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Pinter & Martin Why It Matters #14
Why Induction Matters: Pinter & Martin Why it Matters, Book 14
In modern maternity systems, one in four women have their labor induced. Why Induction Matters provides a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to this common intervention. The induction process is explained in detail, and reasons for offering induction are discussed. Options related to inducing labor or choosing to wait are explored, and women's experiences are included throughout. The book aims to help parents make their own informed decisions about induction of labor.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
Audible Audio
Published July 12, 2021
55 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Reed
2 books35 followersDr Rachel Reed PhD, GradCertEd, BSc (Hons) is an author, educator and sought-after international speaker. Her focus is childbirth physiology, care provider practice and women’s rights (and rites). Rachel has published widely in books, journals, magazines and writes an award-winning blog. As a researcher, Rachel studies women’s experiences of birth and the influence of care provider interactions. Her work is cited in evidence-based guidelines and textbooks that inform clinical practice. Rachel has designed and implemented midwifery education programs and supervised research students. She also has over 20 years of midwifery experience and has attended many births in a range of settings and circumstances. Rachel is originally from the North East of England but now lives in a forest in Australia with a variety of humans and animals. Find out more at www.rachelreed.website
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 14, 2019
Read this because my gynecologist suggested an induction without giving me much information. Someone suggested this book to me on insta (thanks insta) & I’m very happy that I’ve read this.
There’s a lot of information. All objective with medical science articles to back it up. There are also testimonials by a bunch of women with completely different opinions and experiences.
I highly recommend this book to every pregnant person even if induction seems like worlds away.
There’s a lot of information. All objective with medical science articles to back it up. There are also testimonials by a bunch of women with completely different opinions and experiences.
I highly recommend this book to every pregnant person even if induction seems like worlds away.
February 27, 2019
Induction is one of the most scary, divisive and emotive topic in birth discussion. Women who have otherwise gone through their whole pregnancy without incident, may find themselves considering induction towards the end for various reasons. It is at this point they need impartial, evidence-based advice that will help them make the right decision; not a decision out of fear or experiential guidance from others whose cases may have differed fundamentally to theirs.
Induction, like most interventions in birth come with their own set of risks, safety concerns and concerns for the baby’s wellbeing. These weighty matters mixed with the emotional landscape of a mother nearing the end of her pregnancy can be a difficult space to navigate.
There are many resources out there that can help but till date I found none more comprehensive, clear, impartial and authoritative than this book.
This is one of the series’ gem. I had to consider induction twice in my life. Both my children were born outside the range of “normal” gestation period. I am a scientist by training, so I thought I understood risk probability well. I was surprised at how casual some of the medical professionals were in their communication of risk on key areas of the induction process. Despite all my desire to be impartial to the situation, my motherly concern and fear for my baby’s and my health made the decision-making process very hard and complicated.
It is based on this personal journey where I hail this book as a winner.
The book is well structured from start to finish. The way Rachel starts with a clear explanation of what physiological birth is and how it differs when a birth is induced is what most mothers need to understand at the point of decision making. Rachel’s tone is clear indicating both a thorough grasp of the issues surrounding induction and a deep desire to empower mothers and care givers with the knowledge they need whilst considering such an important decision at a vulnerable time. At no point is induction vilified or made scary for the sake of it.
It’s not just the information in the book that is valuable, but the personal stories are interjected at the right places in the book to give the book a lift from the otherwise dry medical evidence. This is done with care and respect and I enjoyed reading about the experiences of women who like me in many ways had to make some important and hard decisions.
Another helpful aspect of the book is towards the end where Rachel gives a systematic outline of all the points that may be worth incorporating in your birth plan if you choose to consider induction. This chapter is a wonderful way to know that just because you choose induction does not mean the whole of your birth will spiral out of control, unlike what some horror story tellers will want you to believe.
This is the book that had it been around a few years back would have made me more confident in the decisions I took as a new and novice mother-to-be. This book is empowering, non-judgemental, clear and evidence based that is aimed at the non-professional mother/parent.
January 5, 2025
First book of the year: I absolutely loved this, everyone needs to read this (both midwives and great for women too). The author included so many facts and references to studies about literally everything in regard to IOL / medical intervention in birth. Loved how it all links up.
April 16, 2024
I will be suggesting this book to any woman who has any questions about Induction of Labour. What a perfectly written book, it’s educational and empowering!
June 11, 2019
You can watch my review of this brilliant book here https://youtu.be/cLHkJEnm_Y8
This book was outstanding. Rachel Reed has written a very intelligent, well researched book that is a credit to her.
Right from the off this book was written with authority and clarity. Reed immediately states that she is mother centred and this is then demonstrated throughout her book.
I couldn’t have been more impressed with the descriptions of complications and variations of pregnancy. It was succinct yet bursting with information, more information than women are usually credited with, by maternity staff or further reading!
I’m going to come out and say it, I didn’t think that this book would be this good. It’s a small book but it’s powerful. it is a handy sized oasis of information.
Pretty quickly I decided that this book was essential reading for women facing induction and that it is the sort book that should be handed to pregnant women when they are told they could be heading towards induction. Soon I realised it was an important book for all pregnant women to read, and now, I think everyone needs to see it.
I didn’t feel that Reed was on any ‘side’ of the medical versus natural debate. I felt very strongly that Reed was on women’s side, she has created an excellent book to allow women to understand why they may face induction, what the risks and benefits and alternatives are.
The descriptions of spontaneous labour and medical induction were again full of clear valuable information to allow women to make - and understand - their decisions.
The section on alternative methods of induction was informative and adds to the power of information to pregnant women.
The birth plan section was again (as with the rest of the book) empowering to women.
There were lots of Mothers stories throughout the book and they show the variety of experiences of induction and reiterate how individual each woman’s choices are.
I have read a lot of pregnancy and birth books, and there are different things about them that make them readable, but when it comes to the actual information inside them, the ‘facts’ are generally pretty standard, you’re lucky if you get one or two new insights (there are notable exceptions of course).
This book is bursting with busted myths and fuller accounts of information, and that is exactly what women need! Instead of being told ‘this is dangerous, you must do this….’, Instead being told ‘This means -so and so- is more likely, this is the statistical risk and there is also this to consider, and doing this can also change things…’ We are adults, we can handle detailed information, especially when it concerns our pregnancies.
I can’t recommend this book enough for pregnant women, I think all pregnant women would benefit from reading it. It is also essential reading for healthcare providers to keep them mother centred in their directions to women.
I think this book would also be interesting reading to women who have had children, or who are interested in childbirth. There are so many things we are told when we are pregnant that are handed out as cast iron facts to be accepted, but which are never really explained, this book does a wonderful job of clearly expanding on a number of them.
Well done Reed, this was a brilliant book and I think it is my favourite in the Why It Matters series, mainly because Reed has managed to get so much important information into what is a relatively small, and easy to read book (easily the sort of size that could be handed out to all pregnant women!)
You can watch my review of this brilliant book here https://youtu.be/cLHkJEnm_Y8
This book was outstanding. Rachel Reed has written a very intelligent, well researched book that is a credit to her.
Right from the off this book was written with authority and clarity. Reed immediately states that she is mother centred and this is then demonstrated throughout her book.
I couldn’t have been more impressed with the descriptions of complications and variations of pregnancy. It was succinct yet bursting with information, more information than women are usually credited with, by maternity staff or further reading!
I’m going to come out and say it, I didn’t think that this book would be this good. It’s a small book but it’s powerful. it is a handy sized oasis of information.
Pretty quickly I decided that this book was essential reading for women facing induction and that it is the sort book that should be handed to pregnant women when they are told they could be heading towards induction. Soon I realised it was an important book for all pregnant women to read, and now, I think everyone needs to see it.
I didn’t feel that Reed was on any ‘side’ of the medical versus natural debate. I felt very strongly that Reed was on women’s side, she has created an excellent book to allow women to understand why they may face induction, what the risks and benefits and alternatives are.
The descriptions of spontaneous labour and medical induction were again full of clear valuable information to allow women to make - and understand - their decisions.
The section on alternative methods of induction was informative and adds to the power of information to pregnant women.
The birth plan section was again (as with the rest of the book) empowering to women.
There were lots of Mothers stories throughout the book and they show the variety of experiences of induction and reiterate how individual each woman’s choices are.
I have read a lot of pregnancy and birth books, and there are different things about them that make them readable, but when it comes to the actual information inside them, the ‘facts’ are generally pretty standard, you’re lucky if you get one or two new insights (there are notable exceptions of course).
This book is bursting with busted myths and fuller accounts of information, and that is exactly what women need! Instead of being told ‘this is dangerous, you must do this….’, Instead being told ‘This means -so and so- is more likely, this is the statistical risk and there is also this to consider, and doing this can also change things…’ We are adults, we can handle detailed information, especially when it concerns our pregnancies.
I can’t recommend this book enough for pregnant women, I think all pregnant women would benefit from reading it. It is also essential reading for healthcare providers to keep them mother centred in their directions to women.
I think this book would also be interesting reading to women who have had children, or who are interested in childbirth. There are so many things we are told when we are pregnant that are handed out as cast iron facts to be accepted, but which are never really explained, this book does a wonderful job of clearly expanding on a number of them.
Well done Reed, this was a brilliant book and I think it is my favourite in the Why It Matters series, mainly because Reed has managed to get so much important information into what is a relatively small, and easy to read book (easily the sort of size that could be handed out to all pregnant women!)
You can watch my review of this brilliant book here https://youtu.be/cLHkJEnm_Y8
April 1, 2019
This is a brilliant resource for pregnant women and those who care for pregnant women in assisting with the decision making and delivery of information around induction of labour. Thanks so much for such an easy to read, sensible resource Rachel!
May 18, 2024
I'm really thankful to have found this book as a resource as I'm currently almost a week past my estimated due date and induction has been offered. All of the information in this book was really helpful in helping me assess the available options.
I only wish that all of the statistics and options were shared somewhere in the book side-by-side to make the assessment more straightforward. I also would have appreciated a risk comparison to cesarean which wasn't really offered. Also there were some instances where risk factors of induction methods was shared without statistics which I found unhelpful.
Reading this book has encouraged me to update my own birth preferences to include both induction and cesarean scenarios which I believe I'll be grateful for should either of those paths be necessary.
I only wish that all of the statistics and options were shared somewhere in the book side-by-side to make the assessment more straightforward. I also would have appreciated a risk comparison to cesarean which wasn't really offered. Also there were some instances where risk factors of induction methods was shared without statistics which I found unhelpful.
Reading this book has encouraged me to update my own birth preferences to include both induction and cesarean scenarios which I believe I'll be grateful for should either of those paths be necessary.
April 30, 2025
The most comprehensive resource for any mother or birth worker!
As a birth educator and coach I often refer my clients and audience to read this particular book for the rich amount of information both in how Rachel Reed breaks down the absolute risk and numbers, as well as the stories of real women that she has included.
I greatly appreciate the level of detail she puts into each section of the many variations and complications of pregnancy where induction is likely to be offered, as well as how this compares to the physiological process of birth.
Truly, this is one of those books that anyone supporting expecting families needs to have in their collection, especially with our Induction Epidemic in our current birth culture.
As a birth educator and coach I often refer my clients and audience to read this particular book for the rich amount of information both in how Rachel Reed breaks down the absolute risk and numbers, as well as the stories of real women that she has included.
I greatly appreciate the level of detail she puts into each section of the many variations and complications of pregnancy where induction is likely to be offered, as well as how this compares to the physiological process of birth.
Truly, this is one of those books that anyone supporting expecting families needs to have in their collection, especially with our Induction Epidemic in our current birth culture.
May 27, 2021
Excellent book, very informative and can be read in a day
I loved how much research this went over for all of the specifics to do with induction methods. It has helped me to be confident in my birth plan as well as understanding the risks that exist for different induction methods so if the plan changes I can still feel informed and confident I'm having a positive birth experience. I did lots of other research too but I just love how succinct this book is while also being thorough enough to guide your decisions. I read it in a few hours, and highly recommend it. Knowledge is power!
I loved how much research this went over for all of the specifics to do with induction methods. It has helped me to be confident in my birth plan as well as understanding the risks that exist for different induction methods so if the plan changes I can still feel informed and confident I'm having a positive birth experience. I did lots of other research too but I just love how succinct this book is while also being thorough enough to guide your decisions. I read it in a few hours, and highly recommend it. Knowledge is power!
December 28, 2024
As a midwife with more than 20 years experience, I still struggle with helping women make an informed choice when it comes to induction.
We all know that many inductions are baseless, but with obstetricians saying one thing and midwives saying another, women are often pulled in different directions, not knowing which care provider to trust.
I feel that this book has given me more tools to help empower women to make these important decisions, and shall be recommending it to my colleagues and the families I look after. Thank you (again! ) Rachel Reed.
We all know that many inductions are baseless, but with obstetricians saying one thing and midwives saying another, women are often pulled in different directions, not knowing which care provider to trust.
I feel that this book has given me more tools to help empower women to make these important decisions, and shall be recommending it to my colleagues and the families I look after. Thank you (again! ) Rachel Reed.
July 18, 2020
Fantastic discussion about a woman’s rights and choice of induction. Great read for pregnant mothers and families with time during the antenatal period. Highly recommend to maternity health professionals to provide simplified non jargon explanations of reasons for and against inductions.
April 16, 2021
This is a must have book if you are considering an induction. Not only does it outline all the evidence and pros and cons it has an awesome induction birth plan.
Knowledge is power and this book give back the power to the birthing women to make the decisions that are right for her.
Knowledge is power and this book give back the power to the birthing women to make the decisions that are right for her.
April 16, 2021
Very good information, totally focused on the subject.
It's not trying to provide a certain oppinion on induction for the reader, it just provides stories and facts and you are left to make your own conclusion.
It's not trying to provide a certain oppinion on induction for the reader, it just provides stories and facts and you are left to make your own conclusion.
May 27, 2021
As a husband and father going through our second pregnancy this book has so much information crammed into it to help me assist in my wife making informed decisions around birth. I feel we'll be making decisions based on knowledge not fear this time
November 2, 2020
Excellent review of the birth process and well referenced. Learned a lot and will be using as my reference for the future!
June 17, 2022
Excellent book, very quick read, but great to refer back to and take notes from! I really like Rachel Reed’s evidence based approach. She presents information with the evidence (pointing out where it’s limited/weak/strong evidence), alongside a variety of womens’ anecdotal experiences. I think this book should be read by every pregnant woman - knowledge is empowering.
Induction rates for social reasons/convenience for the health care provider/hospital are so high in Australia, but it doesn’t seem that women are being fully informed about the risks or what their choices will mean for their labour. I hear numerous stories from friends/birth stories podcasts of care providers saying to women at their routine appointments, “so you’re coming up to 38wks, what date would you like your induction/when would you like to have your baby?” in the absence of medical need. Women need to educate themselves to know what questions to ask so they have the full balanced picture before making a decision.
One note is that I was surprised she mentioned vaginal seeding without pointing out the weak evidence & risks associated with this practise. All other interventions were backed up with evidence (or lack thereof) in the book, but this was not.
Induction rates for social reasons/convenience for the health care provider/hospital are so high in Australia, but it doesn’t seem that women are being fully informed about the risks or what their choices will mean for their labour. I hear numerous stories from friends/birth stories podcasts of care providers saying to women at their routine appointments, “so you’re coming up to 38wks, what date would you like your induction/when would you like to have your baby?” in the absence of medical need. Women need to educate themselves to know what questions to ask so they have the full balanced picture before making a decision.
One note is that I was surprised she mentioned vaginal seeding without pointing out the weak evidence & risks associated with this practise. All other interventions were backed up with evidence (or lack thereof) in the book, but this was not.
November 22, 2022
This collection is a gem
January 3, 2025
Brilliant! I loved everything about this
November 27, 2021
Dr. Reed provides both analytical discussion and personal reflection from women who have experienced the various stages and types of induction. With the very clear and unbiased information provided by Reed, this book leaves you feeling very informed on all aspects of induction.
Reeds philosophy of woman-centred care, allowing women to make informed decisions about their labour without judgement, is clear through out.
I would highly recommend this book to all pregnant women, regardless of intention to induce labour or not. The information provided could prove invaluable should the option of induction come up, allowing women to make informed decisions.
Reeds philosophy of woman-centred care, allowing women to make informed decisions about their labour without judgement, is clear through out.
I would highly recommend this book to all pregnant women, regardless of intention to induce labour or not. The information provided could prove invaluable should the option of induction come up, allowing women to make informed decisions.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews