Preparation for Birth: The Complete Guide to the Lamaze Method [Paperback]

Beverly Savage (Author), Diana Simkin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 12, 1987

The first complete guide for couples to the most popular method of natural childbirth. Destined to become the standard book on Lamaze, covering everything from the moment of pregnancy to the difficulties of adjusting to parenthood.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Savage, Beverly & Diana Simkin. Preparation for Birth: the completeguide to the Lamaze method. Ballantine. 1987. c.384p. photogs. by Mary M. Kennedy. illus. by Mary Motley. index. LC 85-90884. ISBN 0-345-31230-9. pap. $10.95. med These two guides advocate different methods of reaching the same goalnatural childbirth. Jones discusses the use of mental imagery to reduce the fear and tension which make childbirth more difficult. He includes "imagery exercises" designed to help women at each stage of their labor. Jones downplays the role of the commonly accepted Lamaze method and displays skepticism about conventional medical practice. His new technique sounds good but is not yet time-tested. The book by Savage and Simkin is an excellent, comprehensive guide to the Lamaze method. While strongly advocating natural childbirth, this book is aimed at a wide audience. Even those who opt for or require medical intervention will benefit from it. "Birth reports" and quotes from hundreds of parents depict a wide range of experiences. Among the topics covered are Lamaze breathing techniques, the physical process of labor, choosing a doctor or midwife, exercise and relaxation, medication, the role of the partner, postpartum, and the second baby. Preparation for Birth is an essential guide and should be in all public libraries. Jones's book is recommended as a supplement for those committed to a natural birth. Barbara Carroll, M.L.S., Eau Claire, Wis.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

The first complete guide for couples to the most popular method of natural childbirth. Destined to become the standard book on Lamaze, covering everything from the moment of pregnancy to the difficulties of adjusting to parenthood.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (February 12, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345312309
• ISBN-13: 978-0345312303
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 1 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #787,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So very helpful!, June 9, 2000

By 

Alison Shaw (Kaiserslautern, Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preparation for Birth: The Complete Guide to the Lamaze Method (Paperback)

I truly found this book to be very helpful in learning techniques to achieve a drug free labor and delivery! The book starts with pregnancy, guides you through labor, delivery, and ends with the post-partum period. It is so thorough. I read this with my second baby and found it very educational. It is designed for any woman/couple who is trying for as natural a birth as possible. It teaches the traditional Lamaze breathing and visualization techniques in a way that even a novice with no "class" experience (like myself)will understand. There is a section dedicated to the labor partner, as well as sections on medications (if the mother feels it is necessary) and medication risks, as well as information on c-sections and forceps/vacuum assisted births. I highly advise reading this book if you are interested in trying for a natural birth experience.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to find a better reference on Lamaze, June 12, 2001

By 

Chris Milliken "milksie" (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Preparation for Birth: The Complete Guide to the Lamaze Method (Paperback)

My wife and I are extreme information hounds (much to the suprise and occasionaly annoyance of doctors and hospital staff who are used to the usual uninformed masses). We have researched many childbirthing books including those somewhat opposed to the Lamaze method. But this book set the record strait and proved itself in its comprehensiveness and generally satisfied our demanding desire for knowledge. I can't say that the book contains the absolute answer for every imaginable question, but it does provide a comprehensive and reasonable foundation for what Lamaze really stands for in all its nuances.

I'm somehow suprised that more soon-to-be mothers out there don't want to read more about what is going to take place to them. Information is key to understanding, security and a sense of control. This pook provides alot of that.

We looked at a lot of good books on childbirthing. This is probably the only one we would actually recommend.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very informative, June 16, 2006

By 

sam twain (Tyler, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preparation for Birth: The Complete Guide to the Lamaze Method (Paperback)

I am pregnant with my second child. I didn't prepare at all for the first birth and ended up with an epidural. This time I am determined to do it naturally. After reading this book, I feel confident that I can.

If you want to give birth naturally but don't need a book that will scare you out of birthing at a hospital (since some insurance doesn't cover homebirths or midwives), as many natural childbirth books these days seem to do, then this book is for you.

This book is full of information. It tells you everything you need to know about childbirth. This book is more than just breathing techniques. There are relaxation techniques for pregnancy, as well as tips for dealing with early labor (such as staying home as long as possible, staying hydrated, etc.). It lets you know when interventions such as forceps, episiotomy, c-section, etc., should be avoided and when they are actually needed, and most importantly what you can do to prevent these interventions.

If you want to give birth naturally and know all about what is going on around you at the time, and be able to make informed decisions, this book is for you. Even if you don't want to do it without medication, this book is still very useful.

The last section is full of birth stories. There is also a chapter for your birth partner to read, as well as a chapter on how to prepare your marriage and how to prepare siblings for bringing home a new baby. There is even a chapter which covers all the different types of medication and shares their benefits and risks. I found it to be pretty unbiased for a book about natural childbirth.

I recommend this book to every pregnant woman out there.