Easy Labor: Every Woman's Guide to Choosing Less Pain and More Joy During Childbirth

I really enjoyed this book. I read it in two days! The book was about the various options for pain management during childbirth. It was factual and descriptive, but certainly not boring. Best of all, it was unbiased. I didn't feel that the author was trying to sell me on one method over others. It presented a wide variety of pain management strategies from natural birth to epidurals. Even though I'm a registered nurse, I felt uncertain and conflicted about what I wanted for pain management. After reading this book, I feel so much more prepared for childbirth. The book also includes a number of interesting personal experiences from physicians, nurses, and midwives. I would recommend this book to every first time mom I know.

This book is an excellent survey of labor options and pain relief methods. It seems fairly un-biased - not pulling either to home birth or to hospital birth. It is explains different medications and alternative methods and has quotes from mothers and practitioners on their experiences. It emphasizes the need to think ahead, to be flexible, and to be prepared for the unexpected turns that labor and delivery can take. I am on the brink of my third delivery and I agree with the authors that all expectant mothers should be "armed" with information about both natural and medical pain relief because labor does not always go according to your plan. Even if you plan on getting an epidural, you should know some comfort measures, in case you can't get that epidural right away. One thing to note however is that this book will not really "teach" you much about breathing or relaxation. It will give you an idea of where to turn to find out more about a given method. I was hoping it would have more specific instruction on calming techniques. I recommend perhaps starting with this book earlier in your pregnancy so that you have time to research some of the methods that appeal to you in more detail. (For example, Bradley method takes 12 weeks of instruction and HypnoBirth techniques can take months to learn! And you need to find an instructor.) But overall, it is a good practical guide to options.

I had my beautiful baby three weeks ago and it was a very nice birth. I sat in a jacuzzi in the beginning and then used an epidural when I was 6cm dilated. I read lots of the other pregnancy books, but let's face it, most women (especially me!) care more about pain relief than anything else. That's why this book, more than any other, was helpful as I prepared for the big day. Easy Labor is a thorough and informative book that explains the entire spectrum of pain relief options. If you want to use an epidural, this book will help you understand everything you need to know. If you want to avoid drugs, this book can also help and provide valuable resources and information. Compared to some of the other books I read, this one was balanced and not at all judgmental. There was virtually no question about pain relief that wasn't answered in this book. The authors have done a remarkable job producing a very thoroughly researched book. Also, the book is very easy to read! If you are pregnant, I recommend this book!

I'm a mother of two - and had difficult labor with both my daughters (3 1/2 years & 5 months). I wish this book had been published a few months earlier to help me understand ALL of my options for pain relief - not just "natural" techniques. Why must labor be so painful, and why arent doctors and caregivers more honest about how painful labor can be-- even a normal labor? This book is the first I have seen that explains what to REALLY expect in the labor and delivery room! I recommend it to every expectant mom. It educates and empowers you to take charge of your labor and delivery!

This book is terrific. The majority of books available on this subject are medically inaccurate and continue to make women feel like they are "giving in", potentially harming their babies or increasing the chance of a C-section by getting an epidural or pain medication. This is the only book I am aware of that "tells it like it really is'. As an Obstetrician and a mother, I should know! It is also very readable, very interesting, and not in the least bit condescending. This book is appropriate if you know nothing about childbirth, medicine and the options that are available to you. It is equally appropriate if you consider yourself to be pretty savvy about the whole process but need a perspective and up to date information not offered in other books. Every pregnant woman should read this book...Even if you decide that a low intervention birth is your preference, the information is invaluable and will allow you to make an informed decision (whatever it is) based on REAL information.