ok, these are the books I have read.

[mamamoogs]

So far I have read "The thinking womens guide to a better birth"
and "Birthing from within"


now I would like one more book to read so I am looking to you all for the wisest choice to make.

What I am looking for is a book on pain coping techniques to help me in labor I have so many out there but was hoping to get advice on what would be the best one to buy since I am running out of time. I havent been able to take nay birthing classes so I am hoping that in reading your recommened book it will help me as much as a book can help...

[krismarie]

well, this doesn't really have pain coping techniques, but does describe how we can think or not think of it as pain... it's a great book
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

[koru]

i don't have a "pain coping technique" suggestion either (except maybe something along the lines of hynobirthing) but my personal opinion is, knowlegde eliminates fear & anything you read that gives you a clearer understanding of what your body is going through will decrease your fear & give you more peace during labor. and maybe your partner could read, "the birth partner" by penny simkin. it's very easy to read....my hubby's finally reading it with our third baby on the way. the more knowledge in the room, the better!

[ecoteat]

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is my favorite. I didn't do anything to prepare for pain at all and I didn't take any childbirth classes either. Instead, I read a lot about the birth process. When you are in labor, if you understand what your body is doing and why it feels the way is does, you will be more able to experience these sensations as a positive force. If you have knowledge about birth and trust in your body, physical pain will be more managable. In fact, I don't even like using the word pain--I don't think it's an accurate word for how labor and birth felt for me.

[pixiewytch]

I've heard rave reviews about the Bradley book even though I didn't end up buying it myself. It seems like the best substitute for childbirthing classes. Then I would second the other recommendations for Ina May.

[jessjgh1]

I've read those 2 and Ina May, Dr Sears "Birth", and Homebirth (Kitzinger). I read the Bradley book the first time around, but I admit I am vague. There are many practices and excersises to do together.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend Ina May.... but I have not yet read all the birth stories... I skipped and went right to the technical info. And I know many people find the biirth stories inspirational. Ina' May's just doesn't really have any new pain coping tips that you have not already gotten from the other books. THat's not the focus... it is more similar to The Thinking Woman's Guide...

Even the Dr. Sears tips are mostly covered by the other books, but I like that one. It has many suggestions for excersises you can do before hand, practicing postions, and pain-coping techniques.

I woudl say, save the money and invest it in a good birthing class or hiring a doula-- at least with the classes you can get some practice with a partner.

If you stlll want a book I'd say Bradley or Dr. Sears, in that order. They both have more practical things that you can do to prepare before hand, and it sounds to me that is what you are looking for.

Jessica