Looking for a book

[Little Bear's Mama]

My cousin is pregnant with her first child. She saw a water birth on television several years ago, and has since then wished to have a natural birth and most especially, a water birth. Now that she's pregnant, and going through all the hoops low income mothers have to jump through, that dream seems to be slipping through the cracks and she's headed towards a highly medicalized birth (not by choice).

Does anyone have a recommendation for a book or two I could send her way? I'm looking for something that explains the pros and cons of all birth choices. The Birth Book has been on my mind, but are there others out there? Possibly something that leans more towards the natural course of birthing.

Any suggestions for books, pamphlets, magazines, ect. would be much appreciated. And if you have any recommendations for midwives or birth centers near Nashville, TN, I'll take that, too.

TIA!

[BrooklynDoula]

This is a beautiful book:

http://www.amazon.com/Midwifes-Story...7106683&sr=8-1

It is very easy to read and really sells one on the ability of women to birth without the hospital and all that. It does end with 4 pages on a still birth that is sad (but beautiful all the same) so if that would freak her out, you might cut the last pages out

[hipmummy]

This would be my 1st choice:
http://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Birth-C.../dp/1594770670

My second/third would be: Ina May's Guide to Child Birth and/or Spiritual Midwifery

[nashvillemidwife]

Unfortunately there are no local birth centers, I know a midwife in Nashville I can recommend.

[lunasmommy]

Ina May's Guide is good, like a pp said. I was pregnant at 18, and the first book I read was Active Birth by Janet Balaskas, I think it totally rocks! Its got a lot of good stuff in there.

[imalego]

"Birthing From Within" would be a great one for her I think. Or Sheila Kitzinger's "Giving Birth, What it Really Feels Like"

[ZoeyZoo]

I like Henci Goer's A Thinking Women's Guide to a Better Birth. If nothing else, it will at least educate her on the effects of interventions on her and the baby.

[lunasmommy]

Originally Posted by ZoeyZoo

I like Henci Goer's A Thinking Women's Guide to a Better Birth. If nothing else, it will at least educate her on the effects of interventions on her and the baby.

:

[HappyMommy2]

Originally Posted by ZoeyZoo

I like Henci Goer's A Thinking Women's Guide to a Better Birth. If nothing else, it will at least educate her on the effects of interventions on her and the baby.

I totally disagree. That book is a very difficult read. And I am college educated and very into books! Google "utne drugs knives and midwives" for a magazine article that summarizes the issues with OB's and maternity care in the US.

I read this book before my water HBAC, and recommend it for your cousin.
Choosing Waterbirth: Reclaiming the Sacred Power of Birth

It gives easy exercises and was easy to read. I also got 3 videos from my MW that showed actual water births ... see if you can get something like that.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Thanks everybody!

Will PM you nashvillemidwife.

[Malga]

The new lamaze book is excellent ! I mean really, don't knock it till you read it. It is my new favorite book to buy people that are pretty mainstream-- but has great info! Just even look through before you buy it. I know lamaze has gotten a bad rap, but they have totally changed their theories-- and I dig it now !

http://www9.mailordercentral.com/lam...011&number=222

Here is a link to their info. on the 6 practices that promote normal birth--

http://www.lamaze.org/ChildbirthEduc...0/Default.aspx