Drawing upon her thirty-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience. I do definitely recommend this one, but I also recommend reading other books to fill out a more balanced view, unless you are definitely giving birth under the stars on a hippie commune and your chances of winding up in a hospital are extremely low. One tip: the author claims you'll get through your contractions better if you express words of love to your partner during them. As women began to have positive experiences giving birth, their stories helped to calm the fears and worries of those who had not yet had babies. Due to complications, Pelly delivered our older son by emergency c-section four weeks early, without experiencing a single contraction.

If you have been pregnant for a while, it's probable that you've already heard some scary birth stories from friends or relatives. I just let them come as fast as they wanted to, knowing that would help the birth happen without delay.I found it irresponsible and cowardly to say that she recognizes the need for modern medicine, but then dumps all over it. Finally, for those who might want to read this book on the subway (like me), be forewarned that there are some pretty graphic photos of childbirthing in this section.

It also gives a good amount of info about the possibilities of what CAN happen, which is always important to be aware of.We need to change the view that childbirth is something dangerous and unnatural, and that the only way for women to survive it is to be heavily medicated and close to an emergency room.