Official Lamaze Guide

Warm and wise, honest yet reassuring, chock full of information, and based on the latest and best research, any pregnant woman who wants a normal birth should put this book on her "A" List.

Reading this book is like conversing with loving, knowledgeable friends. By being so gently, matter-of-factly certain about the "elegance" of the birthing process, Lothian and DeVries strongly counter today's obstetric fear-mongering and the non-stop "medicalization" of birth. The authors provide a calm, strengthening atmosphere, blending physiological facts with practical advice and the wisdom of experience. They encourage women to apply to their labors the strengths they acquire while meeting life's challenges. They connect childbearing to the whole of women's lives. Positive childbirth stories abound. The authors suggest that woman-to-woman conversations are especially important, and advise carefully listening to others' experiences -- how have other labors and births unfolded, where did they flow. or not flow, and why? Pay careful attention to what is said, and what is not said, the feelings that exist beneath the words. Readers are referred, among other sites and publications, to The Maternity Center Association's useful website (now called The Childbirth Connection) and its literature, to birth advocacy groups, and to midwifery organizations. This book is rare in its wholehearted support of natural birth. It reclaims the word "natural," which has been so scapegoated and abused. It's one of the books I'd recommend, along with Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth, to young women as a necessary part of their learning about pregnancy and childbirth. And it's a breath of fresh air to all of us so passionately concerned with the well-being of women and their babies.

At last!!! Here is a book that illuminates the miracle of what a woman's body does throughout pregnancy and birth in a wise and human way. It presents powerful, evidence-based information that explains and supports a woman's ability to give birth: it honors and celebrates this ability with the inclusion of wonderful birth stories. The book is informational and inspiring in equal measure, has a pleasing format and is movingly written. It's a first in its honesty, and the first book you should read about pregnancy and birth. I recommend this book with complete "confidence" that you will recommend it, too!!!

I wish this book had been available during my first pregnancy! First time mothers are naturally filled with fear--mostly of the unknown. What will happen? Will it be as painful as they say? Will I get through it? This book would have alleviated those fears. In a simple way, it tells you what will happen and how you can get through it. But, most importantly it tells you over and over again not only that you can do it, but that you were made to do it. Buy this book. It will be the best gift you can give your baby and yourself.

I have read so many childbirth books and finally there is one that helps to teach us to trust ourselves!! This book is written in a down to earth and enjoyable manner that makes it a book you could even get your husband to read! Mine, loved it! It is comprehensive while also being personal. It is a book that every mother to be should read. It will be the book I send to each of my girlfriends as a gift when they get pregnant. Because this book is a gift to all Mothers!