Ina May's Guide to Childbirth,   ISBN:9780553381153

Customer Rating: 

This book is so inspiring for those who want to have a natural childbirth. The birth stories at the beginning of the book are amazing. The stories definitely inspired me to desire my natural childbirth. The knowledge in the second half of the book is great as well. To know what's going to happen while in labor, and what options you have are invaluable.

Customer Rating: 

By starting the book with stories from and about women in labor Ina May shows us what is possible! I am having my first baby and after reading this book I feel so much more prepared and confidant that my body knows what it is supposed to do. This book is a great resource for anyone who wants a natural unmedicated birth!

Customer Rating: 

I bought this book while preparing for the birth of my 3rd child (my first VBAC). I enjoyed reading all the birth stories in the first half of the book. Many of them were birth stories very different from my own, but it was nice to read how many women could give birth. It helped me renew faith in my body that I had lost. While in labor during my VBAC, Ina May's words would ring in my ear. I tried several of her techniques and they helped me so much! (I had a completely unmedicated VBAC!) I do wish my husband, who was my support during labor, would have read this book instead of the Bradley book I asked him to read. I think it would have helped him see more of what I needed and I wouldn't have had to explain to him why I was singing during rushes or making horse sounds. I think it would have made him overall more comfortable with the birth process. This book was extremely helpful for me, even though I was not preparing to birth in a cabin in the woods, but in a hospital downtown. Throughout my pregnancy and delivery, Ina May offered me the assurance that my body was not a lemon!

Customer Rating: 

This book is so informative. I like how it emphasizes that birthing is a natural process and that it can be viewed as a celebration instead of periods of pains and fears. I'm so glad midwifery is still offered in the US. At one point, seeing and hearing how many pregnant women go straight for C-section instead of birthing naturally, I thought that natural birth was no longer an option. I'm relieved that if I want to, I still have the option of having a baby like my grandma did, in her house, in her room, with her family. Much better experience to look forward too. Thank you Ina May.

Customer Rating: 

Ina May's book gives an expectant Mom all the information needed to enter into childbirth with knowledge and awareness of her impending experience. In the first half of the book are stories of individual child birthing experiences told by Moms to help others prepare for the myriad of ways babies choose to come into this world, story telling being one of the best learning tools. The second half of the book Ina Mays talks about the many ways and options available for women before and during the process, and the pros and cons of each decision. The more one knows about the many ways a child birthing experience can turn, the more prepared she will be to trust her own body and make the right decisions for her and her baby/s. This book is as vital today as it was in the 80's when it was written.