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The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery
Essential, empowering medical information and advice to help you prepare for your Labor and Delivery journey—from a leading OB-GYN and social media educator.
Birth is a transformative, remarkable process, but it can also be an incredibly daunting and traumatic—especially if you don't have the medically-sound information you need to advocate for yourself. With misinformation rampant on social media and a dearth of trusted medical resources on the birth process, women and pregnant people feel left behind in a system that is failing them. Thirty-six percent of counties in American are labeled "maternity care deserts" where there is no or limited access to obstetric care—and it’s only getting worse. We need a concise and comprehensive primer on the birth experience, whether that means a low-intervention birth or a complicated emergency c-section.
In The Birth Book, OB-GYN hospitalist and educator Dr. Jennifer Lincoln delivers exactly that. Dr. Lincoln answers all your questions, big and small, about labor and delivery, providing crucial insight and understanding. Questions
What is "normal" labor? What can I say no to?What are my options if baby is breech?How long does an induction take?And many, many more.
Backed by research and personal experience and including enlightening illustrations, The Birth Book gives you agency over your pregnancy and birth, along with context for the many choices you'll need to make. With Dr. Lincoln's help, readers will have an evidence-based resource at their fingertips for a better, safer, more informed birth.
Birth is a transformative, remarkable process, but it can also be an incredibly daunting and traumatic—especially if you don't have the medically-sound information you need to advocate for yourself. With misinformation rampant on social media and a dearth of trusted medical resources on the birth process, women and pregnant people feel left behind in a system that is failing them. Thirty-six percent of counties in American are labeled "maternity care deserts" where there is no or limited access to obstetric care—and it’s only getting worse. We need a concise and comprehensive primer on the birth experience, whether that means a low-intervention birth or a complicated emergency c-section.
In The Birth Book, OB-GYN hospitalist and educator Dr. Jennifer Lincoln delivers exactly that. Dr. Lincoln answers all your questions, big and small, about labor and delivery, providing crucial insight and understanding. Questions
What is "normal" labor? What can I say no to?What are my options if baby is breech?How long does an induction take?And many, many more.
Backed by research and personal experience and including enlightening illustrations, The Birth Book gives you agency over your pregnancy and birth, along with context for the many choices you'll need to make. With Dr. Lincoln's help, readers will have an evidence-based resource at their fingertips for a better, safer, more informed birth.
384 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 19, 2026
Labor and delivery nurse here. I wish all my patients would read this before coming in. Such great education. I’ll be gifting this to any of my friends having babies in the future ❤️
June 12, 2026
As a nursing student, I learned SO much from this!! I really liked Dr. Lincoln’s voice and the way she organized the book. I’m sure I’ll be revisiting when I’m ready for this journey myself one day! 🍼
May 27, 2026
I have been following Dr Lincoln on Instagram for a while because I enjoy her content and her values closely align with mine, so I was looking forward to reading her book.
What I liked:
-Inclusive language
-Evidence-based information which is not "dry" to read and presented in a balanced way, with separate notes with the professional opinion from the author on the subject
- The author clearly wants to educate and empower the readers to have a better birth experience and be able to advocate for themselves
What I did not like:
- US-based system (obviously, as Dr Lincoln practices in the USA, but worth noting there will be differences with the UK's NHS system. At times, this made me glad at how straightforward NHS healthcare delivery is compared to overseas, but at times, this made it difficult for me to connect with the source material)
- Personally, I was not a fan of how sections were named
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and I feel this is best suited for those not immediately before birth, particularly, as there is a lot of research of the providers that goes into it if you live in the USA, but also a lot of the information would be covered in the birth preparation classes or similar courses.
Disclosure: I did not read the section about stillbirth because I find it upsetting.
What I liked:
-Inclusive language
-Evidence-based information which is not "dry" to read and presented in a balanced way, with separate notes with the professional opinion from the author on the subject
- The author clearly wants to educate and empower the readers to have a better birth experience and be able to advocate for themselves
What I did not like:
- US-based system (obviously, as Dr Lincoln practices in the USA, but worth noting there will be differences with the UK's NHS system. At times, this made me glad at how straightforward NHS healthcare delivery is compared to overseas, but at times, this made it difficult for me to connect with the source material)
- Personally, I was not a fan of how sections were named
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and I feel this is best suited for those not immediately before birth, particularly, as there is a lot of research of the providers that goes into it if you live in the USA, but also a lot of the information would be covered in the birth preparation classes or similar courses.
Disclosure: I did not read the section about stillbirth because I find it upsetting.
April 24, 2026
DNF terrible Book. Way better books out there don't waste your money.
May 5, 2026
This made a good starting point for me to get more caught up on all the different options there are during birth and labour. I did expect even more in-depth content on the "if things get interesting" chapter but this makes a good start.
Some of the statistics mentioned in the book don't seem to align with statistics I've read elsewhere which makes it a little confusing sometimes but that is also the nature of studies and publishing so I can't fault that too much. Could also be a country/culturally dependent thing.
Some parts had me disagreeing with the author while listening to it but I realise that that is also a good thing because that's how you discover how certain approaches are important to you and you can communicate that with your healthcare provider in your birth plan / birth preferences.
If you are not from the USA make sure to double check with your own midwife or ob-gyn how certain things are done as they can be very different from what is described in this book (which of course makes sense because Dr. Lincoln is from the USA).
Some of the statistics mentioned in the book don't seem to align with statistics I've read elsewhere which makes it a little confusing sometimes but that is also the nature of studies and publishing so I can't fault that too much. Could also be a country/culturally dependent thing.
Some parts had me disagreeing with the author while listening to it but I realise that that is also a good thing because that's how you discover how certain approaches are important to you and you can communicate that with your healthcare provider in your birth plan / birth preferences.
If you are not from the USA make sure to double check with your own midwife or ob-gyn how certain things are done as they can be very different from what is described in this book (which of course makes sense because Dr. Lincoln is from the USA).
May 30, 2026
Dr. Lincoln provides a good, science based overview of all things birth. It’s just a few days of our lives, but it’s life altering and can feel like we have no control. I read this book at homework so I can be well informed when my baby arrives, I appreciate her science based and open minded discussion on a lot of major topics. My only feedback is I would have liked all options in her birth plan discussed (maybe even an entire chapter to go over it?). For example, the different types of contraction coaching were mentioned (unless I missed it). But I did some Reddit research and talked to my OB to fill in the details, so it was not a big deal.
Dr. Lincoln covers a lot of the info on her various social media channels but I am still glad I read the book to get more details. I love her positive tone in the book, it feels like an extended visit with a good OB. I love my OBs but they are usually in a hurry, so this book helped fill in some gaps and to better structure conversations with them. I’ll see how much the book helps once “game day” arrives!
Dr. Lincoln covers a lot of the info on her various social media channels but I am still glad I read the book to get more details. I love her positive tone in the book, it feels like an extended visit with a good OB. I love my OBs but they are usually in a hurry, so this book helped fill in some gaps and to better structure conversations with them. I’ll see how much the book helps once “game day” arrives!
May 5, 2026
“… my goal is to go beyond what we’re always told - because that hasn’t really worked well - and to meet people where they’re at so that they can make informed, empowered decisions.”
Where was this book before I had my toddler??! 😫😭 (also I’m reading this while 4 weeks postpartum with a newborn so the experience this time round is FRESH) Chocked full of information about giving birth, Dr Lincoln covers all the bases, and it’s in an easy to read way that isn’t long winded or full of pretentious jargon. It’s evidence based and she doesn’t use old, out of date information that some OB’s still use today, in fact, she calls them out about it and questions why they don’t keep up with the times essentially. Dr Lincoln also talks about the many different kinds of midwives and doulas and whether they would be suitable for you.
I feel so validated after reading things I’ve gone through that she brings up and describes, in hopes to help people understand what could potentially happen. I definitely didn’t know or realize half of what could occur until I was in the moment and going through it. And it was traumatic tbh.
One thing I did learn about that I hadn’t heard of previously was vaginal seeding and let’s just say… no thank you. 🙂↔️
So! If you’re planning on becoming pregnant in the near future or if you already are, I urge you to read this one.
Where was this book before I had my toddler??! 😫😭 (also I’m reading this while 4 weeks postpartum with a newborn so the experience this time round is FRESH) Chocked full of information about giving birth, Dr Lincoln covers all the bases, and it’s in an easy to read way that isn’t long winded or full of pretentious jargon. It’s evidence based and she doesn’t use old, out of date information that some OB’s still use today, in fact, she calls them out about it and questions why they don’t keep up with the times essentially. Dr Lincoln also talks about the many different kinds of midwives and doulas and whether they would be suitable for you.
I feel so validated after reading things I’ve gone through that she brings up and describes, in hopes to help people understand what could potentially happen. I definitely didn’t know or realize half of what could occur until I was in the moment and going through it. And it was traumatic tbh.
One thing I did learn about that I hadn’t heard of previously was vaginal seeding and let’s just say… no thank you. 🙂↔️
So! If you’re planning on becoming pregnant in the near future or if you already are, I urge you to read this one.
May 11, 2026
Whether you're pregnant for the first time or have been through this all before, you'll find this book helpful. Dr. Lincoln breaks down every aspect of pregnancy, birth and beyond for the non-medical person. She acknowledges the lack of trust between birthing people and the medical community and even calls out her colleagues for several non-evidence-based practices. Dr. Lincoln also cautions against some social media-based advice but in a non-judgemental way.
May 1, 2026
Informative and clear, it feels like a good conversation with your OBGYN through the pages of a book!
July 1, 2026
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and read it while in my third trimester of pregnancy. This was surprisingly a quick and easy read, and it was very informative for the conventional hospital birthing process in the United States. That said, it seemed biased in places and wasn't as helpful for those wanting a more natural birth (home/birth center). It is great to have a copy of the book to use as a quick reference as I prepare for birth and postpartum.
May 5, 2026
As someone who provides prenatal care, I love to read books that my patient’s may be reading to help them navigate this exciting and often terrifying stage in life. I love how this doctor is normalizing consent, education, and empowerment for all of our patients to take charge of their bodies and their health!
December 10, 2025
[Disclaimer: I read an ebook galley/uncorrected proof advanced ready copy for this book in two days flat which I obtained as a NetGalley reviewer. I read this as a fan of Dr. Lincoln on social media and this was not a paid reading. I am freelance writer, based in the UK.]
I follow Dr. Lincoln via social media and read her previous book 'Let's Talk about Down There' so I was glad to see to see another book of hers available early on NetGalley (I discovered this website through the Substack of another heavyweight gynocologist on social media - Dr Karen Tang and her newsletter GynoMight. She advertised you could read her book 'It's Not Hysteria' early and I couldn't wait for the book so I checked it out).
The book appears similar to her previous book - it is based on a question and answer format. The previous one is intended to fill the gaps that someone's sex education may not have provided as well as being a lifelong tool to increase knowledge of female reproductive health.
This Birth one naturally covers topics mostly around medical care for birth specifically; there isn't general pregancy, antenatal/prenatal care or preconception advice. It is primarily for the US birthing patient audience so it may have some sections irrelevant to those having babies in the UK system etc.
There are some really awful bits about infant loss but it is necessary not to shy away from the subject and the level of advice, particularly on helping siblings deal with a stillborn baby is very evidence based and good. (For someone who has suffered mental problems linked to a family death as a child I felt finally 'heard' in that section.)
What I appreciate about Dr. Lincoln's attitude here is she is open minded to those who may want 'less interventions' and 'less medicalisation' in the process of birth and she weighs up pros and cons of 'OBGYN model' versus midwife, doula etc. philosophy and support in birth. It is vital that the medical profession addresses the feelings of mothers (and other birthing parents) that may drive them to avoid hospital birth as opposed to just dismissing them - as this attitude will increase the appeal of riskier practices such as 'natural freebirths' etc.
I follow Dr. Lincoln via social media and read her previous book 'Let's Talk about Down There' so I was glad to see to see another book of hers available early on NetGalley (I discovered this website through the Substack of another heavyweight gynocologist on social media - Dr Karen Tang and her newsletter GynoMight. She advertised you could read her book 'It's Not Hysteria' early and I couldn't wait for the book so I checked it out).
The book appears similar to her previous book - it is based on a question and answer format. The previous one is intended to fill the gaps that someone's sex education may not have provided as well as being a lifelong tool to increase knowledge of female reproductive health.
This Birth one naturally covers topics mostly around medical care for birth specifically; there isn't general pregancy, antenatal/prenatal care or preconception advice. It is primarily for the US birthing patient audience so it may have some sections irrelevant to those having babies in the UK system etc.
There are some really awful bits about infant loss but it is necessary not to shy away from the subject and the level of advice, particularly on helping siblings deal with a stillborn baby is very evidence based and good. (For someone who has suffered mental problems linked to a family death as a child I felt finally 'heard' in that section.)
What I appreciate about Dr. Lincoln's attitude here is she is open minded to those who may want 'less interventions' and 'less medicalisation' in the process of birth and she weighs up pros and cons of 'OBGYN model' versus midwife, doula etc. philosophy and support in birth. It is vital that the medical profession addresses the feelings of mothers (and other birthing parents) that may drive them to avoid hospital birth as opposed to just dismissing them - as this attitude will increase the appeal of riskier practices such as 'natural freebirths' etc.
April 14, 2026
A disingenuous take on pregnancy and the birthing process in general. The OBGYN painstakingly commits to creating paranoia around pregnancy and delivery inside the US healthcare system. And while the system is fraught with imperfections, it’s unnecessary to take a radical approach to something so natural. The author tries to introduce new language around birthing and to almost brainwash the mother into an uphill battle. Just so that the author can fix it. A big NO!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book made me feel more prepared, empowered and most importantly for me it has made me feel more calm going into my next birth. I will be recommending it to all of my friends and family who are / become pregnant. As someone who has learned about a range of different complications and trauma that can occur during the birth process, from my own experience as well as from friends and family, going into my second birth I have been more scared of what might occur. This book explained all potential possibilities that I have been worried or wondering about, in a way that is reassuring and grounding. It also provides the reader with questions to bring to their doctor, which helped me get additional reassurance from the hospital I will birth at. Thank you so much Dr. Lincoln for writing this book!
July 6, 2026
This book is so genuine and educational; it’s a great starting place if you are coming at this subject from a point of little to no prior knowledge. The author provides an abundance of medical statistics that give you a real foundation for the pros and cons of certain decisions (all of which are YOUR decisions). I saw another comment on this book saying it was fear mongering but I couldn’t disagree more. Birth isn’t simple and its so important that you come at it from an educated stand point so you can avoid being overwhelmed by the amount of ‘what if’s’ that come with labour. Overall, I would 10/10 recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about birth and the various medical procedures and medical staff involved in the birth process in the USA healthcare system.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’m in my 9th month of pregnancy and wish I could have read this book so much sooner! As a type A “tell me everything I need to know” soon-to-be-mom, this book is perfectly digestible for everything you could expect or need to consider around birth & post partum.
I very much appreciate her feminist perspective, pro-choice attitude, and research rooted in data (the ‘resources’ section is like 1/5 of the book — so impressive!!!). It’s going to be coming with me to the hospital and I’ve already recommended it to a few parents to be.
This is going to be a MUST HAVE when published! Thank you to the publishers for sending me an early copy.
I very much appreciate her feminist perspective, pro-choice attitude, and research rooted in data (the ‘resources’ section is like 1/5 of the book — so impressive!!!). It’s going to be coming with me to the hospital and I’ve already recommended it to a few parents to be.
This is going to be a MUST HAVE when published! Thank you to the publishers for sending me an early copy.
Review of advance copy
Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is so passionate about healthcare and such a breadth of knowledge. If you want to know learn about the intricacies of labor and delivery— without fear mongering and instead with true knowledge and empathy— she’s your girl.
I had the pleasure of interviewing her for a Cosmopolitan magazine and was blown away by her professionalism, her love for what she does, and her desire to educate others. She’s just so absolutely cool, too.
I had the pleasure of interviewing her for a Cosmopolitan magazine and was blown away by her professionalism, her love for what she does, and her desire to educate others. She’s just so absolutely cool, too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I ordered the hard copy for a friend expecting and received access to the ebook in advance. I loved it! I went looking in here for every quirk I remember experiencing in two deliveries and found them represented, so it gets an A+ for thoroughness from me :). I love the tone also; friendly, direct, and empowering (much like the author's social media)
June 4, 2026
I really liked this book, it was informative without being too heavy on the science. I actually ended up finishing it the night before I went into labor (divine timing !!?) and felt much more prepared going into giving birth and what I could expect. Definitely recommend for first time moms wanting to know more about decisions they’ll have to make and what’s about to happen to their body!
July 4, 2026
This is a great book if you plan to give birth in a hospital. The information provided is super helpful, and data is provided. I would say I liked Your Birth Plan better though, as it didn’t feel biased towards having a baby in the hospital (which, I am going to have a baby in a hospital, but still.)
March 22, 2026
Jam packed with information an a perfect reference book for anyone going through or supporting someone in the birthing process. Dr. Lincoln has a non-judgemental tone and gives advice for people with any sort of preference and belief
Honest review in exchange for net galley ARC
Honest review in exchange for net galley ARC
May 31, 2026
This is a great place to start to get broad amount of information from an actual OB-GYN. Stop doomscrolling and read this book. Sadly, there was nothing in here about how my husband could have the baby for me instead.
April 19, 2026
3.5 ⭐
Fable Review:
https://fable.co/review/47f46940-6ded...
Fable Review:
https://fable.co/review/47f46940-6ded...
April 30, 2026
This book was not helpful at all
May 2, 2026
Helped me feel logistically more oriented towards birth!
Read
May 21, 2026Wish I could give 0 stars. Absolutely terrible do not even waste your time.
May 23, 2026
Such an informative read for any and all birthing people and their partners!
June 23, 2026
Informative, fair and easy to read/understand. Massive resource.
May 9, 2026
Worst birth book ever. There is some seriously questionable information in here. It’s very important for your health that you don’t read it. Find a more reputable author
December 22, 2025
“The Birth Book” is exactly what I needed to read! I just entered my third trimester of my first pregnancy and officially hit that point where I was feeling all the feels—excitement, nervousness, being overwhelmed, confused, and, above all, unsure what to expect in the weeks coming, whether I’m asking the “right” questions at my appointments, and questioning what endless sources out there I can (and should) turn to and trust. I’ve tried other books and resources and many have either felt (1) outdated; (2) primarily focused on pregnancy but not birth; or (3) not thoroughly scientifically researched (or “evidence-based”).
Dr. Lincoln’s “The Birth Book” managed to check all the boxes for me! I feel so much more educated, reassured, and empowered than I did before. Perhaps what I appreciate most is that she doesn’t sugar-coat things; instead, quite the opposite. She never hides behind the fact that birth can be scary, things can go wrong, and there are countless decisions to be made, factors to be weighed, and potential pros and cons to consider. However, she presents all this through a scientific lens that is thoroughly backed with research, and introduces all the options and considerations, and only then gives her opinion as a licensed medical professional (while also always encouraging the reader to do their own research, identify what’s right for them, and speak to their own care team). Her blunt yet empathetic, relatable but scientific approach resonated so well with me, and I’m very appreciative of this book.
Huge thank you to Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, Rodale Books, & NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Dr. Lincoln’s “The Birth Book” managed to check all the boxes for me! I feel so much more educated, reassured, and empowered than I did before. Perhaps what I appreciate most is that she doesn’t sugar-coat things; instead, quite the opposite. She never hides behind the fact that birth can be scary, things can go wrong, and there are countless decisions to be made, factors to be weighed, and potential pros and cons to consider. However, she presents all this through a scientific lens that is thoroughly backed with research, and introduces all the options and considerations, and only then gives her opinion as a licensed medical professional (while also always encouraging the reader to do their own research, identify what’s right for them, and speak to their own care team). Her blunt yet empathetic, relatable but scientific approach resonated so well with me, and I’m very appreciative of this book.
Huge thank you to Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, Rodale Books, & NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews