[Shakti]

Hi All,

I have a good friend who I don't talk with nearly often enough. I talked with her a few days ago, and she is 19 weeks pregnant, after *many* years of TTC. One of the first things she said was, "I'm a wimp. I want an epidural!" Egads. I kept my cool, and after congratulating her, I gently asked her why she was so sure she needed an epi. We talked about it for quite some time, and it turns out that she simply has not done much research, and she has no idea about the dangers of interventions. She would like to 'try' going natural, but she also wants to know that the drugs are available for her. So I am looking for articles or books to send to her that talk about the dangers of interventions, and the slippery slope to C/S, national C/S rates, etc. Nothing too alarmist, for fear of turning her off. Also something empowering, if you know what I mean. Four years ago, when I was pregnant, I had these resources at my fingertips, but now they are long gone! She doesn't like to read much on the computer, so real books would be better for her.

Thanks so much!!!

 

[A&A]

"Birthing From Within" is a good book.

 

[amydidit]

The book that spoke to me when I was pregnant with DD#1 was Birth Your Way by Sheila Kitzinger

 

[JanetF]

I recommend you print some stuff out and give it to her as often the most up-to-date info is on the net rather than in books, yk?

Here are few links to great info on dealing with pain in labour. Don't forget that studies into pain relief show clearly that women with lots of emotional support, particularly from other women and known caregivers deal with labour pain very happily. Tell her that labour is sometimes hard work but it need not be awful. It can be beautiful and fun and inspiring!

Natural pain relief in labour

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/refcap/546717.html

Pain relief and home birth (useful in any situation though)

http://www.homebirth.org.uk/pain.htm

Comfort measures for labour - the most complete list I've ever seen, a must read!

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/comfort.html

Water birth stories

http://www.homebirth.org.uk/water.htm#birthstories

"The importance of relaxing by Grantley Dick-Read MD

http://www.naturalchildbirth.org/mam...d=263&Itemid=3

http://radmid.demon.co.uk
From MIDWIFERY MATTERS, Summer 2000, Issue No. 85
Pain in Labour - Is it Insufferable?
By Margaret Jowitt

"Ecstatic Birth - nature's hormonal blueprint for labour" Dr Sarah Buckley
http://www.womenofspirit.asn.au/docs/ecstaticbirth.doc

"Help - it hurts! ... get me the complementary therapies!" Andrea Robertson
http://www.acegraphics.com.au/articles/andrea21.html

"The Pain of Labour: A Feminist Issue" Andrea Robertson
http://www.acegraphics.com.au/articles/painlabour.html

"No gain without pain" Nicky Leap
http://www.acegraphics.com.au/articles/leap02.html

 

[lizabird]

My all time favorite pregnancy/birth book is "Ina May's Guide To Childbirth" (by Ina May Gaskin). I loved that book so much I read it twice, and have given several copies to friends who are pregnant. It's such a positive book, not at all like the typical birth paranoia books. It really made me look forward to the physical process of having a baby.

 

[beanma]

i second the ina may book!

 

[Shakti]

Thank you so much everyone! I will look all of those up. The ones I don't have already in my boxes, that is!

Janet, thank you so much for typing all of that in! My DD's middle name is Janet, after my mother.

 

[asianmama]

I LOVED reading the Ina May Gaskin book (Ina May's Guide to Childbirth). It was the most empowering book I'd ever read about childbirth. I have always known that I want an all-natural childbirth, but I've also always had that little twinge of fear at the back of my mind. After reading this book, I still have that little bit of fear, but I totally believe in myself, that I can face whatever pain may come. My self-confidence was incredibly boosted after I read this book! I can't say enough good things about it.

In regards to the poster who suggested printing out stuff from the net for the most up-to-date information, I think that's a good idea! I think for some of that "rah rah you can do it!" spirit, however, books may contribute a bit more of that. Maybe a bit of both would be good - print-outs as well as book recommendations.

Good luck to you and your friend!

 

[JanetF]

No worries, Patti. Just let me know if there's anything else she needs. I run some birth groups so I have lots to hand to help the less crunchy make more informed decisions

 

[Pepper]

The book that made a big difference for me in how I viewed pain medication / interventions in labor was Henci Goer's The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth.

I think it would be great for someone with more mainstream ideas about birth and definitely for someone choosing a hospital birth.