so natural for them?
❖ Tailor Sitting - loosens perineal tissues and stretches inner thigh muscles, strengthening them for birth. It also brings your uterus forward, taking pressure off your back.
Dr. Sears had a very easy to follow explanation of the stages and phases of birth that allowed me to comprehend it to a level that I had not reached before. I appreciated his list of "Real Quotes from Women in Labor" on page 220. One of the funniest ones listed under Pushing; "Wanting to have the most intense bowel movement of my life." I really feel better prepared to recognize what phase of labor a woman may be in based on his description of how women "turn in" during active labor. The only thing I was disappointed in was that he seemed to not be informed about the possibility of the Fetal Rejection Reflex replacing the second stage of labor. His explanation of the different positions to labor and give birth in (and not to) was also simple and easy to follow. I hope to be better prepared to help laboring women to find the positions that will work the best for them.
In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot cover all of the fascinating information that I garnered from it in 500 words. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to further their knowledge about Pregnancy and Birth.
His summary about different prenatal testing options was helpful. I found it interesting that dopplers actually emit higher a more concentrated beam of sound energy waves than the ultrasound scan does. I am taking that into consideration as I try to decide whether to buy a doppler or a fetoscope first. :-) It was also good to hear about the cesarean epidemic from a doctor's point of view. Every day on television there are ads encouraging mothers to sue their doctors for poor outcomes. We are hurting ourselves by creating so much fear of malpractice; it becomes the focus instead of what is best for the patient.
I also appreciated the summaries of why squatting and tailor sitting are so healthy;
❖ Squatting - stretches ligaments to widen the pelvic outlet, prepares thigh and leg muscles for this valuable birth posture, and conditions you to squat instead of bend over to pick up objects. Toddlers and young children squat a lot as they go about their "work," but in our culture, this posture has disappeared from the routine of adults. Could it be that women who squatted around the cooking fire and at the stream had a much easier time giving birth because squatting was so natural for them?
❖ Tailor Sitting - loosens perineal tissues and stretches inner thigh muscles, strengthening them for birth. It also brings your uterus forward, taking pressure off your back.
Dr. Sears had a very easy to follow explanation of the stages and phases of birth that allowed me to comprehend it to a level that I had not reached before. I appreciated his list of "Real Quotes from Women in Labor" on page 220. One of the funniest ones listed under Pushing; "Wanting to have the most intense bowel movement of my life." I really feel better prepared to recognize what phase of labor a woman may be in based on his description of how women "turn in" during active labor. The only thing I was disappointed in was that he seemed to not be informed about the possibility of the Fetal Rejection Reflex replacing the second stage of labor. His explanation of the different positions to labor and give birth in (and not to) was also simple and easy to follow. I hope to be better prepared to help laboring women to find the positions that will work the best for them.
In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot cover all of the fascinating information that I garnered from it in 500 words. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to further their knowledge about Pregnancy and Birth.
June 22, 2009
This is my favorite of all the books about pregnancy I've read so far. Written by the famous Dr. Sears and his wife (an R.N.), this book covers this history of birthing in the Western world, how things are done now, and literally everything a woman needs to consider about her birth experience.
Because this couple has gone through eight births themselves, because they each have a medical background, and because they advocate viewing birth as a natural experience and not as a medical experience (except in the 10% of cases where it needs to be a medical experience) I really trust the information in this book.
The authors show how, beginning in the early twentieth century, birthing changed from being a natural aspect of life into an occasion for doctors to practice their "expertise" and to make a profit from unnecessary interventions. The authors detail dangerous and ludicrous procedures women were put through once midwives were discredited and women became convinced that male doctors knew the most about birthing babies.
Knowing this history empowers women to learn as much as possible about today's standard medical interventions, they few instances in which they are actually necessary, and how to work with caregivers to get the birth experience a woman wants rather than the domino-like interventions that lead to a 60% Cesarean birth rate in the U.S. today.
I really cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Because this couple has gone through eight births themselves, because they each have a medical background, and because they advocate viewing birth as a natural experience and not as a medical experience (except in the 10% of cases where it needs to be a medical experience) I really trust the information in this book.
The authors show how, beginning in the early twentieth century, birthing changed from being a natural aspect of life into an occasion for doctors to practice their "expertise" and to make a profit from unnecessary interventions. The authors detail dangerous and ludicrous procedures women were put through once midwives were discredited and women became convinced that male doctors knew the most about birthing babies.
Knowing this history empowers women to learn as much as possible about today's standard medical interventions, they few instances in which they are actually necessary, and how to work with caregivers to get the birth experience a woman wants rather than the domino-like interventions that lead to a 60% Cesarean birth rate in the U.S. today.
I really cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Read
April 30, 2016This book is, of course, a classic, and I've read it a couple of times before.
What I noticed reading through (most of) it this time was the spirit of it: it's a spirit of fighting for what you want/believe is right, and of seeking for the information you need. And the Searses believe that they know what you should want/believe is right/information you need. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I can see how it might feel judging to some people in some circumstances, which I'm not sure I've seen or understood before.
I was interested in the biochemical/mechanical explanation of why relaxation in labor is important to pain coping. It makes sense; and I still kind of wonder about the emphasis on relaxation. My personal experience tells me that no matter how relaxed I am, I'm still going to experience cervical stretching as painful, and that for me, more active pain coping practices will work better.
But I'm not the only kind of person in the world. And so I'm inspired to keep working to improve my ability to help women labor who need more active ways of laboring, and those who need my help or encouragement to relax.
What I noticed reading through (most of) it this time was the spirit of it: it's a spirit of fighting for what you want/believe is right, and of seeking for the information you need. And the Searses believe that they know what you should want/believe is right/information you need. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I can see how it might feel judging to some people in some circumstances, which I'm not sure I've seen or understood before.
I was interested in the biochemical/mechanical explanation of why relaxation in labor is important to pain coping. It makes sense; and I still kind of wonder about the emphasis on relaxation. My personal experience tells me that no matter how relaxed I am, I'm still going to experience cervical stretching as painful, and that for me, more active pain coping practices will work better.
But I'm not the only kind of person in the world. And so I'm inspired to keep working to improve my ability to help women labor who need more active ways of laboring, and those who need my help or encouragement to relax.
February 7, 2009
I read this book the last time I was pregnant and just reread it now that I am pregnant again. I am a fan of Dr. Sear's attachment parenting beliefs and usually find him to be a helpful source of information for parents who want to do things the gentle, natural way. This book gave me a lot of useful information regarding childbirth choices and interventions.
One thing that bothered me was that they wrote responses to various women's descriptions of labor. Any woman that described it as painful had the Sears disclaimer that labor should only cause discomfort and pressure, not pain. I know that some women say their labor is fast, easy, and painless, but that's definitely not the case for everyone. I think the woman that described hard labor as a Mac truck in her body was accurate in my case. On the other hand, they did acknowledge that some women actually do benefit from an epidural when they are too exhausted to progress anymore. I think this showed some balance in their views.
One thing that bothered me was that they wrote responses to various women's descriptions of labor. Any woman that described it as painful had the Sears disclaimer that labor should only cause discomfort and pressure, not pain. I know that some women say their labor is fast, easy, and painless, but that's definitely not the case for everyone. I think the woman that described hard labor as a Mac truck in her body was accurate in my case. On the other hand, they did acknowledge that some women actually do benefit from an epidural when they are too exhausted to progress anymore. I think this showed some balance in their views.
August 12, 2008
LOVE this book! Found it to be thorough but easy to read, with a loving tone that encourages women to be informed about their birth options and be proud of the choices and decisions they make regarding their birthing plans. Includes a beautiful section of birth stories that vary from the all-natural earth mother having the perfect home waterbirth, to the woman who knew she wanted an epidural in the hospital and was even open to a c-section. All these birth stories are presented in a positive and inclusive light -- the focus is on the emotional well-being of the mom and her participation in what birthing method she figured out would work best for her. There are also a couple of stories about mothers whose birth experiences did not go as planned. So encouraging to see how they handled the stress of events spiraling out of their control, and what steps they took afterwards to examine their disappointment, properly grieve, and take time to heal.
July 24, 2012
I thought this book was well written and quite comprehensive, covering everything from the history of birth to birth plans and even includes birth stories from different types of births. I especially liked that this book was non-judgmental when discussing medication during labor. The information was well-presented, allowing the parents-to-be to make informed decisions instead of feeling pressured into a birth they do not want. The reader is continually encouraged to figure out their own birth philosophy, then find care providers and make other decisions in accordance with that philosophy. This book was published in 1994 and I would love to see the authors publish an update with more current information and updates to the many predictions they made throughout. Overall, I think this is an excellent resource that provides unbiased information for parents.
October 2, 2013
This book totally delivers on its promises! Childbirth is challenging and a situation of extreme vulnerability, and it's so important to go in informed and prepared to maximize one's chances of a positive experience. The book is informative, thorough, and realistic, and really equips the reader to grab her childbirth experience by the reigns and steer, as well as to know when to let go and let others drive.
Being an advocate for yourself in childbirth, and having a good support system with a similar philosophy of birthing is the key to a positive experience. To be a successful advocate, you must be well informed, and this book does it.
As an aside, I think it's valuable to know the philosophy of other attitudes towards childbirth than your own - only by considering alternatives can you really own your choices, attitudes and opinions.
Being an advocate for yourself in childbirth, and having a good support system with a similar philosophy of birthing is the key to a positive experience. To be a successful advocate, you must be well informed, and this book does it.
As an aside, I think it's valuable to know the philosophy of other attitudes towards childbirth than your own - only by considering alternatives can you really own your choices, attitudes and opinions.
July 25, 2014
Книга в духе Сирсов - все будет хорошо, все будет хорошо, все будет хорошо на множество страниц. Большинство вещей к нам неприменимо - так как максимум, что можно сделать у нас - выбрать роддом. Ну или и за врача заплатить, но это не вписывается в мою философию (врач не будет со мной, как в штатах, на протяжении беременности сидеть за ручку и в родах все равно будет чужим человеком). Еще я не очень люблю и даже совсем не люблю теорию заговора, что все врачи хотят только одного - всунуть в вас побольше капельниц и вообще следи в оба, иначе капец тебе придет! надо все по плану родов и заранее план огласить.
Тем не менее если фильтровать многие вещи, книжка окажется умиротворяюще-успокаивающей. Для эффекта последнего читать книгу необязательно, достаточно главы в книге про беременность - там все основное есть и позитив тоже.
Тем не менее если фильтровать многие вещи, книжка окажется умиротворяюще-успокаивающей. Для эффекта последнего читать книгу необязательно, достаточно главы в книге про беременность - там все основное есть и позитив тоже.
October 19, 2007
I really liked this book and after reading I felt very informed and prepared to encounter a natural childbirth. However, after reading how Marth had such easy labors, especially with her first few children, I was a little skeptical. I had a long, difficult labor with my first child and I scoffed at the amount of time Martha Sears spent huffing and puffing. Her accounts made me wonder if she knew how to help women with long, difficult labors. But then I reached the end of the book, in which several and varied accounts of childbirth are given, and I was heartened because many of these accounts seemed closer to my own experience.
Reading this book is good preparation, but I'd also get a doula if you can.
Reading this book is good preparation, but I'd also get a doula if you can.
March 25, 2010
This is a definite must read before the birth of your first baby! I found a lot of the information in this book helpful in me having two successful natural (drug-free) births. The book does focus on natural drug-free child birth methods. It helps you get into a mind-set that you need to let your body do the work and not fight it. I do understand that it does not like to mention ‘pain’ in the book, but I still found that okay. When I had my children I myself would not consider that I was necessarily in pain either time, so I can see why they chose to skirt around that. This is a great preparation for labor and delivery and I will definitely skim through the book again when I have another child.
October 8, 2012
I wish there was a natural child birth book out there that didn't make doctors out to be such evil entities. I think it would do wonders for helping moms to tell their doctors they want to have an unmedicated birth without there being skepticism. That being said, this book wasn't completely like that & it did do a good job at explaining medical intervention options should you wish to go that route which I didn't have the benefit of knowing about last time. This time I feel a little more prepared for a hospital birth for that reason.
I'm not sure if there is a newer edition but if there is, definitely search it out since I assume (or at least I hope) some policies have changed in the last 20 years.
I'm not sure if there is a newer edition but if there is, definitely search it out since I assume (or at least I hope) some policies have changed in the last 20 years.
December 20, 2012
Thanks to this man, I had courage to have a baby the way God intended! I think he is THE GREATEST advocate of maternal / baby health and it alarms me how many doctors scare patients, instead of empower and educate them! Thanks for telling it straight about birth, hospitals, circumscion, ultrasounds, the importance of nursing a human child with human milk, unnessecary medical interventions, and how a healthy woman should trust her body and a competent mid-wife! Obviously not one of those 'slice and dice' ob-gyns that are only in it for the hero element or the money! I love this whole family!!!!! If not for him and Dr. Odent, I would've been another American labor statistic who thought she couldn't give birth, couldn't nurse, had to go to a hospital, etc., etc., etc.
March 24, 2008
Another pregnancy reread. I am a big fan of the Sears family as I tend to agree with much of their parenting philosophy. This is a very informative book with details on different medications and their side-effects, ways to lessen the pain-fear connection during childbirth (Is there a such thing as a painless childbirth?? Very skeptical on this one), ideas for relaxation and what to expect during each stage of labor. It is filled with helpful charts and diagrams. I tend to agree with the Sears' naturalistic tendencies in general, but I do think the subject of pain medication during labor (and the epidural in particular) are handled in a somewhat biased fashion.
April 12, 2008
A great book to review everything about your labor, from pre-labor signs to labor positions. Be aware before diving into this book that the Drs. Sears are very earthy and hands-off when it comes to all things baby. So, some things bothered me, but in general, it was great. I even used one of their positions to help my baby turn from the time I was sent home from the hospital during labor to the time I delivered. It was a miracle to me! So, it's one book I own and don't ever plan on giving away until I'm finished having kids because it's such a great refresher for those of us who forget between babies how badly birth can hurt!
August 18, 2008
My favorite book on birthing- and I have read a lot- while it leans towards a drug free birth I felt that it gave all facts on all kinds of birthing experiences listing risks as well as reasons why intervention would be warranted. I really felt like the tone of this book was the most un-biased birth book on the market. Most books are either written to talk you into a natural birth or else only talk about general hospital policies never mentioning other options. William and his wife both "talk" in this book and while Martha's experience with Birth is not the norm, it is nice to have a women and RN's view as well as a medical doctor and father of 8.
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