Advice From a Pregnant Obstetrician: An Inside Guide (Paperback)

by Shari E. Brasner (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Combining an obstetrician's expert medical advice with the assurance and understanding of a woman who has herself given birth, this book provides empathy, hands-on experience, and the ultimate insider's perspective the whole way through.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 1st edition (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786883391
• ISBN-13: 978-0786883394
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,143,038 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Let's get real about this book, December 27, 2000

By	Lorrie Leigh (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This book is just not the wonderful book the previous reviewers are making it out to be. If you want to avoid being "scared" to the point of not getting all the facts and making informed choices then this is probably the book for you. The best example of the lack of balance in the book is her advice to ask for continuous fetal monitoring. Nine large-scale, well done scientific trials all found the same result. No better outcomes(meaning no healthier babies) with continuous monitoring than for regular heart rate checks by a trained person and three times the risk of cesarean section and its risks for mothers. Additionally, any women who has been "chained" to the monitor and unable to move can tell you that the discomfort of being unable to listen to your body and find comfortable positions for labor should be a major concern. Even in my twin pregnancy (which would be considered high risk, although my OB called it "special needs", did not require any more than intermittent monitoring.) It is important to know that epidurals do have risks as do other standard hospital routines. You may feel the benefit outweighs the risk, but this book doesn't give you all the facts to make an educated choice. If you want a really good first pregnancy book try A GOOD BIRTH, A SAFE BIRTH by Korte and Scaer. For the scientific evidence about the pros and cons of procedures read THE THINKING WOMAN'S GUIDE TO A BETTER BIRTH by Goer. Also, it is unthinkable that no information about the benefits of doulas, midwifery attended births, birth center and home birth options are provided(there are some OBs who do birth center and home births). I would hope no mother to be would go into her birth without exploring all the options.

23 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Full of False Information!, December 27, 2000

By	Nicole S. Tengwall (Annapolis, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a childbirth educator and doula. I could not believe the things I read in this book! It just goes to show that most OBs truly believe what they tell you. She states many lies in this book which have been disproven by numerous studies. For example- no drugs reach the baby. This is false and if you don't believe it, just ask to see the package inserts that come with the drugs used in epidurals (Bupivicaine and Lidocaine). It comes right out and tell you that ALL drugs cross the placenta. She also recommends continuous electronic fetal monitoring even though EVERY study EVER conducted on it's use has shown no better outomes for mom or baby and it has been proven to dramatically increase the chance for a c-section. Even the 2 inventors of the EFM say that it is over used and that moms would do much better just having someone litsen with a Doppler or Fetascope. I am just in disbeleife that this OB was able to print such lies and it saddens me that so many women may be influenced by her! If you really want the facts, PLEASE read "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer. Her entire book is supported by ALL studies done on these interventions and she gives the CONS as well as the pros for things like epidurals, episiotomies, pitocin, stadol... Please at least do this for your baby if nothing else. Then you can say that you made informed decisions! Nicole

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pregnancy book that won't freak you out!, September 29, 1999

By A Customer

I read this book and finally felt comfortable about being pregnant. I read the "week by week" book three months ago and half the book must have been of what could go wrong. This is an informative yet fun book to read. My best friend is trying to have a baby, and I'm definately going to give her this book to read and warn her to stay away from the "week by week" book.