Six Practical Lessons for an Easier Childbirth

Rating:
Summary: Sub-par compared to "Preparation for Birth"
Review: I was disappointed with this book. My judgment is influenced by just having read "Preparation for Birth" by Beverly Savage and Diana Simkin, which is EXCELLENT. Six Practical Lessons, in comparison, is poorly organized and not completely up-to-date, it seems. For example, the author refers to "when" you get your episiotomy, as though the procedure is a given, but many natural childbirth advocates today feel that episiotomy is usually not necessary and not preferable to a natural tear. I also found Ms. Bing's Lamaze breathing instructions extremely vague. If I had not already grasped the timing/counting methods from "Preparation for Birth," I don't think I would have understood what the author is trying to explain.
This book is formatted as though the reader is in attendance at one of Ms. Bing's childbirth courses, with the "Six Lessons" being the 6 class sessions. For some reason she includes rather useless and repetitive chit chat to open each class session--understandable if you're attending in person, but annoying in a book. It almost reads like a novel, with no index and a chintzy table of contents.
I did not learn anything new from this book that was not covered in "Preparation for Birth" in much greater detail and more up-to-date research. On the other hand, if you're not going to read anything else or are extremely short on time (i.e. in labor), this book (or any book) is certainly better than nothing.
I'd rather have my $10 back.

Rating:
Summary: The BEST Lamaze handbook out there!
Review: There are so many great things about this book! It is concise and to the point. Unlike other birthing books that spend hundreds of pages focusing on all the obscure complications that could occur during childbirth, "Six Practical Lessons" discusses what happens during a more common healthy birth. This makes it easier to understand and more helpful.

My husband and I had the privilege of taking Lamaze classes with Elisabeth Bing, and we found this book to be a great supplement for her classes. She is one of the pioneers of the Lamaze method here in the United States and a co-founder of Lamaze International.

"Six Practical Lessons" explains what exactly happens during labor, demonstrates exercises for you and your partner to prepare for labor, and goes over relaxation and breathing techniques. It also contains helpful illustrations and photographs.

Also, by going over the history of Lamaze it helps explain and understand why this method works so well.