14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful book about childbearing, respectful and encouraging, and, above all, wise., November 18, 2005
Reading this book is like conversing with loving, knowledgeable friends. By being so gently, matter-of-factly certain about the "elegance" of the birthing process, Lothian and DeVries strongly counter today's obstetric fear-mongering and the non-stop "medicalization" of birth.
The authors provide a calm, strengthening atmosphere, blending physiological facts with practical advice and the wisdom of experience. They encourage women to apply to their labors the strengths they acquire while meeting life's challenges. They connect childbearing to the whole of women's lives.
Positive childbirth stories abound. The authors suggest that woman-to-woman conversations are especially important, and advise carefully listening to others' experiences -- how have other labors and births unfolded, where did they flow. or not flow, and why? Pay careful attention to what is said, and what is not said, the feelings that exist beneath the words.
Readers are referred, among other sites and publications, to The Maternity Center Association's useful website (now called The Childbirth Connection) and its literature, to birth advocacy groups, and to midwifery organizations.
This book is rare in its wholehearted support of natural birth. It reclaims the word "natural," which has been so scapegoated and abused. It's one of the books I'd recommend, along with Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth, to young women as a necessary part of their learning about pregnancy and childbirth. And it's a breath of fresh air to all of us so passionately concerned with the well-being of women and their babies.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I am wild about this book!!!, November 10, 2005
At last!!! Here is a book that illuminates the miracle of what a woman's body does throughout pregnancy and birth in a wise and human way. It presents powerful, evidence-based information that explains and supports a woman's ability to give birth: it honors and celebrates this ability with the inclusion of wonderful birth stories. The book is informational and inspiring in equal measure, has a pleasing format and is movingly written. It's a first in its honesty, and the first book you should read about pregnancy and birth. I recommend this book with complete "confidence" that you will recommend it, too!!!
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Only one chapter of actual lamaze info, August 3, 2010
This review is from: The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence (Paperback)
This book is a great "overall pregnancy" guide, but a really crappy lamaze guide. Only one chapter is dedicated to the actual lamaze methods. It doesn't even explain much about it, only briefly describes techniques that some women use. The rest of the book is very informative, but not about the actual lamaze process or helpful delivery information. It should just be called a general pregnancy guide.
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