Customer Reviews

The Doula Book: How A Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have A Shorter, Easier, And Healthier Birth

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I had originally intended to buy "The Doula Book" (formerly Mothering the Mother), but found it to be outdated in both it's writing style and the audience it addressed (the 70's mother), despite the fact that it was recently updated. It begins with a description of a happy couple immagining a birth where they are the only two people present in which the baby is born easily and effortlessly at home. Though I was born at home and I actually know a couple that delivered their own baby, this kind of imagry is not what most couples in North America today have around birth. Most of the book tends to exclude mainstream North America--the people who need doulas most. Instead, I highly recommend "The Doula Advantage" by Rachel Gurevich. I found her book by accident while shopping for "The Doula Book." I couldn't put it down so I bought it, and then stayed up all night reading it cover to cover. It is concise, engaging, and written for a wide audience, which gets the message out: doulas are good for ALL types of labors from cesarean sections to nonmedicated homebirths and everything inbetween. (Not just "hippy" types--don't get me wrong, I'm one of them--wanting a natural birth, as seems to be suggested by The Doula Book). It discusses how a doula has been proven to dramatically decreese rates of c-sections, episiotomies, medications and other overly-used medical interventions, but also admits that sometimes these interventions are necessary, and explains how the Doula can provide support for this as well. She gives accounts of mothers, fathers, doulas and health providers to present a clear picture of what a doula can do for everyone involved in the prenatal, labor and postnatal experience. It is empowering to women and their partners without being overly philosophical or "corney" (to quote the author herself). It is an honest look at birth in the North American setting of today, that takes into account the history of birth in the US and Canada and is frank about the situation today in hospitals and out. I highly recommend this book instead of "The Doula Book" for expecting mothers and fathers, people considering becoming doulas (I am seriously considering it after reading this book), and anyone who wants a clear picture of what a doula is.

I am a working doula and found this book to be of great value. I would think it is better for the potential doula rather than the expectant mother as a resource. This book clearly outlined the research studies to support a doula-assisted birth. At no point did I feel there was a political agenda attached to the content. It was clear in outlining the significant benefits and risks of any method or intervention. I am an unbiased doula assisting women in whatever birth they chose whether it be medicated or not, the book simply lays out the benefits of doulas.

I'm not sure why some of the other reviewers were so negative about this book. It provides a great review of the research regarding doulas positive impact on labor and birth, addresses doulas and dads, and generally gives you an idea of what to expect from your doula. Definitely something to check out if you're interested in maintaining as natural of a childbirth as possible -- even if you know you'll be induced or have a cesarean birth!

I had Mothering the Mother from the same authors, and was not sure if it was going to be worth it to buy The Doula Book, the 2nd edition. As soon as I picked a copy up in the store, I realized that is was going to be worth it. It has a lot of updated information in it, additional birth stories and examples, and much more information, without loosing any of the info about the very first research.
I am glad that it still provides the perspective of 'how it all started' which I find sadly missing in other books about doulas and the aspect of labor support. Well, and who better to write about it then the pioneering researchers themselves, who are also Founders of Doulas of North America (DONA), the largest doula organization.

While the continuous emotional, physical and informational support of a doula just makes common sense, this books provides the data and the research results for those who need them to understand the value of a doula. I recommend this book all the time to those who wnat to understand the role of a doula better, and those who want to become a doula themselves.

This book provides so much needed information, studies and facts that women need to make informed decisions about labor! It's so hard to find this information anywhere else, and in such a easy-to-read format! It's refreshing! It's also a quick read if you are interested in natural labor.

For a woman just learning about what a doula does and what benefits can be gained for the whole family, I wholeheartedly recommend this research-based book. I know many other childbirth educators, midwives, and parents who use this book often, find it as readable as I do, and greatly respect its authors.

Three of the founders of Doulas of North America, Marshal and Phyllis Klaus and John Kennell, have written an update to their original book, Mothering the Mother. The new version has up to date information and facts and truly gives the essence of what a doula does.

With their love for laboring families and the doulas who help them, the authors make reading about doula research enjoyable. Their words of wisdom help families who are thinking of choosing a doula and also women who are thinking of becoming doulas. Required reading for all who are interested in doulas!

This book is best left on the shelf, or at least check it out at the library first, if you want to buy it. The language is outdated and it is a dry read. one of the few books I have never finished. There are several better books on doulas and labor support. Ones that are written with a much more modern view.

This book is very easy to read. It is well-written, well laid out, very well researched. There is an excellent chapter concerning the role of the father in the labor room. A lot of their observations are based on what they observed in a hospital in Ireland. There are statistics but not too many, enough to be convincing: they haven't overstated the case for doulas: their claims of an easier, shorter, healthier birth are not outlandish but well presented and backed up by good solid research. Apart from all that it is an easy read.

This book has great stats, but I would not waste your money on the book if you are expecting much more. I would borrow the book or buy it used if you are intesred in looking up how great doula's are :)