Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities: A Guide to the Medical Literature

This book is a wonderful resource for anyone who is looking for the truth about current obstetrical practices. Overdue? Have a breech baby? You can look it up here and see what the studies actually say about the safety of going past 41 weeks and delivering a breech baby vaginally. I think OBs sometimes use scare tactics without providing concrete evidence. This will be your bible on how safe birth can actually be.

I picked this up after reading "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" also by Goer. This book is more technical and the less practical of the two for an expecting woman, but still a valuable resource. I find it extremely helpful for when people are critical of my choice to pursue a 100% natural birth. It also could be helpful if your OB is recommending a test or procedure that makes you uneasey. You can look up the research behind it and make an informed decision.

I have implemented much of this information in my childbirth education class believing that freedom of choice is based on knowledge of alternatives. This book is well writen with references to volums of medical research to substantiate it's claims. I encourage my clients and collegues to read it.

If you're wondering if natural, undrugged, or midwife-supported childbirth is for you, you need look no further than the pages of this book for the definitive answer. If you're already a believer in the non-medicalized approach to childbearing, this book will provide the scientific ammunition you need to answer the challenges of your friends, family and doctor. Henci Goer has assembled a comprehensive array of the latest scientific literature about childbirth, and the amazing thing is that the science is on the side of alternative birthing, both in terms of maternal and neo-natal safety.

This book is a real time saver as it summarizes the available research on a number of topics vital to childbirth. Ms. Goer has meticulously examined the literature with an eye to well-done research, and uses this summary to expose the myths held by many obstetric practitioners. One example of this is the myth that the drugs used in an epidural do not reach the baby. If you are doing labor support, take this book to the hospital with you!