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The Birth Partner, Second Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Congratulations! You are to be a birth partner..." (more)
Key Phrases: Recommended Resources, Pain Medications Preference Scale, Drug Names (more...)

4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (57 customer reviews)

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Hardcover Available from these sellers. Published September 30, 1989	Hardcover, September 30, 1989	--	--	$4.99
Hardcover Available from these sellers. Published June 25, 2001	Hardcover, June 25, 2001	--	--	$40.51
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Paperback Available from these sellers. Published May 31, 2001	Paperback, May 31, 2001	--	$4.98	$0.33
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The role of birth partner is a tough one. A birth partner may be expected to help a laboring woman make decisions and help her get through the pain and discomfort of childbirth. During this high-intensity time, the birth partner--whether father, partner, or friend--needs a book that can give thorough information for studying ahead of time, yet can be easily referenced in an emergency or for quick answers during labor and delivery. The Birth Partner fills both needs.

Penny Simkin, P.T. (Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn) has written a clear, informative guide that includes a thorough description of everything a birth partner can expect. For a quick brush-up, or for sudden emergency situations where a birth partner is thrust into the role unprepared, the book also provides vital information and emergency tips that are clearly marked on pages with darkened edges. Every section includes a description of a stage of labor or circumstance, a description of what the caregiver (doctor, nurse or midwife) might do, and suggestions about what the birth partner's role should be.

The different sections include preparing for the birth, helping labor begin (in certain situations this is necessary), early labor , the stages of labor, strategies for special situations, the medical side of childbirth, and ways to assist after the birth. Of special note is a clear chart describing various drugs, their desired effects and secondary reactions, and the stages of labor in which each of them may be appropriate. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

To give the birth partner a clear understanding of the process of bearing a baby, and the role that he or she is to play, Simkin thoroughly examines parturition, from essential supplies for mother and baby to how to handle an emergency delivery. She writes knowledgeably and in a readable style, but has an unfortunate habit of tendering gratuitous advice (she notes that the partner can help the mother during the "birth phase" by staying "close by"). She also fails to explain certain suggestions (why does the birth partner need a swimsuit to shower with the mother?). At her best, Simkin makes the birth partner aware of medical decisions that may lie ahead and of the importance of indulging the mother with constant tender loving care and encouragement during labor and delivery. But those who have attended a competently taught childbirth preparation class will find much of the text familiar. Simkin, herself an instructor, wrote Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: A Complete Guide for Expectant Parents. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvard Common Press; 2 edition (June 25, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1558321934
ISBN-13: 978-1558321939
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (57 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #695,757 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Inside This Book (learn more)
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First Sentence:
Congratulations! You are to be a birth partner. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Recommended Resources, Pain Medications Preference Scale, Drug Names, Early Labor Record, North America, Possible Signs, Timing Contractions, Unique Contributions, Avoiding Forceful Pushing, Getting Started

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Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats

Citations (learn more)

This book cites 12 books:

Comfort Measures for Childbirth by Penny Simkin in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
Beginning Life by Geraldine Lux Flanagan in Back Matter
Your Amazing Newborn by M.D. Marshall H. Klaus in Back Matter
Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper in Back Matter
Baby Proofing Basics by Vicki Lansky in Back Matter

See all 12 books this book cites

21 books cite this book:

Rebounding from Childbirth: Toward Emotional Recovery by Lynn Madsen on page 109, and Back Matter
The Expectant Parents' Companion: Simplifying What to Do, Buy or Borrow for an Easy Life with Baby by Kathleen Huggins on page 11, and page 143
Hit the Ground Crawling: Lessons From 150,000 New Fathers by Greg Bishop on page 270, and page 272
The Pregnant Woman's Companion: Nine Strategies That Work to Keep Your Peace of Mind Through Pregnancy and Into Parenthood by Christine D'Amico on page 37
The Whole Pregnancy Handbook: An Obstetrician's Guide to Integrating Conventional and Alternative Medicine Before, During, and After Pregnancy by Joel Evans in Back Matter

See all 21 books citing this book

Books on Related Topics (learn more)

Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities by Henci Goer

Discusses:

The Labor Progress Handbook by Penny Simkin

Discusses:

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	42% buy the item featured on this page: The Birth Partner, Second Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth 4.8 out of 5 stars (57)
	38% buy The Birth Partner, Third Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions (Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, &) 4.8 out of 5 stars (44) $11.53
	8% buy Ina May's Guide to Childbirth 4.8 out of 5 stars (270) $12.24
	6% buy Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide 4.6 out of 5 stars (58) $10.80

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Customer Reviews

57 Reviews

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
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Average Customer Review

4.8 out of 5 stars (57 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You occasionally get more than you pay for..., July 31, 2000

By	C. Walters (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth (Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, &) (Paperback)

I have been involved with childbirth education and homebirth for twenty years, and am currently training to be a doula. I don't remember ever seeing one book with such complete and comprehensive information, written in an easy to understand and uncomplicated format. While my own orientation is towards birthing at home, this books covers all venues for birth, enabling a woman and her supporters to make the best birthing decisions for their family. The comments on what a mother will be feeling, both physically and emotionally, should unexpected issues arise is invaluable. The book also describes the use of all possible pain medications, including their possible side effects and when and how they are administered. Ms. Simkin's direction on how to be supportive in any situation will ensure that women whose support person has read her book will be much more productive and thus create a better outcome. I recommend it highly.

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24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A need finally met, May 16, 2003

By	Peggy Vincent "author and reader" (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth (Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, &) (Paperback)

All the years I was an OB nurse, a childbirth teacher, and a midwife (memoir: BABY CATCHER, Scribner 2002), I bemoaned the fact that there was no comprehensive book available to those men and women who would soon be with a pregnant woman when she gave birth. Doh! I coulduv hadda V-8! Why didn't I write this book myself???
Anyway, thank goodness Penny Simpkin got around to it, and she's done a beautiful job. Her book is structured like a series of childbirth education classes with emphasis on the partner instead of on the laboring mom herself. She deals with the stages of labor, drugs, anesthesia, Cesareans, and emergencies in an easily-comprehended and logical format - discussing helping measures and their rationale at each step in the process.
As someone from within the system, I highly recommend this book.

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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best resource for balanced information, June 18, 2000

By	Jennifer R Wagnon (APO, AE USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth (Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, &) (Paperback)

Childbirth books usually come in one of two forms-those that advocate an "institutional birth" and those that advocate a 100% natural birth. This book fits nicely between the two. It gives good, practical information on the pros and cons and nearly every procedure you can think of while neither judging nor condemning the use of such procedures. The best thing about it, however, is explaining to the birth partner how to help and support the birthing woman in the manner that she wishes. A must read for every person who intends to be a support person for a birthing woman.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative book!
I researched for the longest time to find the best book for my husband -- a birth partner, I bought this for my husband to read. Read more

Published 8 months ago by Antonietta Alfano

5.0 out of 5 stars The childbirth Bible
I highly recommend reading this book before each birth. There are very helpful summary charts at the end of each chapter. Read more

Published 9 months ago by Happy Parents

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended
I have 6-8 weeks left of my pregnancy and started to read this book and bookmark pages for my birth partner, my husband. Read more

Published 16 months ago by B. Halverson

5.0 out of 5 stars A great resource, like a childbirth class
This book is a great resource for anyone about to give birth or attending a birth.
It really goes into detail about "how it works", what can be done to help the mother,... Read more

Published 16 months ago by Sophies Mom

4.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
I loved this book I read it cover to cover in less than 3 days I found it very informative and the highlighted pages would be very usefull in the labor and delivery room. Read more

Published on October 19, 2007 by Sarah Petefish

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for a nervous husband!
This is our first pregnancy, and my husband is honestly more nervous than me! Letting him know what to expect is great for him.

Published on September 25, 2007 by K. Raynor

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent purchase.
This was one of the best purchases we made in terms of labor and delivery for our first child. Well worth reading for the mom-to-be and anyone else who is going to be involved in... Read more

Published on May 21, 2007 by mom of Aidan

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
This book was extremely helpful in learning how to support the laboring mom. There were so many helpful resources to use. Read more

Published on March 28, 2007 by A. Wilkerson

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful Resource
The Birth Partner was a great book for anyone that wants to learn more about being a partner in the birthing/delivery process. Read more

Published on March 23, 2007 by MHB

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth reading!
The only downside to the book is that it is not concise. That means, you will pretty much need to read it cover to cover. Read more

Published on March 8, 2007 by Shooter

› See all 57 customer reviews...

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