Rating: 
Summary: Lots of pros and cons....
Review: If you are interested in natural childbirth, I highly recommend this book. Unfortunately, the first few chapters are horrible written, based primarly on anecdotal evidence. Basically they are trying to get you hooked on the Bradley technique by bashing other techniques. The chapters describing the stages of labor, however, are very, very good. The practice exercises that the book outlines are helpful though they can be presented in an overly dogmatic fashion (i.e. this is THE way to do it rather than this is one of many ways....). I would use this as a resource, not a childbirth "bible". The bottom line is that if you really want to give birth naturally you do need to prepare yourself mentally and physically. Knowing what to expect and being excited for the birth rather than afraid of it are essential and this book helps on both counts.
Rating: 
Summary: A guild to you body and labor
Review: Reading this book during my third pregnancy taught me more about childbirth than I had learned from all of my medical care and birth experiences from my first two childern. Although I delivered all three naturally, I finally understood what my body was doing and how to work with my labor, not fight it. I wish I had read this before my first child was born. I would not have been so frightened or felt so unsure of myself. I buy a copy of this book as a gift for all my close friends and family.
Rating:
Summary: excellent guide for couples wanting a natural birth
Review: i find the formatting of this book makes it an easy read. some pregnancy books i have read are overwhelming. the author takes the basic facts and makes them clear and simple, and i like the notations for the dads (birth partner) to zero in on. i noticed the dated photos but the birth process hasn't changed so i don't know why reviewers bother to mention it. i found her nutrition information to correlate with dr. tom brewer's studies on protein (author of "what every pregnant woman should know")and followed them in my pregnancy and did quite well. we found the relaxation information to be extremely helpful when we were in labor.i wish that i had discovered this book (and taken a bradley class) when i was pregnant the first two times. it would've saved me from unnecessary interventions and provided me with the know-how to communicate with the doctors, and know that i had other alternatives in my births and didn't have to follow suit with routine procedures. this book has a very common sense approach and even though some people disagree with the author's statements regarding doctors because they didn't have a negative experience, i am glad that this information was in the book when i read it. if i had this information previously, i would've have had better birth experiences. i highly recommend you put this book on your list. it really helps you to understand the importance of trusting your body's ability to give birth and how to manage your labor. bonus points for teaching our partners how to read our body signals, emotionally and physically! there really aren't books out there that are geared toward our partners (dads) helping us in labor. and this book really made a difference for us in our birth.
Rating:
Summary: A must-read supplement to the Bradley Method
Review: This is a wonderful follow up to the original book, The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth. The original book goes over the basics of childbirth very clearly, and describes the "why"s. This book by Susan McCutcheon gives you the "how to"s, and other additional information that's invaluable. They should be sold as a package! =o)
Rating: 
Summary: Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
Review: This was the most recent book I purchased after receiving the standards from friends and family. Some of the suggestions and techniques are helpful, however, I found it difficult to get past the obvious distrust of medical doctors and hospitals - I felt they could have reined in the "alarmist" verbiage and focused more on the positives of natural childbirth... simply using terms like, "some doctors may..." instead of "most doctors..." would have been better. I recommend a book called "Birthing From Within" for those looking for a good middle ground.
Rating:
Summary: Natural Childbirth begins with the Bradley Method approach.
Review: I really benefited from reading this book. My first birth 9 years ago was the opposite of how I want my upcoming birth to be. I am able now to make extremely informed decisions about my birth by using this book along with taking the classes in conjunction with it in order to be completely natural if at all possible. I love the methods and the way they are explained. It is clear cut and a must-read for any expectant couple to read together. This team approach is the key to planning a natural childbirth experience. Often times it sounds like the father will be working harder than the laboring woman! I am excited to put Bradley to the test in a couple of months.
Rating:
Summary: Good but needs updating
Review: This is an informative book about natural childbirth, and if you don't already have a stock of such books, but all means buy it. However, the tone regarding hospitals and medical procedures is somewhat extreme and outdated. Those of us who are committed to natural childbirth don't need to read exaggerated criticisms of doctors. Take some of it with a pinch of salt and question your doctor carefully. Hospital classes are not all designed to persuade women to conform to being given IVs, pitocin, drugs and episiotomies - in fact, my hospital class did the opposite. It's a shame that the author makes such sweeping generalisations about hospitals, as it tends to detract from the valid arguments that she makes. For example, I've not heard of anyone strapped to the table to give birth these days! It's time that this book was updated. Skip the exaggerated descriptions of hospitals and Lamaze, and read the book for the positive information about natural birth.
Rating:
Summary: ...
Review: If you can invision the process of childbirth, you've conquered at least half the battle to a healthy and drugfree delivery. You will understand the process quite perfectly after you have read this book. From a husband's point of view, this book delivers a very clear picture of the childbirth process. Very clear, concise and informative. One rather irrelevant negative - I don't quite understand the title - ... The Bradley Way? Huh? ... It's the "natural way".
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Resource For The Bradley Method
Review: Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way is an excellent resource on the Bradley Method. Author, Susan McCutcheon introduces you to the Bradley Method, explains how it differs from Lamaze, discusses how to choose your childbirth educator and your doctor, explains the importance of nutrition and how to prepare yourself for this life transforming experience. In addition to the general information she provides in helping you to prepare, she thoroughly walks you through the Bradley Method. Through exercise, illustration, nutrition, and practice, McCutcheon completely covers how you should prepare and deal with both First and Second Stage of Childbirth. Finally, she closes the text with a discussion of various childbirth controversies -- episiotomies, caesarean sections and homebirth. This book excels in preparing you for a Natural Childbirth, as defined by the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth -- a birth that is without unnecessary medical intervention. However, some view her tone as "fear tactics" or "outdated" ideas. I disagree. Rather, she educates you on the principles of Bradley and provides you with the ability to recognize when the medical personnel are undertaking a procedure for their convenience or for your best interest. In short, she provides you with information and proven tools to make informed decisions and take responsibility for your birth. Despite the strengths of this book, I highly recommend that, whenever physically possible, the reader enroll in a Bradley class to supplement the reading in this book. If you *really* desire a Natural Childbirth, the class will provide you with the knowledge, practice and support you need to achieve your goals. Though this book is excellent, your instructor is almost essential -- she can guide you in recognizing when you need medical assistance and when you do not!
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Summary: This book helped me a lot
Review: I couldn't take a Bradley class, so I got this book, among others, and read and practiced the techniques. When my first birth got complicated, I knew enough not to be afraid. My second birth was easy and drug-free, using this method. You don't need to be afraid of hospital personnel, as this book implies-- just get an idea of what to talk to your doctor about. This book helped me feel well-informed and able to take charge of our health care.
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