Recommended Books for the Newly Pregnant or TTC

[Carol Ann]

I read the Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy and found/find it to be extremely
helpful.

I also watched Pregnancy for Dummies Part I, which was good. Basic.

I have a very nice Pregnancy Journal which gives me a place to record how I
feel daily. Though I'm not sure where I fall at this point (6, 7, 5
weeks??).

I just received The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy and can tell you without
a doubt that I highly recommend it. I haven't laughed so hard in ages.

Truly worth the few dollars I paid via eBay!

Carol Ann

[Michelle J. Haines]

In article >,
says...
>
> I just received The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy and can tell you without
> a doubt that I highly recommend it. I haven't laughed so hard in ages.

However, if you're planning a natural childbirth, or co-sleeping
later, it's not the best book unless you enjoy being made fun of.

Michelle
Flutist

--
In my heart. By my side.
Never apart. AP with Pride!
Katrina Marie (10/19/96)
Xander Ryan (09/22/98 - 02/23/99)
Gareth Xander (07/17/00) Zachary Mitchell
Theona Alexis (06/03/03) (01/12/94, fostered 09/05/01 - 07/23/03)

[Cheryl S.]

My favorite books are _The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth_ by
Henci Goer, and _Pregnancy to Parenthood_ by Goldberg, Brinkley and
Kukar. The first gives an in-depth discussion on all the interventions
used in labor, giving lots of examples of actual research to back it up,
why you'd want to avoid them and how best to go about doing so. The
other book talks about all the "other" stuff going on during pregnancy
(remedies for aches and pains, exercises, nutrition, things to avoid,
etc.), as well as a very thorough discussion on both medical and
non-medical pain relief techniques for labor, and newborn care,
including a good section on breastfeeding. Between them, they cover
just about everything I've needed to know (and of course mkp covers it
too. ;)
--
Cheryl S.
Mom to Julie, 2 yr., 4 mo.
And a boy, EDD 4.Sept

Cleaning the house while your children are small is like
shoveling the sidewalk while it's still snowing.

[Robert C]

I really like Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simkin. It
covers a good range of topics with a level of detail and specificity that
may be too much for some people. My wife thought it was like reading a text
book, but I loved it.

Robert

"Carol Ann" > wrote in message
. net...
> I read the Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy and found/find it to be extremely
> helpful.
>
> I also watched Pregnancy for Dummies Part I, which was good. Basic.
>
> I have a very nice Pregnancy Journal which gives me a place to record how
I
> feel daily. Though I'm not sure where I fall at this point (6, 7, 5
> weeks??).
>
> I just received The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy and can tell you
without
> a doubt that I highly recommend it. I haven't laughed so hard in ages.
>
> Truly worth the few dollars I paid via eBay!
>
> Carol Ann
>
>
>

[Carol Ann]

:: It really depends on what you are looking for. You can think of
pregnancy
:: as having two models: the medical model and the midwife model. I'm sure
:: there are more elegant terms, but bear with me. Once you start reading
:: widely about pregnancy, you're probably going to develop an affinity for
one
:: over the other. I for one went from being very concerned about receiving
:: excellent obstetric care, to being very concerned about keeping the
:: obstetricians at bay (so long as I am not showing any signs of being at
risk
:: of problems). Of course plenty of smart, good parents go the other way.
::
:: These are some of the books I have particularly admired:
::
:: Catherine Taylor, _Giving Birth: A journey into the world of mothers and
:: midwives_
:: Ina May Gaskin, _Ina May's Guide to Childbirth_
::
:: Also I've picked up Fields, _Baby Bargains_, over and over to answer such
:: pressing preparent questions as: What is the difference between a
sleeper
:: and a day outfit? What are the differences between the carseats? Etc.
::
:: On an unrelated note, but in response to your earlier post about whether
you
:: would be getting an ultrasound at the first OB visit, one of my regrets
:: about the pregnancy is I didn't make an informed decision about whether
or
:: not to have one. I just did it because the OB wanted to at the 9w visit,
:: and I was curious, although I was aware at the time that I didn't have,
:: strictly speaking, an indication for a first trimester scan. It would be
:: different if I had read about them and decided to have one on an informed
:: basis. Next pregnancy I probably will not get any ultrasounds at all
unless
:: there's a reason (bleeding, ?). Most people love them; the research on
them
:: freaks me out. Of course this may not be one of your trigger interests
at
:: all, but most pregnant women seem to have something they are concerned
about
:: more than most of their other procreating friends. Some examples: cell
:: phone radiation, nitrates, msg, caffiene, artificial sweeteners,
microwave
:: ovens, excess noise, Doppler devices, consuming prenatal vitamins during
:: pregnancy, not consuming prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, Rhogam, DHA,
:: peanut butter, soy, giving birth in brightly lit rooms ...
::
:: -- Dagny
:: EDD 10/6/03

So much to consider! Thank you!!!

~Carol Ann

[Carol Ann]

:: I flipped through "Thinking Woman's Guide...." in the bookstore the
:: other day and it really turned me off. The author came across as VERY
:: anti-doctor and it almost seemed condescending to me (I don't have a
:: choice in having an OB-attended birth if I don't want to pay out of
:: pocket). Guess she just rubbed me the wrong way or something because
:: it's not like I'm going to be requesting an epidural or anything (or
:: at least, I don't *plan* to).

I haven't decided too many things, as I'm trying to get to my first OB exam,
but one thing is certain, I'm using my wonderful OB/GYN for the entire
pregnancy. She is highly recommended AND has a stellar reputation.

~Carol Ann
www.lowcarblosers.com ~ Home of the Monthly Weightloss Challenge

[jjmoreta]

"Carol Ann" > wrote in message
. net...
> I read the Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy and found/find it to be extremely
> helpful.
>
> I also watched Pregnancy for Dummies Part I, which was good. Basic.
>
> I have a very nice Pregnancy Journal which gives me a place to record how
I
> feel daily. Though I'm not sure where I fall at this point (6, 7, 5
> weeks??).
>
> I just received The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy and can tell you
without
> a doubt that I highly recommend it. I haven't laughed so hard in ages.
>
> Truly worth the few dollars I paid via eBay!
>
> Carol Ann
>

My collection:

Your Pregnancy Week by Week
What to Expect When You're Expecting
Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana (GREAT baby name book)
Another baby name book
The Miracle of Life by Leonard Nilsson (the OLD edition from the 60's
*grin*)
Immaculate Deception by Suzanne Arms (OLD edition, thrift store find)
2 photo books of women going through natural labor from the 70's (thrift
store find)
Natural Childbirth, The Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon
Mayo Clinic Guide to Pregnancy... (got free from State Farm)
Old maternity textbook from the 80's (thrift store find)

I just found:
The Pregnancy Book, The Birth Book, The Baby Book by Dr. Sears (I want them
all, just need to fit them into the budget)

What I found best was online recommendations (which you're doing) and then
spending a few hours at a bookstore (preferably one with chairs like Barnes
& Noble) and going through the stack of books. And can you tell I love
vintage pregnancy books? I love browsing through some of them from the
50's, just for fun to see what they used to recommend.

- Joanne
#1 - 26w1d

[Kereru]

> :: On an unrelated note, but in response to your earlier post about
whether
> you
> :: would be getting an ultrasound at the first OB visit, one of my regrets
> :: about the pregnancy is I didn't make an informed decision about whether
> or
> :: not to have one. I just did it because the OB wanted to at the 9w
visit,
> :: and I was curious, although I was aware at the time that I didn't have,
> :: strictly speaking, an indication for a first trimester scan. It would
be
> :: different if I had read about them and decided to have one on an
informed
> :: basis. Next pregnancy I probably will not get any ultrasounds at all
> unless
> :: there's a reason (bleeding, ?). Most people love them; the research on
> them
> :: freaks me out.

I have been wondering about this too. More and more people seem to have
early ultrasounds. There have been a number of posts on this group from
people who seem to be upset because they expect an early one and don't get
it.

I had two because of bleeding and suspected ectopic pregnancy first time
around. This time however I only had the 20 week morphology scan. I wouldn't
have an early scan agian unless there was something wrong. There's simply no
point in my opinion.

I stumbled across this link the other day:

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/ultrasound.asp

Judy

[Cheryl S.]

Jennifer from Colorado > wrote in message
...
> I flipped through "Thinking Woman's Guide...." in the bookstore
> the other day and it really turned me off. The author came across
> as VERY anti-doctor and it almost seemed condescending to me
> (I don't have a choice in having an OB-attended birth if I don't
> want to pay out of pocket). Guess she just rubbed me the wrong
> way or something because it's not like I'm going to be requesting
> an epidural or anything (or at least, I don't *plan* to).

I don't think Goer is so much anti-doctor as she is against the routine
use of interventions which have been proved by scientific research to
carry risk, which the benefit of *routine* use does not outweigh, yet
doctors continue to use them just out of habit or CYA. What's worse is
when these doctors do not inform women of the risks these procedures
carry. I think a book like this is invaluable to anyone who wants to
know the whole truth about what is being done to them and their baby.
Not all OBs are the same, so since you have to have an OB, it's to your
benefit to learn about these things and choose a doctor who's going to
listen to you and not "process" you in a medically managed,
assembly-line style delivery. I know I'm coming off really preachy in
this post, but I also wanted to point out that for most women, it
doesn't work to just plan to "not have an epidural". You need to plan
what you *are* going to do instead, and surround yourself with a labor
support team who is in tune with what you want and is able to provide
what you need. When things got tough during my labor with Julie, my
OB's response was to start telling the nurse to get me an IV to prepare
for an epidural, when I hadn't even asked for one! When I said I didn't
want any medication, she was plumb out of ideas. I think a doula who's
experienced with supporting natural birth is essential for just about
anyone (who wants a natural birth, of course) with an OB, giving birth
in a regular hospital L&D.
--
Cheryl S.
Mom to Julie, 2 yr., 4 mo.
And a boy, EDD 4.Sept

Cleaning the house while your children are small is like
shoveling the sidewalk while it's still snowing.

[Sue]

Cheryl S. > wrote in message
I think a doula who's experienced with supporting natural birth is essential
for just about anyone (who wants a natural birth, of course) with an OB,
giving birth
> in a regular hospital L&D.

I'm sorry, but I am going to have to disagree with this. I didn't need to
have a doula to have an unmedicated, natural birth.

I did end up having an epidural with dd1 that didn't take. But, I wasn't
sorry that I had it. The other two births were unmedicated and no
interventions at all. I did just fine with my husband. I wouldn't have
wanted someone else with me. So for some people, a doula is a must
especially if you are not sure of yourself in giving birth, but some people
do just fine without. There are plenty of people who give birth very
successful without having a doula. If you are educated enough about the
birth process and know to walk or get in water or do other things to help,
then a doula isn't necessary.
--
Sue
mom to three girls

[Valerie Rake]

Sue wrote:
[some snipping]

>I think if someone doesn't have a good support husband/spouse, whatever,
>than a doula would be very helpful. My husband was all I needed as he was my
>calming support and my cheerleader. When I labor though, I need to be left
>alone so I can get into my zone and someone touching me and talking to me
>would drive me batty. But I do understand what you were trying to get at. I
>think a doula could be very essential to a first time mom, who doesn't know
>what to expect. :o)
>--
>Sue
>mom to three girls
>
Probably depends on what you mean by "good." My dh is a wonderful
support and cheerleader and all that; We'll both learn what we can
beforehand about relaxing and whatnot, but .... He's a rather quiet,
laid-back person and not particularly good at speaking up or formulating
questions quickly. So, we're probably going to hire a doula to help us
both.

Valerie
24w3d

>

[Sue]

Cheryl S. > wrote in message
> "Essential" was probably too strong of a word. I didn't have a doula
> either, and got through it unmedicated, but I think it would have been
> easier if I'd had one. It most certainly would have been far less
> traumatic for my DH, at least! :-)

Just out of pure curiosity, what would a doula have done to have made easier
for you?

Don't you feel like this one will be easier because you have been through it
already and know what to expect? I think your husband was a bit squimish
about the whole thing wasn't he? My husband was a wonderful support person
and was not squimish at all. Someone could have gotten him a cup of coffee
though, but he did just fine. ;o)

I think if someone doesn't have a good support husband/spouse, whatever,
than a doula would be very helpful. My husband was all I needed as he was my
calming support and my cheerleader. When I labor though, I need to be left
alone so I can get into my zone and someone touching me and talking to me
would drive me batty. But I do understand what you were trying to get at. I
think a doula could be very essential to a first time mom, who doesn't know
what to expect. :o)
--
Sue
mom to three girls

[Sue]

Valerie Rake > wrote in message
> Probably depends on what you mean by "good." My dh is a wonderful
> support and cheerleader and all that; We'll both learn what we can
> beforehand about relaxing and whatnot, but .... He's a rather quiet,
> laid-back person and not particularly good at speaking up or formulating
> questions quickly. So, we're probably going to hire a doula to help us
> both.

Well if you don't feel comfortable advocating your needs and you don't think
your husband would, then yes a doula can help you. Hubby could speak up
without any problems if there was something I didn't want. Also during
certain parts of the labor, I could voice what I wanted or didn't want. I
wasn't worried about it though.

Good luck and congratulations on the baby :o)
--
Sue
mom to three girls

[Cheryl S.]

Jennifer from Colorado > wrote in message
...
> I'll be looking into a labor doula as soon as I can convince
> DH of the benefits--BTW, at what point should I probably
> start looking? I'm 9 weeks along right now.

There is a book called _Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You
Have a Shorter, Easier Labor_ (not totally sure on the subtitle wording)
that might help you with convincing your DH. It's probably not too
early to start asking for recommendations now. A doula can only have so
many clients due at the same time. I had already met the person I knew
I wanted to be my doula before I got pregnant, so I just called her
right away. I'm not sure what's normal.

> From what I understand, steps I can take to reduce the
> likelihood of needing an epidural (or a c-section, which is
> far more crucial to avoid, IMO) are to choose caregivers
> with lower rates of both (done), take classes such as Bradley
> to help learn to deal with/work with contractions, refuse
> induction unless there is a demonstrated problem with the baby
> (this is my biggest worry with my CYA HMO), stay mobile
> during labor, opt for intermittent monitoring during labor rather
> than continuous (I'll be checking into monitoring via telemetry),
> and hiring a doula.
>
> If you really recommend it, I'll give the book another shot, but
> something in the tone really turned me off.

I do think the information in it is really good, but if it really
irritates you, don't read it. Like Sue said, there isn't any book that,
if you don't read that book, you can't have a natural birth. It wasn't
even out yet when I had Julie, and I managed. :-) I took Bradley
classes, and was addicted to mkp for about 2-3 years (lurking) before
ttc, and that told me pretty much everything I needed to know (actually
after lurking here so long, I hardly heard anything new at all even at a
Bradley class; they were more for my DH to learn since he knew *nothing*
;). Everything you've listed above is certainly going to work for you
rather than against you. You are starting early and are already well
informed - sounds like you'll do fine. I hope that the system you're in
will work with you.
--
Cheryl S.
Mom to Julie, 2 yr., 4 mo.
And a boy, EDD 4.Sept

Cleaning the house while your children are small is like
shoveling the sidewalk while it's still snowing.

[Sue]

I think you'll do fine. You have the right attitude and sounds like you have
educated yourself very well. It isn't necessary to read the book to have a
natural childbirth. Having the Bradley education will just fine, imo. :o)
--
Sue
mom to three girls

Jennifer from Colorado > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 7 Aug 2003 12:34:18 -0400, "Cheryl S."
> > wrote:
>
> >Jennifer from Colorado > wrote in message
> ...
> >> I flipped through "Thinking Woman's Guide...." in the bookstore
> >> the other day and it really turned me off. The author came across
> >> as VERY anti-doctor and it almost seemed condescending to me
> >> (I don't have a choice in having an OB-attended birth if I don't
> >> want to pay out of pocket). Guess she just rubbed me the wrong
> >> way or something because it's not like I'm going to be requesting
> >> an epidural or anything (or at least, I don't *plan* to).
> >
> >I don't think Goer is so much anti-doctor as she is against the routine
> >use of interventions which have been proved by scientific research to
> >carry risk, which the benefit of *routine* use does not outweigh, yet
> >doctors continue to use them just out of habit or CYA. What's worse is
> >when these doctors do not inform women of the risks these procedures
> >carry. I think a book like this is invaluable to anyone who wants to
> >know the whole truth about what is being done to them and their baby.
> >Not all OBs are the same, so since you have to have an OB, it's to your
> >benefit to learn about these things and choose a doctor who's going to
> >listen to you and not "process" you in a medically managed,
> >assembly-line style delivery. I know I'm coming off really preachy in
> >this post, but I also wanted to point out that for most women, it
> >doesn't work to just plan to "not have an epidural".
>
> I do understand. I have two choices of hospital 'round here with my
> HMO. I've already switched my prenatal care to a practice that
> delivers at the hospital with the lower epidural and c-section rate. I
> figured that was a good first step (the other hospital is the local
> baby farm and is proud of it). I've also already lied about my LMP to
> buy myself another week on end-of-pregnancy pressure to induce (I just
> adjusted it to a "normal" O date). I'll be looking into a labor doula
> as soon as I can convince DH of the benefits--BTW, at what point
> should I probably start looking? I'm 9 weeks along right now.
>
> From what I understand, steps I can take to reduce the likelihood of
> needing an epidural (or a c-section, which is far more crucial to
> avoid, IMO) are to choose caregivers with lower rates of both (done),
> take classes such as Bradley to help learn to deal with/work with
> contractions, refuse induction unless there is a demonstrated problem
> with the baby (this is my biggest worry with my CYA HMO), stay mobile
> during labor, opt for intermittent monitoring during labor rather than
> continuous (I'll be checking into monitoring via telemetry), and
> hiring a doula.
>
> If you really recommend it, I'll give the book another shot, but
> something in the tone really turned me off.
>
>
> Jennifer from Colorado
> edd 3/12/04

[Ericka Kammerer]

Jennifer from Colorado wrote:


> If you really recommend it, I'll give the book another shot, but
> something in the tone really turned me off.


I would definitely recommend the book. I do think
Goer has a certain frustration with the medical system, but
how could one not in her situation? The more you look into
the research (real, mainstream medical research, not some
fly-by-night propaganda), the more it becomes apparent
that standard obstetric practice in the US includes *far*
too many things that are either unsupported or clearly
contraindicated by the research. At that point, while
you don't have to tar *every* doctor with the same
brush, it's abundantly clear that there's a real problem,
generally speaking.
What I think is really excellent about her book
is that although she's clearly supportive of getting
what you want by opting out of the system all together,
she *also* give clear, concrete, useful suggestions
for how to get what you want while remaining within
the medical system. I would think that information
invaluable for women in your situation who want the
low intervention birth but have chosen (or have no
option other than) to birth in hospital with an
OB. Maybe you get lucky and the hospital, hospital
staff (who will be around for the vast majority of
your labor), and your OB will be knowledgable and
supportive of a low intervention birth. But frankly,
odds are they *aren't*. Even if their hearts are
totally in the right place, for many it's so far
out of their usual experience that they just don't
know about or think about all the little things that
can get you started down a slippery slope. I think
this book is one of the better ones for giving *you*
the information that they might be lacking, however
good their motivations.

Best wishes,
Ericka

[Sue]

Cheryl S. > wrote in message news
and was addicted to mkp for about 2-3 years (lurking) before
> ttc, and that told me pretty much everything I needed to know (actually
> after lurking here so long, I hardly heard anything new at all even at a

I was going to say that MKP is the recommended reading everyone should have
when giving birth. ;o) I really wish I had internet access 10 years ago
when I was having babies.
--
Sue
mom to three girls

[Robin]

In article >,
says...
> On Thu, 7 Aug 2003 12:34:18 -0400, "Cheryl S."
> > wrote:
>
> >Jennifer from Colorado > wrote in message
> ...
> >> I flipped through "Thinking Woman's Guide...." in the bookstore
> >> the other day and it really turned me off. The author came across
> >> as VERY anti-doctor and it almost seemed condescending to me
> >> (I don't have a choice in having an OB-attended birth if I don't
> >> want to pay out of pocket). Guess she just rubbed me the wrong
> >> way or something because it's not like I'm going to be requesting
> >> an epidural or anything (or at least, I don't *plan* to).

That's interesting. I'm also having an OB-attended hospital birth by
necessity but I really liked Goer's book. I wouldn't want it to be my
*only* reading material on childbirth but I think it helps to round out
the "listen to your doctor" tone of some other books.

> If you really recommend it, I'll give the book another shot, but
> something in the tone really turned me off.
>
I'll be done with it in a couple months, if you'd like to borrow my copy
just drop me an email.

--
Robin

(Trying out a new email system. This address *does* (well, "should")
work.)

[Cheryl S.]

Sue > wrote in message
...
> Are you sleeping any better?

Thanks for asking. It varies from night to night. I am getting some
sleep, at least about one out of three nights. This coming week has
turned out to be a little busy. Julie's decided to wear underwear now,
and has stayed dry so far today! But it makes me nervous to plan on
going anywhere for a few more days. Wednesday is a midwife appointment
and Thursday I have family plans. Hopefully we'll be able to get
together soon after the baby's born, so you can see him! :-)

> What arrangements did you work out for Julie?

I have three people to call, who can come to our house or have Julie at
theirs, until my IL's get here. They'll have their bags packed and just
need to throw them in the car and come - it's about a 2.5 to 3 hour
drive. Then they'll take care of Julie from the time they arrive until
we come home, and they'll bring her to see the baby when we're ready for
them to come to the birth center, probably 3-4 hours after the birth.
I'm not considering having her there for labor or birth anymore - I
think it would be too disruptive for me and too upsetting for her to
have me "there", but not "available" to her.
--
Cheryl S.
Mom to Julie, 2 yr., 4 mo.
And a boy, EDD 4.Sept

Cleaning the house while your children are small is like
shoveling the sidewalk while it's still snowing.

[Cheryl S.]

Sue > wrote in message
...
> I was going to say that MKP is the recommended reading everyone
> should have when giving birth. ;o) I really wish I had internet
access
> 10 years ago when I was having babies.

Oh, totally! I can't imagine how different things would probably have
been for me, if I'd never read MKP before getting pregnant with Julie.
It is *so* helpful, for the wealth of factual information (thanks
Ericka, Circe, Naomi, Kris, Elfanie, Alath if you're still lurking, and
anyone I've missed - sorry), and for comparing personal experiences with
so many other women who are pregnant at the same time. It's unlike
anything I can think of IRL.
--
Cheryl S.
Mom to Julie, 2 yr., 4 mo.
And a boy, EDD 4.Sept

Cleaning the house while your children are small is like
shoveling the sidewalk while it's still snowing.

[Sue]

I can't wait to meet your son. Julie is such a doll. :o)

She isn't going to let the potty thing drop is she ;o) Good for her.

I'm glad you worked out where Julie is going to go. I am sure that takes
some of the stress away from you.
--
Sue
mom to three girls

Cheryl S. > wrote in message
...
> Sue > wrote in message
> ...
> > Are you sleeping any better?
>
> Thanks for asking. It varies from night to night. I am getting some
> sleep, at least about one out of three nights. This coming week has
> turned out to be a little busy. Julie's decided to wear underwear now,
> and has stayed dry so far today! But it makes me nervous to plan on
> going anywhere for a few more days. Wednesday is a midwife appointment
> and Thursday I have family plans. Hopefully we'll be able to get
> together soon after the baby's born, so you can see him! :-)
>
> > What arrangements did you work out for Julie?
>
> I have three people to call, who can come to our house or have Julie at
> theirs, until my IL's get here. They'll have their bags packed and just
> need to throw them in the car and come - it's about a 2.5 to 3 hour
> drive. Then they'll take care of Julie from the time they arrive until
> we come home, and they'll bring her to see the baby when we're ready for
> them to come to the birth center, probably 3-4 hours after the birth.
> I'm not considering having her there for labor or birth anymore - I
> think it would be too disruptive for me and too upsetting for her to
> have me "there", but not "available" to her.
> --
> Cheryl S.
> Mom to Julie, 2 yr., 4 mo.
> And a boy, EDD 4.Sept
>
> Cleaning the house while your children are small is like
> shoveling the sidewalk while it's still snowing.
>
>

[Jennifer Rasmussen]

"Jennifer from Colorado" > wrote in message
...


<snip>

> From what I understand, steps I can take to reduce the likelihood of
> needing an epidural (or a c-section, which is far more crucial to
> avoid, IMO) are to choose caregivers with lower rates of both (done),
> take classes such as Bradley to help learn to deal with/work with
> contractions, refuse induction unless there is a demonstrated problem
> with the baby (this is my biggest worry with my CYA HMO), stay mobile
> during labor, opt for intermittent monitoring during labor rather than
> continuous (I'll be checking into monitoring via telemetry), and
> hiring a doula.
>
> If you really recommend it, I'll give the book another shot, but
> something in the tone really turned me off.
>
>
> Jennifer from Colorado
> edd 3/12/04

Hi Jennifer,

I'm also having a hospital birth but am committed to going as
intervention-free as I'm able. One book that has *really* helped me
that I haven't seen mentioned yet is Penny Simkin's _The Birth Partner_
(2nd edition). I am a big reader/researcher, and this book is by far
the best resource I've found in my pregnancy. It is designed to help
your husband/partner/birth coach learn some techniques to help you
through (and I immediately assigned it to my husband after finishing
it), but it was invaluable for me as well.

One thing I liked about it is that the view seemed much more balanced
than a lot of books that are designed to help with natural birth, which
can turn me off in their anti-establishment hostility (since I like you
am going to be in the establishment in question ;-)). I felt like I was
getting the *full* spectrum of information rather than one person's
particular agenda forced down my throat.

Jen