Birthing Your Placenta: the third stage of labour

by Nadine Pilley Edwards, Sara Wickham

Have you ever thought about how the placenta is born? Did you know that there are actually three different approaches to the birth of the placenta within maternity care? Are you aware that research has shown significant advantages to the baby in taking a slower approach, however the placenta is born. Or that there is plenty of evidence to support a more natural approach for healthy women who would prefer that? This book has been written to help women make decisions about the birth of their placenta. We examine the different options, detail the evidence relating to each and discuss the wider context in which these decisions are made. No matter what kind of birth you are hoping for, this book will help you understand the different options. Dr Nadine Edwards and Dr Sara Wickham are world renowned and respected researchers and writers who have a long-standing interest in the birth of the placenta and the evidence relating to this. This is a completely revised and updated edition of their popular book on this topic.

141 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2014

Reviews

[Mia Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

my women absolutely plugging my mess of a dissertation. Can’t say I’m not passionate about placentas

[Kim Osterholzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well! What a gem! Birthing Your Placenta is a most gorgeous little book devoted exclusively to the oft-forgotten, yet no less essential conclusion to the miraculous act of bringing forth life!

In Birthing Your Placenta, Sara Wickham and Nadine Edwards explore every facet of the amazing event from the physiology of the placenta and what occurs around the time of its birth, to an exploration of separating the cord, to the historical roots of both psychophysiological placental birthing and active third stage management, to the treatment of complications that may arise, to the many ways the placenta may be handled when its birth is complete.

As ever, Sara introduces us to the research, shining light on its value as well as its limitations while reminding us ever and always how important it is to balance the research with the actual woman standing before us, resplendent in all her actual needs and desires.

What rose to the surface of my mind as I read was the affirmation that the act of birthing your placenta is worth all the energy of exploration as is the act of birthing of your baby. The two acts are, in fact, one as how you experience one will determine how you experience the other, and how you experience all of it together will affect you and your baby throughout the remainder of your lifetimes.

And with that in mind, the broader questions resurface.

What do you desire for a birthing experience?

Which birthing place and provider will serve you best in pursuit of your desires?

If you’re pregnant or hoping to one day become pregnant, this book is for you!

If you’re a soul devoted to serving women and their babies through the process of birthing, this book is for you, too!

Many blessings as you pursue the birthing of your hopes and dreams ♥

[Jurene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another must-read from Sara Wickham. She doesn't decide anything for you, which I enjoy immensely. She gathers information, lays out options and studies for women to make the best choice for themselves, however that may look.

[Charly · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic informative read

Wish I had read this before my first birth! Highly recommend to all involved with birth. A must read that provides easy to read yet important information.

[Private Account · Rating 4 out of 5]

So important. Every pregnant woman should read this.

[Isla Stroyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative read, could do with updating to gender inclusive language.