The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth

this book teaches doulas to encourage women to comply to their doctors wants and requests rather than how to support the birthing mother as she wishes… I read less than half this book before I got rid of it. I don’t even wanna sell it, or give it away because of the pure nonsense it entails…

This book provides so much needed information, studies and facts that women need to make informed decisions about labor! It's so hard to find this information anywhere else, and in such a easy-to-read format! It's refreshing! It's also a quick read if you are interested in natural labor.

For a woman just learning about what a doula does and what benefits can be gained for the whole family, I wholeheartedly recommend this research-based book. I know many other childbirth educators, midwives, and parents who use this book often, find it as readable as I do, and greatly respect its authors.

I had Mothering the Mother from the same authors, and was not sure if it was going to be worth it to buy The Doula Book, the 2nd edition. As soon as I picked a copy up in the store, I realized that is was going to be worth it. It has a lot of updated information in it, additional birth stories and examples, and much more information, without loosing any of the info about the very first research. I am glad that it still provides the perspective of 'how it all started' which I find sadly missing in other books about doulas and the aspect of labor support. Well, and who better to write about it then the pioneering researchers themselves, who are also Founders of Doulas of North America (DONA), the largest doula organization.While the continuous emotional, physical and informational support of a doula just makes common sense, this books provides the data and the research results for those who need them to understand the value of a doula. I recommend this book all the time to those who wnat to understand the role of a doula better, and those who want to become a doula themselves.

I'm not sure why some of the other reviewers were so negative about this book. It provides a great review of the research regarding doulas positive impact on labor and birth, addresses doulas and dads, and generally gives you an idea of what to expect from your doula. Definitely something to check out if you're interested in maintaining as natural of a childbirth as possible -- even if you know you'll be induced or have a cesarean birth!