Ina May Gaskin, the author of Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, is probably one of the most influential people in the natural childbirth movement. Her book, unsurprisingly, challenges conventional thought about childbirth and aims at empowering women to believe in their natural ability to birth--with as few interventions as possible.
The first half of the birth is comprised entirely of birth stories, most of which take place at The Farm, a birthing center in Tennessee that Gaskin founded. Her purpose in including so many birth stories is to help women see how birth works without medication and common hospital interventions--how the mind and body are connected and how birth generally can be an uncomplicated, calm experience. I skimmed this section because although some of the stories I read seemed helpful, others seemed to give my anxiety-- which ironically was the opposite of Gaskin's intended effect. (Another important note about this section: there were a lot of graphic birthing pictures-- so this is not a book you want lying around the house for anyone to pick up.)
The second half of the book focuses a lot on the history and politics of childbirth--which I also skimmed. However, there were some helpful chapters in which Gaskin discusses the mind-body connection and gives evidence as to how labor is affected by the thoughts and feelings of the mother. She argues if there is fear or anxiety or lack of privacy, these emotions can slow or even stop labor. She says to aid in the progression of labor laughter, relaxed breathing, and increased privacy can help. In fact, she suggests that labor usually progresses very well while sitting on the toilet. She additionally advocates upright labor positions in order to maximize the help of gravity and the angle of the pelvis.
Again, the majority of the second half of the book takes a very anti-hospital stance and tells horror stories that I suppose are meant to be educational, but primarily seemed to push her own agenda. The most interesting thing in the second half of the book is what Gaskin calls the Sphincter Law. And I'm glad I read the book just for this information. If you're interested, you can google it. I just wasn't sure how to talk about here without getting too graphic.
I would definitely recommend this book if you are interested in the history and controversies surrounding childbirth, but if you are looking for a book that will help you give birth, this probably isn't quite the right book.
3 comments:
I never read any book to get ready when we had our son, but we did take an extensive child birth class...which I would recommend. We chose the natural approach (it sucks, but totally do-able). No matter what you decide, using pain meds or not, I highly recommend taking a childbirth class. I really liked ours because it was more than just a couple classes (seems like that is what is offered most), it was a 12 week course, 1 night a week for about 2-3 hours. I felt like we were more prepared than just reading from a book, although I am sure it can be very helpful. It was nice being in a class that covered everything so extensively and being able to ask/hear questions that were brought up in class. I blame my mom for me wanting to go the natural route (she taught the same class we took when I was little. I claim she brainwashed me). But that $150 was worth every penny! Another thing you may be interested in is a documentary (I think) by Ricki Lake, called The Business of Being Born. I have never seen it, but heard good things about it. I think it focuses a lot on natural birth though, so if that isn't what you are interested in, don't bother. Love to hear about other books you read on the subject! Hope things continue to go well too!
I love the mayo clinic guide to a healthy pregnancy. I never wanted to take a birthing class. I don't know... I'm just weird. But I'm way into like the more medical side of stuff. I also read what to expect but I don't like stuff being dumbed down. They answer some good questions but that's just me. I'm an "aud" one! But I have heard a lot more people feel much more comfortable after taking classes especially if your going for a more natural approach. Always good to educate yourself in any way you can! It never hurts!
I read Ina May's book recently because a friend recommended it. I loved it! But you're right, it's not for everyone. I was pretty anti-hospital birth already, so that's probably why I loved it. I agreed with her already! Frankly I think the female body was made to experience and undergo childbirth, so let it do its thing!
I'm going to check out the other book you read too, that blue one. Looks like a good read.
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