The Big Book of Birth

by Erica Lyon, Donald Matheson (Foreword)

Childbirth is one of the most significant events of any woman's life--and for many, also a source of enormous anxiety and fear. In The Big Book of Birth renowned childbirth educator and Realbirth Center founder Erica Lyon offers an antidote to that fear with a comprehensive and up- to-date guide to childbirth. Drawing from more than a decade of teaching expecting parents what really to expect, Lyon fills the void that currently exists in childbirth literature, offering clear, current, objective advice on everything from choosing your doctor or midwife, to the realities of assisted and cesarean births, to the many different pain-coping options you can use during delivery and proven techniques that can help you relax and often speed along your labor.

The Big Book of Birth guides women through the four stages of labor, dispelling misconceptions and providing a wealth of objective information in a warm, welcoming, and well- organized format. A long-overdue resource, The Big Book of Birth gives expectant mothers the knowledge they need to approach childbirth with confidence and joy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

352 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is possibly the best book about birth I've ever read. It's non-judgmental, and it gives you all the facts you need to chose the kind of birth you want. It also helps you really understand what your body is doing when you are pregnant, and in labour. Such a GREAT book.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent a long time searching for a good book to read about labor and delivery. A lot of the books seemed very pro-natural and anti-hospital. Although I hope to have a natural birth, I HAVE to have my baby in a hospital and I didn't want a book that was going to make me feel bad or scared about that. I also didn't want a book that was going to make me feel like a terrible person if I had to have an induction or opted for an epidural.

This book seemed like the least biased and most informative of the books I was looking at and so I bought it. After reading it, In many areas, that proved true. I feel like the author did a good job of providing a lot of solid information. She gave a lot of birth stories of women in a variety of situations which I appreciated. They weren't all successful home births and horrible hospital birth stories. The author definitely had a bias (thus why I knocked off a star) and I am scared now to give birth in a hospital after this, but I can now see that was inevitable. This book has definitely made me want to open a dialogue with my doctor and has reconfirmed what I want for my delivery. At the same time, I feel more prepared to handle the unexpected and to be flexible. I think this book will help me be more prepared and calm when the time to have the baby comes. This was a great first book to read about labor and delivery. Four stars.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The single most-helpful book on birth that I’ve read! This book details the various stages of birth and delivery and describes what to expect with accuracy, warmth and even humor. There are helpful diagrams and illustrations where needed and the book manages to take on a non-judgmental tone around the various options for pain relief during birth in a way I haven’t seen in other pregnancy books - they usually lean one way or another around epidurals and narcotics and try to persuade the reader to buy in to their viewpoint, but this book absolutely did not do that. I feel much better informed and empowered to make the correct choices for myself as I move closer to my due date, and I will definitely push this one on any friends who get pregnant next.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to review all the information covered in the childbirth class I had taken while expecting my first. I realized then that the first signs of labor came weeks before my son was born and found it challenging, so I liked the fact that this book about childbirth started with the third trimester of pregnancy. I've skipped a lot of the testimonies (there are MANY of them, and they definitely illustrate how variable experiences of labor and birth are, so I think they can be very useful though), but I've learned some facts I ignored reading this book that I wish I had known then. For example the fact that the average time of labor for a first baby is 24h, including 6 to 18 hours of early labor. Or that men have a temporary drop in testosterone after the baby is born to help them bond with their child. Or babies officially being newborns for the first 12 weeks of their lives. Or the world average breastfeeding time being 4.2 years. Or formula-fed babies in the US having a death rate 21% higher than breastfed babies. I didn't have a definite answer to my question about the best time to get an epidural. ("Studies have shown that if a mother can wait for the epidural until 5 centimeters, her chance of having a C-section does not increase with the use of this medication. Prior to this, the chance does not equalize; however there may be reasons why an epidural is useful or helpful earlier. The more active labor you are in, the more you minimize some of the potential.side effects of the epidural.") But it did give me food for thoughts about the way the first part of my labor was managed. The parts on pregnancy now often being "the first time [partners] experience really concrete gender roles", on cesarean moms' disappointment that shouldn't be brushed off by just saying that "all that matters is a healthy mom and a healthy baby" (as well as the list of things one can do to decrease it's chances of a C-section), and the newborn period being a time when caregivers/support persons should worry for the parents more than the baby they're busy getting to know and figure out, were great The part on OB's liability insurance rates going up after 9/11, with those companies looking for ways to recoup losses from the attacks, was quite fascinating too. It was also interesting to see the list of the different organization advocating for better maternity care (Childbirth Connection, Choices in Childbirth, the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services) in the annex.

[Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pacing. She doesn't dwell on any one topic for very long and she doesn't try to sell you on why she's a reliable source for half the book like so many self-help books you read. She jumps right into the thick of it, never coming off superior, or redundant and offering dozens of differing personal experiences as examples for each of her points. (So helpful!)

plain and simple, I learned a ton. Even though I've already given birth once, (and there's no better teacher like experience!) I realized as I was reading that I still had a lot of un answered questions. Like, for instance, why the heck did my legs and feet swell up like balloons AFTER birth? I asked every nurse that came into my recovery room and the best answer they could offer was, "oh that happens sometimes." Well, yeah.... because It's a side affect of Pitocin! And hospitals are Pitocin happy! (Also did you know your IV pumps you full of 7 glasses of water an hour?! Jeeze I'm proud of myself if I drink seven glasses a day!)

Another mystery solved... The shakes! After receiving my epidural and passing out for a couple of hours I woke up for two reasons: one, I was shaking like crazy and two I could feel pressure. lots of it. Sure enough the pressure meant I was fully dilated and ready to push, but I never got a straight answer for the shaking (I mean it was violent and uncontrolable!) I vaguely remember a nurse giving me another off handed answer like, "it happens to some women during birth" ... Well yeah... women who get epidurals! Shaking is a side affect of the epidural, who knew? Obviously women more prepared than I was.

I don't regret getting an epidural. It was amazing. But I do see the appeal of natural birth. When you agree to an epidural you're giving away a lot of your control. Literally, you are stuck to a bed and at the mercy of your nurses and machines for things like peeing and changing positions. If you're a women who likes to be in control I can definitely see how pain with the freedom of mobility, would be more appealing than no pain with zero mobility. It makes sense.

Anyway, Long story short, I'm very happy with the information presented in this book. It has given me a lot to think about. They say knowledge is power and it certainly is. I better understand my rights as a mother and patient. I know what I can say no to, and what my options are even if they are not presented to me and that's empowering. :)

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a FTM, this book has helped me mentally prepare for birth, there are diagrams, other peoples stories/version of events, different situations that could arise, the stages of labour and everything in between. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking to gain some extra insight to how the labour process works, but bear in mind, every labour story is different, depending on location, health etc.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that this book covered a lot of info in a short amount of time. It didn’t seem to prefer hospitals, birthing centers, medicated vs not just gave information on all different types of birth and stories that applaud all types of birth, and things people would do differently next time.

[Jake Berlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

a bit preachy at times, and brace yourself for a healthy dose of brooklyn doulaism, but it's a very helpful book in terms of learning what to expect during labor and delivery.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that covers all the stages of birth. Very informative but written in a very interesting, readable way.

[Rosmary · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed reading it. Easy to understand everything and explained very well.

[Victoria Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wisdom! I highly, highly recommend.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful both in terms of practical solutions for pain and comforting advice.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can do this...

[Jamie Lueck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of birth and covers most all topics. Good refresher while preparing for a new baby

[Sam Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped tremendously in preparing for what it would be like to give birth. Along with others but I took most information from here and my doula friend

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the only book about birth that I have read, and I haven't yet given birth (due in a week!) so I don't have a lot of knowledge/experience to know if this book is accurate or gives good advice. That being said, I do think this was a good book and I feel much more informed and prepared for labor. I chose it for 2 reasons: First, I wanted something that gave an overview of labor and what to expect in the different stages. Second, it was three weeks from my due date and I hadn't done any research about giving birth and this book seemed short and easy to read. For those two purposes, I am satisfied. I appreciated that the author took the time to explain the different stages that your body goes through and what to expect in each stage--since I came into this not knowing anything, I really needed it broken down for me like that. I also liked that, even though natural childbirth is clearly her preference, she explains all the different options for pain management--both naturally and with medication. In addition, she acknowledges that childbirth is painful but she isn't alarmist about the pain. I feel more confident and informed after reading it, rather than anxious and in the fetal position at the thought of labor (well, maybe I do have that reaction sometimes, but this book didn't cause it).

Of course, all that could change in a week after I've actually experienced giving birth. I might think that this book was terrible and didn't prepare me at all. Maybe if that's the case I'll come back and update this review, but I likely won't because, you know, I'll have a newborn and updating my Goodreads reviews will probably not be a high priority.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book to prepare for birth. I first checked it out from the library early in my pregnancy, but after peeking at it a bit I got overwhelmed by the amount of "scary" stuff in there (just the facts about labor and birth), so I returned it. As I progressed well into my third trimester, I checked it out again since THE EVENT was approaching and I was much better prepared for the information in this book and read it avidly. I was reading lots of books and information about birth at that point. I wish I had written this review earlier (it has been a while now, since my daughter is 8 mo old). This book was just so good. I really valued the descriptions of ways to deal with contractions. It included many women's stories of their labor and delivery. I was collecting these stories in the weeks before my daughter was born. I had this feeling that if I heard enough people's stories, then I would be able to handle it myself. When I did go into labor, I felt like I was well prepared and that is partly thanks to this wonderful book. This is probably silly, but I even brought it with me to the hospital. Not that I ever looked at it, but I just take a comfort from books and this one had provided such good information that I was glad to have it there with me (in my suitcase).

[MM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depends on one’s approach to breeding, of course, but I highly recommend this book for pregnant women and their partners. This book has been incredibly useful while I ready for labor (I’m still terrified, don’t get me wrong, but this book has helped move me through the terror a bit, feeling more capable). So what Lyon is up to: she 1) offers physiological information about the processes of pre-labor, labor, and childbirth, 2) explains some of the options one has (meds, pain control, types of birthing facilities and doctors, etc.), and 3) includes birthing stories to animate the experience in all its possible variance. She has an interesting tone -- playful at times, but not overly jocular, didactic, or banal. And she doesn’t seem to buy into all the ideological crap surrounding the dialectics of childbirth (the so-called natural methods vs. medicalization and intervention, for example).

[Mimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's alright. That's all i can say. i just wish someone out there ( I might have to do it myself) would just say that midwives rock and you don't have to hide the fact that you are an advocate of humanized birth. it seems that many in the mainstream world feel the need to write 'ask you doctor' about shit that they just don't know about like accupressure points to avoid or whether castor oil is a good labor inductor. it just seems to perpetuate the myth that medical doctors are the guardians of all health realted knowledge when in truth; they are not. they are specialists and not generalists. and most of them have had 2-3 weeks of nutrition and little if any education on natururopathic medicinals - both a mainstay of midwifery care. ok, whoa nelly.

[Ellen C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Having given birth before I read childbirth books a little differently. I get turned off by books that push a big agenda, which you will find in childbirth books all the time, natural V. medicated, home v. hosptial, blah blah, it's a huge argument. I liked this book because it discussed all the things you can experience while giving birth. It discusses methods/strategies for giving birth naturally and also discusses the different medications and interventions available to a laboring woman. What I liked was this book was honest, no judgement on any choice a woman may make.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't feel like this book had too much "new" information that I didn't already get somewhere else. I guess I'm just at the point of saturation in terms of information about labor and birth. (I'm sure there's more to learn that I just won't learn until it happens to me!) Some of the birth stories were helpful. Also, I think the section on massage in the active labor chapter will be helpful to share with my husband. There are very specific techniques described there that may come in handy for him.

All in all, it would probably be considered a pretty informative book for pregnant women who haven't read a lot of other things and attended classes.

[Alanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm actually re-reading this right now. It is BY FAR my favorite book on birth of all the books I read trying to get ready for Kendra's birth. I love how Lyon's only real objective is simply to educate women so that they understand what's happening and can make good choices for themselves. This is such a nice change of pace from so many books that are either trying to paint doctors as being horrible people hoping to find an excuse to do a c-section so they can charge more money, or the books that sort of glaze over the birthing process as if it's no big deal and the doctor will tell you what to do. Women need to be educated before they enter this amazing door into parenting!

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I've been a staunch believer in the beauty of a pain-free birth and the epidural, I had some issues with my last baby that made me curious about unmedicated birthing and I wanted to just explore that option a little. I looked and looked and looked for a book that seemed to present a fair and balanced (read: non crunchy granola, Ina May Gaskin, and the Farm)view of natural birth AND medicated hospital birthing. (It was hard to find one!) Though the author definitely favors unmedicated birthing, the book did not leave me feeling like I'd be judged for either choice and pointed out pros and cons of both and has helped me to understand what I'd be facing either way.

[Monica Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that this book was a good read for me, as I have only recently started to consider a natural birth as opposed to an epidural. I am immediately turned off by any material or presentation that implies that using an epidural as wrong as I don't believe this is the case, and I know that birth will be a trying experience, and so I want to leave my options and mind open so that I don't experience guilt or regret after the fact.

That being said, I was frustrated by 1) TYPOS! in a published medical book and 2) the inconsistency of lengths of the personal narratives presented.

I found the the chapters on natural pain management and postpartum to be particularly informative.

[Carla Karp · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. This book really taught me a ton about labor, delivery, and postpartum life. It actually made me really excited about the big day, whenever and however it goes down! I also loved the different women's individual stories. With that said, the author's agenda (not into induction or C-sections; pro-non-medicated births; super pro-breastfeeding) came shining through a little bit too much for me. I'm sure that's what a ton of people are looking for, but I'm pretty much just going to do what my doctor tells me to do. My husband read it too and I'm pretty sure he felt the same way. I'm going to read his review now and see if they match.

Update: they match.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the best books I have read on birthing. The author's tone and writing style is completely relate-able without having that annoying "girlfriend to girlfriend" vibe. While still giving you the facts, it avoids a clinical feel and deals more with the emotional/life transitional side of giving birth while providing lots of practical, non-contrived coping skills.

I'd recommend this book to all pregnant women, no matter where you fall in the spectrum of preference of birth location or pain relief.

[Kristin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently pregnant with twins and the entire thing is a bit intimidating, especially as a first-timer. I read this book on a recommendation and I am so glad I did. I have always leaned toward natural childbirth, but with twins my situation got a little complicated. I was really grateful for the unbiased information on every avenue of birth available to me. It helped me start a birth plan and form opinions on things I had never thought about, by presenting the pros and cons of all sides. I now have a great foundation of what I want my babes birthday to be like.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was clueless about birth, and my friend gave me this book to read. It was great because it was very informative, and explained all different kinds of birthing situations and choices. It doesn't shove any opinions down your throat, and isn't judgmental about natural birth versus any other option. The author sets realistic birthing expectations, and tries to get you prepared for anything. I felt more confident and comfortable going into labor after reading this book, and I definitely recommend it!

[Alyssa Gibbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as I've liked some of the other birth books I've read. I felt like the author's tone was slightly condescending at times - things like "Yikes! I have to LOOK at it??" in reference to some pretty normal, natural bodily functions. With all of the natural childbirth research and reading I've been doing, I felt almost offended at that kind of statement. It did offer a pretty balanced view of childbirth options, natural and medicated. It might be a good place to start for some people. Not my favorite.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read at least one book on labor and after reviewing a few this one seemed the most objective. Overall, it was very helpful but at times frustrating. Occassionally, the author's bias for certain options would overtake certain parts of the book. Also, some of the birth stories were borderline annoying. The author raised several important points and went through the birth process in a logical manner that was really helpful.