Need Book recomendations for a friend, traumatic first labor, now PG w/ #2

[Free Thinker]

Hi, I am looking for some good book recomendations for a friend who is PG w/ #2. Her first birth was somewhat traumatic for her and her DH. It ended in a vaccuum birth, and an NICU stay for baby. The entire thing could have been prevented by a better Dr. who actually listened, but hind sight is 20/20. I would LOVe to get her a good book or two about birth, I am pretty sure she has the Dr. sears ones already, and she is a nurse, so she does know quite a bit. I am hoping for something inspirational, that will help her feel confident and less scared when the time comes.

Thanks for any recommendations!

[Ahappymel]

Birthing from Within

and

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (Ina May Gaskin)

My first birth was traumatic too...violent vacuum extraction...and these two books have really helped return peace to me.

[turnipmama]

I second "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" - It is a very informative and comforting read!

[celestialdreamer]

I also want to recommend Birthing from Within as well as Henci Goer's book that I'm blanking on the name. I had a traumatic first birth and during my second pregnancy I read Birthing from Within as a healing experience, as well as attended Hypnobirthing classes (which I think was probably the most helpful thing for me). Henci Goer's book gave me the hard facts to be able to make the decisions I needed to the second time around.

[2much2luv]

Birthing From Within is perfect for working through a traumatic previous birth.

[cynde]

think the book title is "the thinking womans guide to childbirth"

[sedalbj]

All of the above are wonderful! I esp like Ina May's...

[Qerratsmom]

Another one for Ina May, her books really helped me prepare for my second birth after a traumatic first. Happy to report that birth #2 was WONDERFUL and healed all psychological trauma from birth #1.

[Tendaironi]

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is wonderful because of the empowering stories!! But since she is a nurse she might like Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper and Suzanne Arms as it deals with the myths of childbirth in the United States. It was a wealth of information for me which I find helpful for getting over my fear, it also came with a dvd of nice calm birth experiences. But the key to healing from the trauma is finding the right caregiver who will be on the same page as her so she doesn't have a repeat experience.

[lilysmama1124]

Birthing From Within is awesome. There are also BFW classes that would probably be great for your friend. I couldn't find one where I live but she may have more luck!

[hubris]

Birthing from Within

and

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (Ina May Gaskin)

My first birth was traumatic too...violent vacuum extraction...and these two books have really helped return peace to me.
Exactly what I would have posted, word for word. Those two books are both excellent and helped me to process my own son's violent vacuum extraction.

More carefully selecting my birth attendants and birthplace were also important to me. I hope your friend is able to choose a different OB/MW this time.

[torio]

Birthing from Within

and

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (Ina May Gaskin)


These two--absolutely! They were recommended to me by friends who had similar experiences hoping I might be able to have a better birth the first time around. Good luck to your friend.