Customer Reviews

The Disabled Woman's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth:

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I thought I would throw in a review since there is only one reviewer so far for this book.

The author Judith Rogers tells disabled women what to expect while being pregnant and having a disability. She has a panel of women experts that she has interviewed for the book (beginning chapter). She talks about how routine things like pelvic exams are harder on disabled women especially if she is a wheel chair--how do you transfer up to an exam table? Most exam tables in doctor's offices are not disability friendly. If a patient needs help up, don't be afraid to ask for assistance. (This issue is probably seen outside of pregnancy as well). A midwife may use a lower table such as a bed for routine exams which might make it easier for a disabled person to get up too--so if a midwife can use a low bed--perhaps a doctor could put a small twin bed for exams in his room if necessary. Pelvic exams maybe more difficult for disabled women as they may have to have modifications for this--the doctor should take this into account and find the most comfortable for patient, but still have access to what he/she needs to know.
There may be a need for special tests for disabled women--this is covered in the book under first trimester section.
During the second trimester, many disabled women may have mobility difficulties that otherwise they might not have had in the past. These issues should be discussed with their doctor/midwife in order to help them remain stable--this might mean using a walker or some other support device or even being in a wheelchair (when they were normally not) for part of the pregnancy or until birth of the baby.
Second trimester talks about choosing a childbirth class. Talk to your local instructors and see if they offer any private classes as well as regular classes. You might want to opt for a private class geared towards childbirth and disability. Of course, if you are planning a c-section birth this may not be necessary. However, many disabled women do not always have c-section birth--it depends on their disability. So, if the mother is planning a more natural route, then she may want that extra help from a childbirth educator and ask if the childbirth educator has worked with disabled before or not.
Third trimester talks about Birth plans and options for childbirth for disabled women. This particular chapter talks about preterm labor and post term labor and techniques such as perineum massage.
There is a chapter specifically on labor and delivery and talks about stages of labor and usual interventions that are offered to non-disabled women. Relaxation methods are also discussed in this chapter from massage to warm showers or baths and comfort positions.
There is a specific chapter about c-section birth for disabled women and when indications would be needed for c-section birth for disabled. It may depend on the woman's condition and this can also be discussed with her doctor before birth. If she wants to try for vaginal delivery and it doesn't work out--she can have the option of c-section birth when labor comes.
Overall, this book has a lot of information in it specifically for disabled women to cope with pregnancy and childbirth. This book I would recommend if I had a client (I am a doula in training) that wanted more specific information about disability and childbirth.

I wish I had read this before I got pregnant a second time (first time with my disablity). This should be on all disabled women's preconception booklists along with Taking Charge of Your Fertility.