Books on birthing...(x-post in I'm pg)

[Adamsmama]

Which is better, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth or Birthing from Within? I've heard a lot of good things about birthing from within but I'm leaning towards the other one. Has anyone read them both? I want ideas on how to have a natural childbirth and ideas for natural positions/pain relief. Thanks!

[Belle]

nak
I liked Ina May's Guide better. Though, I think birthing from within has more practical info.

[lizabird]

I read both and LOVED the Ina May's Guide. Birthing From Within had some interesting info, but I think I gained a lot more from the Ina May book, plus my dh read it too and enjoyed it.

[Luv2bemommy]

Ina May's guide!!!

[Funny Face]

If you can, I'd read both, there is info to be gained from both. I read a gazillion books before giving birth and even the ones I didn't think were great still offered little tid bits that stayed with me.

[cidercat]

I love Ina May's Guide, but I don't know that I would say it's a tip-filled book. I think it's more inspirational, without specifics. I mean, you'll read lots of wonderful stories, but there's not chapters related to specific situations encountered in labor, if I remember correctly. I still highly recommend it (I haven't read Birthing From Within, so I can't compare).

[St. Margaret]

And I haven't read any Ina May (I know, horrible omission, gotta get to the bookstore) but I love BFW. I've especially liked doing the activities in my class, but the book by itself was great.

[Arwyn]

They're totally different books, and honestly neither is exactly for what you describe, but I'd say BFW has more direct guidance. Honestly, I'd recommend reading birth stories, like in Adventures in Natural Childbirth, edited by Janet Schwegel, or pretty much anything by Sheila Kitzinger.

[pamamidwife]

another EXCELLENT book to prepare you for natural birth is Sarah Buckley's "Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering"....

http://sarahjbuckley.com/html/gentle...-mothering.htm

I'd recommend this over Ina May and BFW.

[Arwyn]

Originally Posted by pamamidwife

another EXCELLENT book to prepare you for natural birth is Sarah Buckley's "Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering"....

http://sarahjbuckley.com/html/gentle...-mothering.htm

I'd recommend this over Ina May and BFW.

I don't have that yet.

[pamamidwife]

i think there is a copy in my office. remind me tomorrow night!

[PiePie]

any more suggestions

so far i have kitzinger's complete guide to pregnancy and childbirth

and creating your birth plan.

[Arwyn]

Originally Posted by pamamidwife

i think there is a copy in my office. remind me tomorrow night!

You taunt me, yet leave me unfulfilled.

Kitzinger's Complete Guide is one of my favorites - her writing style is a bit... meandering, but I like what she has to say for the most part.

[PiePie]

gentle birth gentle mothering -- is it out of print? can't find it on amazon!

[Arwyn]

It's an Australian printing - you can order it direct, or from Midwifery Today.

[Thalia]

I really like Birthing From Within, and it's the one that resonates with my DH (who's a creative type) the best.

[2+twins]

Like the pp's have said, they are completely different types of books. Having read them both, I'd lean towards Ina May's book for what you're looking for, however, if you want something more of a guide then I think that Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way is a really good one.

[sedalbj]

I liked Ina May better, but BFW had good stuff. BFW has lots of info about visualization, and lots about art therapy. How to get over anxiety or prior birth experiences thru drawing. That isn't my way, but I know some people who love love love it.

[ericswifey27]

Giving a bump!

Some of these I have, several of these I need to add to my ISO!