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 For example, she frequently mentions shaving and enemas (outdated prepping procedures) and using silver nitrate in the baby's eyes (silver nitrate has been replaced with an anti-biotic ointment). I was surprised at these references to outdated routines because the book was supposedly revised in August 2000.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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Gentle Birth Choices: A Guide to Making Informed Decisions about Birthing Centers, Birth Attendants, Water Birth, Home Birth, and Hospital Birth Review

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(More customer reviews)Reading negative comments of writer who had positive hosp. birth experience in Austin, TX, i wish to point out that Texas has one of the most active midwifery associations in our country - they have been instrumental in advancing natural birth practices in Texas. You were fortunate to have the options you shared - they are still not the norm for hospital births in much of our country. I live in Virginia Beach, VA, am a nurse, mom and grandmom. Hosp. births here still leave a lot to be desired. Episotomies are standard, induction and c-section rate are very high. When I went to nursing school in the 1980's, I was not taught anything about natural childbirth, I was taught that women needed interventions and taught about the interventions. It wasn't until I became natural childbirth educator that I found out how our bodies really work during birthing and how to work with the body's natural birth capabilities. Many women live in localities where they need to be aware that they have other options than what is traditionally offered in their communities- they may have to fight for their right to have the birth of their choice. This book does an excellent job at empowering women to look for healthy birth choices- I look forward to the day when your experience of forward thinking and practices in a hospital setting is the norm, rather than the exception.

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Click here for more information about Gentle Birth Choices: A Guide to Making Informed Decisions about Birthing Centers, Birth Attendants, Water Birth, Home Birth, and Hospital Birth