Rating: 
Summary: One of the Best
Review: I found this book to be one of the most comprehensive in terms of its descriptions of labor and what a support person can do to help. In fact, my husband said that he would read one book that I gave him, and this was the one I chose. One of the features in the book that I really appreciated was a chart that clarifies exactly how you feel about using medications, so that your birth partner knows how much support to give you around this issue. It seems like this book will be really useful as a reference (we are due in two months). I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: You occasionally get more than you pay for...
Review: I have been involved with childbirth education and homebirth for twenty years, and am currently training to be a doula. I don't remember ever seeing one book with such complete and comprehensive information, written in an easy to understand and uncomplicated format. While my own orientation is towards birthing at home, this books covers all venues for birth, enabling a woman and her supporters to make the best birthing decisions for their family. The comments on what a mother will be feeling, both physically and emotionally, should unexpected issues arise is invaluable. The book also describes the use of all possible pain medications, including their possible side effects and when and how they are administered. Ms. Simkin's direction on how to be supportive in any situation will ensure that women whose support person has read her book will be much more productive and thus create a better outcome. I recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: The only book my husband read & loved
Review: I highly reccomend this book! I bought every book on pregnancy I could find & this was given to my husband & this is the book we had open when I was in labor! The tables in this book surpase any of the books I bought. They were easy to find, clear, concise & informative. None of the books I bought for the birthing mother were as easy to find information in-especially during birth itself. This is the book we sat up reading together in bed & discussing what was to come. When I went into labor I grabbed my favorite birth book (The Birth Book by the Sears) & was thumbing through it for info on what was happening & what was next. But my husband grabbed his copy of The Birth Partner & found all the info we were looking for faster than I did. I still reccomend the Birth Book by the Sears for expecting moms but The Birth Partner is essential for both expecting moms & dads.
Rating:
Summary: The only book my husband read & loved
Review: I highly reccomend this book! I bought every book on pregnancy I could find & this was given to my husband & this is the book we had open when I was in labor! The tables in this book surpase any of the books I bought. They were easy to find, clear, concise & informative. None of the books I bought for the birthing mother were as easy to find information in-especially during birth itself. This is the book we sat up reading together in bed & discussing what was to come. When I went into labor I grabbed my favorite birth book (The Birth Book by the Sears) & was thumbing through it for info on what was happening & what was next. But my husband grabbed his copy of The Birth Partner & found all the info we were looking for faster than I did. I still reccomend the Birth Book by the Sears for expecting moms but The Birth Partner is essential for both expecting moms & dads.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource for women and their birth partners.
Review: I purchased my copy in 1989 and three children later it has been well-used and is very dog-eared! Penny Simkin has written an excellent resource manual for all of your questions and concerns regarding labour and delivery. My husband and I both read it cover to cover. We even brought it with us to the hospital in case something came up and we needed a quick insight. The book also contains an excellent chapter on establishing breastfeeding after a difficult initial attempt. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: the most helpful birth book!
Review: I read a zillion birth & pregnancy books, and found this to be the most comprehensive and helpful for coping through delivery and the immediate postpartum period. As a first time mother, I didn't know what to expect, so I wanted a book with lots of details about various possible scenarios for birth. Being able to read about different "difficult" labors (slow labor, fast labor, etc.) and how to deal with them helped me feel confident and prepared. My partner actually consulted this book during labor itself, for info on pain medications we were offered.
Rating:
Summary: the most helpful birth book!
Review: I read a zillion birth & pregnancy books, and found this to be the most comprehensive and helpful for coping through delivery and the immediate postpartum period. As a first time mother, I didn't know what to expect, so I wanted a book with lots of details about various possible scenarios for birth. Being able to read about different "difficult" labors (slow labor, fast labor, etc.) and how to deal with them helped me feel confident and prepared. My partner actually consulted this book during labor itself, for info on pain medications we were offered.
Rating:
Summary: BUY THIS BOOK!
Review: I recommend this book to all of my patients. It's like sharing a GREAT recipe. This one "works" and every person that reads it seems to have a better birth experience. Its that simple.This combined with Kathleen Huggins "Nursing Mother's Companion", are two essentials that lead to good outcomes!
Rating:
Summary: A Pregnancy Must Read
Review: I recommend this book to all of my pregnant friends. I read it before my first pregnancy (I have 2 kids now) and I found it incredibly informative. I think it really helped to prepare me for childbirth (although nothing can fully prepare you for that experience!). I strongly believe that fathers should read this book as well -- it's important that they know what's going on during labor and childbirth.
Rating:
Summary: I love this book!
Review: I was really impressed with this book. I've read tons of books on this subject in preparation of my first labor/delivery, none compare to this book. It is very imformative and detailed without being boring. It offers great tips on pain management as well information on the different types of pain meds available. It also describes the whole labor process very well. Even though I've already read the book, I still pick it up to "review" as my due date gets closer. I highly recommend this book.
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