Preparation for Birth: The Complete Guide to the Lamaze Method

I am pregnant with my second child. I didn't prepare at all for the first birth and ended up with an epidural. This time I am determined to do it naturally. After reading this book, I feel confident that I can. If you want to give birth naturally but don't need a book that will scare you out of birthing at a hospital (since some insurance doesn't cover homebirths or midwives), as many natural childbirth books these days seem to do, then this book is for you. This book is full of information. It tells you everything you need to know about childbirth. This book is more than just breathing techniques. There are relaxation techniques for pregnancy, as well as tips for dealing with early labor (such as staying home as long as possible, staying hydrated, etc.). It lets you know when interventions such as forceps, episiotomy, c-section, etc., should be avoided and when they are actually needed, and most importantly what you can do to prevent these interventions. If you want to give birth naturally and know all about what is going on around you at the time, and be able to make informed decisions, this book is for you. Even if you don't want to do it without medication, this book is still very useful. The last section is full of birth stories. There is also a chapter for your birth partner to read, as well as a chapter on how to prepare your marriage and how to prepare siblings for bringing home a new baby. There is even a chapter which covers all the different types of medication and shares their benefits and risks. I found it to be pretty unbiased for a book about natural childbirth. I recommend this book to every pregnant woman out there.

This is a great book. My son was born overseas in a small town and this book was the only natural childbirth resource I used. It provided me with all the necessary information about the Lamaze method which proved to be a HUGE help for me during the birth process. The pre-delivery exercise plan included is simple yet effective. I highly recommend this book to any woman, but especially those who - for whatever reason - may not be taking any specific childbirthing classes.

My wife and I are extreme information hounds (much to the suprise and occasionaly annoyance of doctors and hospital staff who are used to the usual uninformed masses). We have researched many childbirthing books including those somewhat opposed to the Lamaze method. But this book set the record strait and proved itself in its comprehensiveness and generally satisfied our demanding desire for knowledge. I can't say that the book contains the absolute answer for every imaginable question, but it does provide a comprehensive and reasonable foundation for what Lamaze really stands for in all its nuances. I'm somehow suprised that more soon-to-be mothers out there don't want to read more about what is going to take place to them. Information is key to understanding, security and a sense of control. This pook provides alot of that.We looked at a lot of good books on childbirthing. This is probably the only one we would actually recommend.

although i have gone through a lamaze class and had natural childbirth with my first-born, i still found this book very informative and useful. the book advocates natural, medicine-free childbirth, but it also thoroughly discusses all other possible complications that could come up and interventions that might be necessary during childbirth. this is very reassuring to the pregnant woman because she will not be taken by surprise and overwhelmed by all her choices during labor. it has photographs of actual childbirths, including a caesarian, illustrations showing the various stages of labor, an exercise routine, etc. the various breathing techniques, relaxation methods, and other coping strategies are described in detail. definitely worth reading & highly recommended!

I truly found this book to be very helpful in learning techniques to achieve a drug free labor and delivery! The book starts with pregnancy, guides you through labor, delivery, and ends with the post-partum period. It is so thorough. I read this with my second baby and found it very educational. It is designed for any woman/couple who is trying for as natural a birth as possible. It teaches the traditional Lamaze breathing and visualization techniques in a way that even a novice with no "class" experience (like myself)will understand. There is a section dedicated to the labor partner, as well as sections on medications (if the mother feels it is necessary) and medication risks, as well as information on c-sections and forceps/vacuum assisted births. I highly advise reading this book if you are interested in trying for a natural birth experience.