The Birth Book by American pregnancy and parenting gurus William and Martha Sears is a comprehensive exploration of birth options and outcomes. It provides a balanced and evidenced based view of normal birth as well as possible complications associated with pregnancy and birth. It is clearly and concisely written.
The thing that I like most about the Sears Parenting Library books is the way that they can take complicated medical studies and translate them into plain English, making them understandable by all. The other thing that makes them easy to understand is their use of text boxes to highlight or expound upon certain topics. Given my professional calling to work with high-risk, cesarean and VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) families, I read the chapters on cesarean and VBAC with extra interest. I found their coverage of these topics to be very well balanced and especially compassionate.
The Sears did an excellent job of presenting all information in a balanced and non-judgmental way. For instance the chapter Easing Birth Pains – How the Doctor Can Help did a superb job of discussing the use of epidurals although from their personal stories at the beginning of the book the reader knows that the Sears personal preference is for non-medicated births. I believe that the fact that the Sears have a medical background gives them the ability to see subjects from both sides and to translate them for the rest of us.
The only thing I did not like about this book is that it did not use illustrations effectively as others in series such as the Attachment Parenting had. But even though more illustrations would have been useful, the ones that were included were appropriate.
I would recommend this book to parents without reservation. Since I specialise in high-risk, cesarean and VBAC families, I appreciated the theme that occurs several times in the book about personal responsibility in pregnancy and birth; that there are no any guarantees. The quote on page 14…Even with the best of knowledge and preparation, you will seldom be able to orchestrate the perfect labour.
Terri is the mother of six; 3 cesareans, 2 VBACs and an adoption. She has over fifteen years breastfeeding experience as well as peer supporter training with two organisations. Terri has completed the Childbirth Educator, Birth & Post-partum Doula certificates with Childbirth International. In addition, she also holds a BS in health education from Texas A&M University.
To sign-up for her monthly e-newsletter featuring her latest articles on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting; visit her webiste: Special start Birth.
No comments:
Post a Comment