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Ina May's Guide to Childbirth: Updated With New Material Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 8,779 ratings

MORE THAN 500,000 COPIES SOLD! • In this completely revised and updated edition, the nation’s leading midwife shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience.

“This book should be read by every woman who is having or may someday have a baby, and by every midwife, nurse, doula, childbirth educator, and doctor who assists or may someday assist these women through their maternity experiences.”—Marsden Wagner, M.D., M.S., former Director of Women’s and Children’s Health, World Health Organization

Based on the female-centered Midwifery Model of Care and drawing upon her decades of experience, Ina May Gaskin gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention.

Filled with inspiring birth stories and practical advice, this invaluable resource covers:
 
• Reducing the pain of labor without drugs—and the miraculous roles touch and massage play
• What
really happens during labor
• Orgasmic birth—making birth pleasurable
• Common methods of inducing labor—and which to avoid at all costs
• Tips for maximizing your chances of an unmedicated labor and birth
• How to avoid postpartum bleeding—and depression
• The risks of anesthesia and cesareans—what your doctor doesn’t necessarily tell you
• How to create a safe, comfortable environment for birth in any setting, including a hospital
• And much more!

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth takes the fear out of childbirth by restoring women’s faith in their own natural power to give birth with more ease, less pain, and less medical intervention.
Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Founding member and former president of the Midwives Alliance of North America and author of Spiritual Midwivery, Gaskin offers encouragement and practical advice in her upbeat and informative book on natural childbirth. Since the mid-1970s, Gaskin and the midwives in her practice on a Summertown, Tenn., commune known as "The Farm," have attended over 2,200 natural births. Gaskin, who learned the rudiments of her gentle birthing technique from the Mayans in Guatemala, has helped bring attention to the method's remarkably low rate of morbidity and medical intervention. Couples considering natural childbirth will get inspirational coaxing from more than a dozen first-person narratives shared by the author's clients. Gaskin decries what she sees as Western medicine's focus on pain during birth, arguing that natural birthing can not only be euphoric and blissful but also orgasmic (a survey of 150 natural birthing women "found thirty-two who reported experiencing at least one orgasmic birth"). The second half of Gaskin's book deals with the practical side of natural birthing, including how to avoid standard medical interventions such as epidurals, episiotomies and even prenatal amniocentesis that may be unnecessary, even dangerous, to mother or child. While this may not be the definitive guide to natural childbirth, it is a comfortable and supportive read for women who want to trust their bodies to do what comes naturally.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Using history as her guide, nationally recognized midwife Gaskin explores what she hopes will be a renaissance in natural childbirth, something that she's been advocating since the mid-1970s. By focusing on how women of ancient civilizations and other modern peoples give birth, Gaskin puts our own hypersensitivities in perspective, uncovering a beautiful, sometimes orgasmic experience rather than a dreadful, painful one. Sure, pain is part of childbirth, but preparing for the pain in a realistic rather than sentimental way--whether giving birth at home or in a hospital--can be the key to a woman's ability to deal with it naturally. Within the pages of personal anecdotes, some touching, some startling, from Gaskin's patients and colleagues, every woman is sure to find something to relate to, whether or not she chooses to have a medicine-free labor. The helpful back matter features a glossary, a detailed resource list including advocacy groups and Web sites, and a bibliography that includes periodicals, rounding out an extremely comprehensive and up-to-date guide on the topic. Mary Frances Wilkens
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000S1LT1A
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bantam; 1st edition (November 19, 2008)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 19, 2008
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 18284 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 374 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 8,779 ratings

About the author

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Ina May Gaskin
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Ina May Gaskin is founder and director of the Farm Midwifery Center, located near Summertown, Tennessee. She has lectured all over the world at midwifery conferences and at medical schools, both to students and to faculty. The Farm is noted for its low rates of intervention, morbidity and mortality. Recently selected as a Visiting Fellow at Morse College of Yale University, Ina May also teaches midwifery, writes books and articles for medical journals and edits her quarterly journal, The Birth Gazette.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
8,779 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and empowering with practical advice. They describe it as an incredible, insightful read that provides comfort and reassurance for their upcoming births. The personal accounts of natural births are helpful for readers to learn about the process and mechanics of birthing naturally. Many customers find the book comforting and calming, providing them with peace of mind and confidence for their upcoming birth. Overall, customers consider the book a valuable resource that is worth their time and money.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

1,043 customers mention "Information quality"1,017 positive26 negative

Customers appreciate the book's informative and empowering content. They find it provides practical advice and reassurance about labor and possible complications. The book offers great insight into natural birth techniques, both mental and physical, that will be helpful during labor. Many readers say it helped them through their labor and educated them on the power of midwives. Overall, customers describe the book as a rare source of timeless wisdom that is often lost in modern times.

"...in the end the feeling of knowing I could do it "on my own" was very empowering and amazing!..." Read more

"...and reading story after story of women’s journeys was for me very empowering and really hones in on the idea that for so long women labored in a..." Read more

"...This book is great because of the methods, stories, and thoughts it stirs about a positive birth experience." Read more

"...The second half was the real meat of the book, with a very informative, straightforward, non-preachy guide to having as close to a natural birth..." Read more

993 customers mention "Readability"960 positive33 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and informative. They say it's a great guide on homebirth and birthing in general. The author presents her experience as a midwife in an easy-to-understand manner, explaining everything clearly. It is recommended for women who are pregnant or considering having children.

"...I feel this was largely due to many of the beautiful, authentic, and what should be the NORMAL birth stories of so many woman...." Read more

"...This book is great. I even read all of the birth stories in the beginning when I was finished with it...." Read more

"A great read for those who are mothers, becoming a mother or if you serve those who are birthing...." Read more

"...I think this is a great book for anyone trying to learn more about the childbirthing process, anyone who is nervous or doubting their ability to do..." Read more

725 customers mention "Birth stories"677 positive48 negative

Customers find the book encouraging and educational about natural childbirth. They appreciate the honest portrayal of what birth can be like, with access to dozens of home birth stories written by couples. The book provides strategies for a positive natural childbirth experience.

"...I am drawn to the idea of an organic, natural birth IF my body allows...." Read more

"...This book is great because of the methods, stories, and thoughts it stirs about a positive birth experience." Read more

"WOW, TOTALLY RECOMMENDED. This is a COMPLETELY different outlook on birth than what most American mothers-to-be are familiar with hearing about from..." Read more

"...The book is set up in 2 parts: part 1 is just birth stories, part 2 is medical information about birth. The birth stories were wonderful to read...." Read more

327 customers mention "Ease of birth"303 positive24 negative

Customers find the book helpful for preparing for childbirth. They appreciate the advice on natural pain and fear management, as well as the information on how to help a laboring mother. The chapter on pleasure and pain is especially useful. Readers feel prepared and excited about the hard work that will pay off.

"...was "ready" to have my third son, my labor went more quickly, was way less painful (pitocin is evil LOL), and even though I did have an emergency in..." Read more

"...half was the real meat of the book, with a very informative, straightforward, non-preachy guide to having as close to a natural birth experience as..." Read more

"...I love the personal birth stores and found them encouraging. Would highly recommend this read whether you plan to do a home birth or not." Read more

"...Things I liked about the book: - The chapter 3 on pleasure/pain...." Read more

269 customers mention "Comfort"247 positive22 negative

Customers find the book comforting and reassuring. It helps ease their fears and anxiety about childbirth. They say it gives them confidence to go into labor unafraid. The stories are supportive and relaxing, even during a birth.

"...This book helped me mentally and emotionaly with the "how" for myself and what I need to know and do for my next birth...." Read more

"...up unfolding, I hope most of all that you end up feeling empowered, supported, safe and without regret." Read more

"...to know about birth, and how important it is to be in a relaxed and calm mind frame. Our minds are powerful...." Read more

"...I am looking forward to it, and this book is comforting and teaching me a lot." Read more

74 customers mention "Value for money"56 positive18 negative

Customers find the book provides valuable information about pregnancy and parenting. They describe it as a good purchase that is worth their time and money. Some readers say it's an excellent pregnancy purchase, while others consider it okay but not indispensable. Overall, they find the experience enjoyable and successful.

"...If you fall into that category, this book is worth at least a skim." Read more

"...All in all, it's okay, but I wouldn't describe it as indispensable." Read more

"...It all worked out beautifully and perfectly. It definitely hurt like hell, but I embraced it...." Read more

"...Pretty disappointing and gross. Also, if you don't want interventions in a hospital, just say "no."..." Read more

60 customers mention "Credibility"56 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the book's credibility. They find it straightforward, wise, and realistic. The book is unbiased and provides practical tips and evidence-based advice. Readers appreciate the honest, empowering, and realistic content that avoids outlandish claims.

"...I feel this was largely due to many of the beautiful, authentic, and what should be the NORMAL birth stories of so many woman...." Read more

"...The second half was the real meat of the book, with a very informative, straightforward, non-preachy guide to having as close to a natural birth..." Read more

"...It's completely natural, and reading this book will arm you with everything you need to trust your body...." Read more

"...This book provides an evidence-based alternative to fill in the gaps of our birth education...." Read more

85 customers mention "Anti-hospitality"46 positive39 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's anti-hospitality. Some find it covers the birth process, hospital interventions, and evidence-based practices. They mention a positive, medication-free labor experience even in a hospital, and real testimony of births without medication or interventions. However, others say the book brings a lot of negativity on hospital births and pain medication, bringing a toxic attitude toward western medicine and physicians.

"...the book provides regarding every aspect of labor and possible complications...." Read more

"...(and pretty much every other major pregnancy book on the market) - stillbirth...." Read more

"...There is lots of discussion on “Sphincter Law,” the “set of basic assumptions about birth” that Gaskin and her partners follow: 1)..." Read more

"...The Farm where Ina May delivers, is that their safety statistics are actually pretty misleading...." Read more

A must read gem for anyone considering bearing a child
5 out of 5 stars
A must read gem for anyone considering bearing a child
I consider myself to be a middle of the road person. I believe in the innate power and wisdom of the human body AND have immense respect and gratitude for modern medicine. I think this book speaks to that and am genuinely surprised by reviews that find the book’s messaging to be pushy, biased, or “earthy crunchy.” As someone who is naturally curious, I found this book to be an invitation to explore a side of childbirth we don’t readily see. Her work is fascinating and reading story after story of women’s journeys was for me very empowering and really hones in on the idea that for so long women labored in a completely different way. I am drawn to the idea of an organic, natural birth IF my body allows. What a wonderful resource to have so that I can understand ways to support my labor and that wish. The second half of the book which deals with specific aspects of labor and delivery was incredibly helpful - research based, full picture presenting all options available. There is always the case of “you don’t know, what you don’t know.” And I feel good going into my experience armed with data and options but also having had time to truly digest and consider how I want to labor and deliver. I have a list of questions for my provider and choices I would not have had without reading this gem! Delayed cord clamping is one of them - I wouldn’t have known what the standard practice is and I wouldn’t have known the benefits or disadvantages of timing one way or the other. So to me, being informed NOW versus having decisions made for me or having to make them potentially in a stressful or urgent, or even life threatening way, is so much more peaceful. I have my birth “wishes” in a much more informed, concrete way. My sincere hope is that women takeaway the message that we can do this hard thing, we are built for it, and that when the stars align it can be a positive experience. And if medical intervention is necessary there is still an opportunity to design that experience (to some extent) so that it feels peaceful. Medicine is astounding and we need solid doctors, for sure, and yet, I believe there is room for midwives to be woven into the birth experience more readily.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2012
    I have three boys and am pregnant with #4 (a girl) due in a few months. I gave birth to my first two boys vaginally w/ medical intervention ("stalled" at 4 cm and agreed to pitocin and epidural mainly because I had no clue what was going on and wanted to indeed see my babies..and be done w/ labor!! We live 35-50 mins from the hospital and I went in both times at the first twinge of labor fearing that they baby would be born in the car if I didn't go in. BIG mistake!! I fell victim to "the system" and b/c of the pit the contractions were excruciating! Thank goodness I was healthy and my babies were healthy and we were able to withstand the interventions w/out scare and the baby's heartrate going down from pit and ending up in a c-section.)

    Someone told me before I had my third son to imagine my cervix opening with each contraction and to let my body go as loose as possible - not to double over and tense my body etc. esp in the stomach/uterine area. I had polyhydramnios with my 3rd son (estimated 10 lbs of extra fluid for unexplained reasons, although I think now it had to do with diet/nutrition etc. and my schedule, plus the fact I started the pregnancy off 20 lbs overweight) and went into labor on my own at home at 36 weeks 2 days. I labored at home (unknowingly in a way b/c it was so early) using these suggestions from my friend (waiting to see if I was actually in labor b/c we didn't want to be, it was still early) to deal w/ the contractions. I tried to imagine "opening" but everything else came naturally (the vocalizing/sounding like a cow lol b/c that was the only thing I *could* do if I was trying to relax my body during contractions!). I told my hubby in the car on the way to the hospital that if I was at 4 cm I would likely ask for an epidural when we got there so that gives you an idea of my pain threshhold. I had been laboring about three hours. When I got to the hospital and was checked I was at 10 cm and 100 % effaced!!!! I couldn't believe it! Unfortunately due to the polyhydramnios, when I was laid on my back and the OB broke my water, the baby turned from head down to the side and the cord came first requiring an emergency c-section. :( I wish I would have been told to squat and asked that my water break naturally to up the chances of head engaging before the cord came etc. I know the cord still could have come first but then again, maybe it wouldn't have, only the Lord knows.

    I am planning to vbac and came across this book and am SO glad I did. I finally understand *how* my body did what it did with my third son because of this book and am confident that I can vbac w/ out any medical intervention (because any inducing drugs raise the risk of uterine rupture esp. with scar). Because my body was "ready" to have my third son, my labor went more quickly, was way less painful (pitocin is evil LOL), and even though I did have an emergency in the end the feeling of knowing I could do it "on my own" was very empowering and amazing! There are books like "Silent Knife, Cesearean Prevention and VBAC", and others that tell you the "why" of the benefits of natural birth etc. but THIS book (Ina May's Guide to Childbirth) helped me with the "how" (along with the why) but the "how" throughout the book. I feel this was largely due to many of the beautiful, authentic, and what should be the NORMAL birth stories of so many woman. This book helped me mentally and emotionaly with the "how" for myself and what I need to know and do for my next birth. I am going into this next birth with very, very little concern of the "pain" of laboring and childbirth and with full confidence that my body knows exactly what to do because it was designed to do so! It def. helps that I have three boys already - but really I sincerely wish I had this book to read 8 years ago before I had our first son. I would actually just love to give birth at home (I would have NEVER thought I would say this, I can remember listening in terror to a story of a woman who, "oops had her baby at home because there was no time!" before I had my first son lol) but feel the hospital is where we need to be b/c of where we live and this being my first vbac. I hope this review helps you buy this book. If I could buy a thousand or more of them and give them to every pregnant woman I ever saw, I would!! Highly rec.!

    Disclaimer: I know that just reading this book doesn't garauntee anything but it will give you the knowledge you desperately need to know about childbirth. Childbirth in the U.S. truly is in a sad, sad state and we women need to educate ourselves. There will always be a small rate of true "emergency" so be flexible but don't give your power to birth as your body knows how to away! :)
    126 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2023
    I consider myself to be a middle of the road person. I believe in the innate power and wisdom of the human body AND have immense respect and gratitude for modern medicine. I think this book speaks to that and am genuinely surprised by reviews that find the book’s messaging to be pushy, biased, or “earthy crunchy.” As someone who is naturally curious, I found this book to be an invitation to explore a side of childbirth we don’t readily see. Her work is fascinating and reading story after story of women’s journeys was for me very empowering and really hones in on the idea that for so long women labored in a completely different way. I am drawn to the idea of an organic, natural birth IF my body allows. What a wonderful resource to have so that I can understand ways to support my labor and that wish. The second half of the book which deals with specific aspects of labor and delivery was incredibly helpful - research based, full picture presenting all options available. There is always the case of “you don’t know, what you don’t know.” And I feel good going into my experience armed with data and options but also having had time to truly digest and consider how I want to labor and deliver. I have a list of questions for my provider and choices I would not have had without reading this gem! Delayed cord clamping is one of them - I wouldn’t have known what the standard practice is and I wouldn’t have known the benefits or disadvantages of timing one way or the other. So to me, being informed NOW versus having decisions made for me or having to make them potentially in a stressful or urgent, or even life threatening way, is so much more peaceful. I have my birth “wishes” in a much more informed, concrete way. My sincere hope is that women takeaway the message that we can do this hard thing, we are built for it, and that when the stars align it can be a positive experience. And if medical intervention is necessary there is still an opportunity to design that experience (to some extent) so that it feels peaceful. Medicine is astounding and we need solid doctors, for sure, and yet, I believe there is room for midwives to be woven into the birth experience more readily.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A must read gem for anyone considering bearing a child

    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2023
    I consider myself to be a middle of the road person. I believe in the innate power and wisdom of the human body AND have immense respect and gratitude for modern medicine. I think this book speaks to that and am genuinely surprised by reviews that find the book’s messaging to be pushy, biased, or “earthy crunchy.” As someone who is naturally curious, I found this book to be an invitation to explore a side of childbirth we don’t readily see. Her work is fascinating and reading story after story of women’s journeys was for me very empowering and really hones in on the idea that for so long women labored in a completely different way. I am drawn to the idea of an organic, natural birth IF my body allows. What a wonderful resource to have so that I can understand ways to support my labor and that wish. The second half of the book which deals with specific aspects of labor and delivery was incredibly helpful - research based, full picture presenting all options available. There is always the case of “you don’t know, what you don’t know.” And I feel good going into my experience armed with data and options but also having had time to truly digest and consider how I want to labor and deliver. I have a list of questions for my provider and choices I would not have had without reading this gem! Delayed cord clamping is one of them - I wouldn’t have known what the standard practice is and I wouldn’t have known the benefits or disadvantages of timing one way or the other. So to me, being informed NOW versus having decisions made for me or having to make them potentially in a stressful or urgent, or even life threatening way, is so much more peaceful. I have my birth “wishes” in a much more informed, concrete way. My sincere hope is that women takeaway the message that we can do this hard thing, we are built for it, and that when the stars align it can be a positive experience. And if medical intervention is necessary there is still an opportunity to design that experience (to some extent) so that it feels peaceful. Medicine is astounding and we need solid doctors, for sure, and yet, I believe there is room for midwives to be woven into the birth experience more readily.
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    55 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Nina S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book!
    Reviewed in Canada on October 17, 2024
    This book is informative, inspiring and encouraging. As I prepare to bring my first child into this world, this book is something I refer to often and am so grateful I read it. I feel more confident and prepared having read it. Ina May is incredibly detailed and upfront and includes so many various first hand accounts of birthing women.
  • Raquel de Souza
    5.0 out of 5 stars Livro ótimo
    Reviewed in Brazil on October 27, 2022
    Livro ótimo, pena que não tem tradução para o português.
  • Laura
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good book to learn
    Reviewed in France on October 26, 2024
    It helps you to have a positive mindset about birth
  • Elisabeth N.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wunderbare Geburtsvorbereitung
    Reviewed in Germany on December 28, 2023
    Habe mir das Buch zur Geburtsvorbereitung gekauft, und bin absolut überzeugt, dass mir die Worte zu einer einfacheren Geburt verholfen haben. Wie Ina May über die Geburt schreibt, lässt einen an sich selbst glauben und gibt einem gleichzeitig Kraft und Motivation.
  • kayleigh
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2022
    Ina may gaskin is one of the best midwives to listen to if you are looking for material that will help you have an empowering birth experience. Although based in america you are able to read her book and acknowledge (being uk based) that much of what she says can be transferred to the uk system (in regards to the fear of birth in our culture and the risk averse medicalised model of birth still largely present in the UK, leading to a cascade of intervention). You can't deny shes a bit of a hippie and some things she says you may not be able to get on board with, but for me (having given birth twice) her words reflect largely what ive learnt in hypnobirthing and this book filled my head with positive, empowering and exciting feelings of birth! (follow her on instagram for awesome photos/vids of positive, empowering birth pics)

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