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

Ina May Gaskin

Nov 2008 · Sold by Bantam

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

Wow, the array of emotions I felt while reading this book! Even though it was brimming with raw enlightenment and valuable resources, I wish more topics were researched and covered (hence only 4 stars). However I am happy to be armed with my powerfully evidence-based knowledge against the socially heavy opinions of today.

A must read for all women! This book is full of information on childbirth and will put any pregnant woman's mind at ease about their big day! Alot of useful info I can't say enough about this book, absolutely loved it!

No matter what your birth plan is, no matter which number of child you are having, this book is a must read before every birth. It's beautiful and heartbreakingly honest. A warm fuzzy every expecting mom needs.

About the author

Ina May Gaskin, certified professional midwife, has been a midwife for more than forty years at The Farm Midwifery Center at The Farm, in Summertown, Tennessee.