Catching Babies: The Professionalization of Childbirth, 1870-1920 Review

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(More customer reviews)I was told this was a great book by a friend and I am convinced she got the title wrong. It's not that it is a bad book, it just isn't too interesting.

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Home Birth Review

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(More customer reviews)I loved the philosophy of this book -- that birth is a natural, normal process that rarely needs intervention. The author exposes the obstetric profession for what it really is: male-dominated and misogynistic, with doctors (and CNMs) performing unnecessary procedures on women in labor for their own convenience and/or out of a real fear of labor and birth. Many of the medical procedures she writes about definitely are still the norm at hospital births, such as inducing or speeding up labor with Pitocin or artificially breaking the bag of waters, and putting women flat on their backs to push, but other procedures are simply not done routinely anymore. For example, she frequently mentions shaving and enemas (outdated prepping procedures) and using silver nitrate in the baby's eyes (silver nitrate has been replaced with an anti-biotic ointment). I was surprised at these references to outdated routines because the book was supposedly revised in August 2000. A new mother reading this book, without further knowledge, may fear these procedures will be performed if she goes to the hospital. Also, the author's information on circumcision is wrong. The studies indicating a higher incidence of cervical cancer among partners of intact males have been debunked. She does mention that circumcision is a mutilation, but then seems to say it's okay if a Mohel (Jewish circumcisor) performs the mutilation. I wish she had emphasized that circumcision is incompatible with a homebirth philosophy (placing priority on a gentle beginning for newborns) because it is an abusive act (no matter who performs it). Lastly, the author dismissed the option of unassisted homebirth. Even though she disagrees with this method of birth, she could have given it a little more consideration.

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As hospital birth becomes increasingly technologic and cesarean rates soar, more women look to midwife-attended home birth, which "can be accomplished with good outcomes under the care of qualified practitioners." (Murphy et al, Obstetrics & Gynecology 9/98).
Home Birth covers advantages, supplies, choosing a caregiver and more.
"A thought-provoking discussion of an emotion-packed topic."
—Newsday

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The Power of Pleasurable Childbirth: Safety, Simplicity, and Satisfaction are all within our reach Review

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(More customer reviews)The self can be trusted. This is the message behind Laurie Morgan's beautifully written book, The Power of Pleasurable Childbirth. In this fascinating exploration of modern-day birth practices, Laurie at last answers the question posed by many advocates of non-interventive birth - "Why not just hire a midwife?" Having never had a midwife-assisted birth myself, this was a question I could not fully answer in my own book, Unassisted Childbirth.
Citing examples from her own midwife-assisted birth, as well as those of other women, Laurie proves that the term "non-interventive midwife" is an oxymoron. Birth, like other natural bodily functions, requires privacy. Simply the presence of a midwife at a birth is an intervention. Add to this the fact that midwives are generally required by law to intervene and it is obvious that for a birth to be truly "pleasurable," it cannot be assisted.
Yet Laurie doesn't condemn midwives (or doctors, for that matter) or claim their intentions aren't honorable. In fact, she encourages women to use them as resources - "pick their brains" for what bits of wisdom they DO possess. Just don't assume their presence at birth is necessary or desirable.
The most inspiring parts of the book for me were Laurie's own unassisted birth stories. It is clear that all of her births were both life-changing events, and "ordinary miracles." Her joyful proclamation following her first unassisted birth sums up her feelings beautifully - "Pop a cork! I feel like having a party!"
This book was a joy to read and I highly recommend it to all couples, regardless of how or where they plan to give birth.

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The Power of Pleasurable Childbirth, beloved and praised by discerning women all over the world, simply states the truth about childbirth and what the body was made to do.Too many births today are monitored and meddled with as a routine - not natural.The Power of Pleasurable Childbirth challenges parents to listen within for the unique guidance needed to achieve a truly safe and comfortable birth experience.Mother to four childrenÂ-three born without interference from birth attendantsÂ-Laurie Morgan is warm, inspiring and oozing with common sense as she shares her personal story, helping parents understand how genuinely natural childbirth is both desirable and accessible.You will learn:
·The crucial differences between normal, physiological birth and "assisted" childbirth
·How to free yourself from unnecessary worry and fear about childbirth
·How to simplify your approach to childbirth for the greatest safety and enjoyment
·The truth about midwifery and obstetrics, and how dependence on experts may pose needless risk to you and your baby
·The surprisingly bright side of personal responsibility
·Common stumbling blocks along the path to a joyful birth experience

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