Rating: 
Summary: Very disappointed
Review: I'm surprised to see how positive the reviews are for this book. I thought it was terrible. The focus on birth art was just way too much. Perhaps I'm just not as emotional, but I felt like I didn't need to read through all of the stuff on "what I should be feeling," etc. Definitely had a "hippie" feel to me which I didn't like at all.I preferred a "thinking woman's guide to a better birth," primarily because it was very logically laid out. Yes, Ms. Goer seems a little bitter and negative about OBs, but I think you just need to take that with a grain of salt. If you want facts about things like epidurals, IVs during labor, episiotomies and c-sections, it lays out the issues and pros and cons very succintly
Rating: 
Summary: Empowering, powerful, strengthening, enabling!
Review: I can't see how another reviewer could say this book is "really weak". Weak is a woman being a good patient as someone else takes the stage during one of the most sacred and defining experiences in her life. This book showed me how to identify that I automatically assumed the "good patient" role when I would go to see my Dr. for prenatals, and when I went to the hospital for my first baby. Medication, episiotomy, the works--I was a good patient, and obeyed. It was a traumatic, horrible experience--and it drastically affected the bonding process. After working through this book (the art exercises are a MUST!!!) I learned how to be powerful in birth; to trust that my body knew what it was doing; to go with my instincts on how to manage the pain; and to experience birth. I went from having a medicalizied, in-patient experience that I had nightmares about, to a strengthening, powerful, defining experience that showed me how marvellous and glorious the human body is; and how powerful I can be. "Labor is hard work. It hurts. And you can do it." ~Pam England Don't cheat yourself by ignoring information that could change your life. If you don't like the book, it has a great resale value, because so many others love it! Buy this book!!!
Rating:
Summary: Don't leave pregnancy without it
Review: I am not a fan of needles--especially when it comes to one being stuck into my spine--so, when it came time for me to look into pain management alternatives, I purchased this book. The strategies explained may seem a little "out there" to some people, but they really work. Art therapy is a big part of this guide, and my drawings, etc. that I made became part of my daughter's, and later, my son's, baby boxes (I'm too disorganized for baby books). I was also lucky enough to be able to take a birthing class at Pam's office--although she did not lead the classes herself, she often dropped in to help the doula who was in charge, and she really helped me. I went through nine hours of labor with my daughter and two and a half hours of intense, intense, INTENSE labor with my son, and I did it all without any drugs. I am not superwoman by any stretch of the imagination, so believe me when I say these strategies really work! (CAUTION: Your partner may not be as open to these strategies, so if you must drag them kicking and screaming, well, that's what I did with my husband.)
Rating:
Summary: A MUST HAVE for every one who will ever birth a baby!
Review: Of all (a dozen I think) of the pregnancy/childbirth books I'd read, this was the only one I needed. I was so excited the night our childbirth educator held it up and asked if any of us had read it. I was the only one who had. She incorporated some of the 'birth art' into our classes, as well as other exerpts. I knew I could birth my baby the way I wanted; all natural, and this book was yet another positive support system for me. I did it! I listened to my body and birthed our daughter in a tub of water at a hospital with my midwives and husband at my side. He didn't "coach" me, he loved me through it, and was exactly what I needed him to be. It was THE MOST empowering experience I've ever encountered and I'm a different, better, stronger woman because of it! This book supported my beliefs and helped break down fears and concerns allowing me to "open up". Read it. It's wonderful. I've given all of my other pregnancy books away, but I'm keeping this one!
Rating:
Summary: An Uplifting Experience
Review: I stumbled upon this book and its philosophy when looking for childbirth education classes in my area. The majority of them seemed to be based on this book. I decided to look into it since it appeared to be so popular. I bought the book and read it from cover to cover in just five days. It was so inspiring! I had already decided to have a natural home birth because my mother is a midwife and I've grown up around birth as a natural occurance, not a medical event, but reading this book made me really EXCITED about the whole labor process. This is my first pregnancy and I have yet to give birth, but I'm sure Pam England's philosophy and exercises will be there with me when I do. There is something for everyone in this book (except those who plan on having drugs immediately and don't care for the alternative). I appreciate that Pam stresses that if you, as an individual, decide drugs are best in the long run that you shouldn't feel like a failure. This book is about designing YOUR birth experience the way YOU want to, and that's phenomenal!
Rating: 
Summary: Gave me inspiration
Review: I had no idea how how to go about my laboring with my first pregnancy. This book was given to me by a friend, and now I want to go as natural as possilbe. It gives you the strength to take back your labor, and not let the medical staff tell you what is best for you. A GREAT read for mother and birth partners.
Rating:
Summary: My Savior
Review: I credit this book with showing me the way to a "perfect birth". After a harrowing first birth, I was skittish about the medical establishment and their 'involuntary interventions'. The techniques for managing pain (no euphemisms here) enumerated in this book enabled me to "perform" an empowering, powerful, 'perfect' home birth (not my intention, really!) all by myself. The best outcome possible. I am filled with gratitude toward the authors for this gift to me and my family.
Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable complement to our birthing class
Review: We took a birthing class that was modeled after this book, so it was a great complement to the class. Although it covered much of the same material, it was nice to have the book as reference. It is also just a great read in general. I was able to incorporate a lot of the information I read while in labor. If you are interested in a truly natural labor, this is one of the best books around!
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Read
Review: This delightful book, that includes wonderful illustrations, allows one to quickly alleviate individual fears regarding childbirth. Without condeming those who elect for hospital or medicinal births, the authors simply outline every available option and empower you to recognize that YOU possess the tools to birth the way YOU need to - in the least painful way possible. I am a non-pregnant woman trying to educate myself before trying to conceive - I was horribly afraid of the birthing process and now I cannot wait to get pregnant because I know I can do it and there's no right or wrong way! This book is ideal for those getting ready to/who are pregnant for the first time or those who had a negative experience throughout their first labor. This book comes highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: really weak
Review: Did not like this at all. Did not even finish the book. If you are a hippy you will probably like it.
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