"Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn has been a standard guide for expecting parents since the first edition in 1979. With the 4th edition, the book has undergone some amazing changes. The pages are more graphical in design and easier to search, with each chapter broken into smaller sections. Sidebars break up the text so important information can be pointed out easily to the reader. Lots of sketches and black and white photographs adorn the pages. Easy-to-read charts describe trimester changes, sample fetal movement counts, newborn tests, procedures and much more.
The book covers everything from prenatal nutrition to making a birth plan. Doulas, pain relief options and homebirth are all presented in a fair, evenhanded manner, leaving the reader to decide what options may be best for herself and her baby. The authors have done an excellent job at outlining the many options available to pregnant and birthing women today. There is an entire chapter describing what labor may be like, as well as one about possible complications. I liked that these two were separate; moms-to-be can read about what normally happens, and then go on to learn about possible complications. The book does this with postpartum, too. There is a chapter on cesareans and one on breastfeeding.
The book also includes helpful appendices on common medications used in labor, a summary of normal labor without pain medications and recommended resources that readers may want to pursue. All in all, a wonderful book has been made even better. I would recommend all midwives keep this book in their lending library for new parents. It would also make an excellent baby shower gift."
Toni Rakestraw, Midwifery Today Issue 97
“Women can only make informed choices when they’re able to get comprehensive information on the many decisions that come up during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. This book provides such information. I heartily recommend it to all pregnant women!”
—Ina May Gaskin, Author of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding, and Spiritual Midwifery
“This is the ultimate guide to all aspects of birthing. It is a must for all pregnant women and those who love them!”
—Christiane Northrup, MD, Author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause
“This is the revision we have been waiting for! It is the best book for parents…and a wonderful resource.”
—Kathleen A. Lindstrom, CD (DONA), LCCE, FACCE, Perinatal Program Manager, Douglas College, Coquitlam, BC
“This book is authoritative without feeling overwhelming. It keeps the woman and her family in focus and provides a range of options. If expectant parents could have one book, this would be the one.”
—Trish Booth, MA, LCCE, FACCE, Childbirth education consultant, Manlius, NY
“The material is beautifully organized and the presentation is crystal clear.”
—Sheila Kitzinger, Author of The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth
“Once again the authors have provided the right information, at the right time, and have delivered it with the kind of reassuring expertise that helps expectant parents prepare for the most meaningful moment of their lives.”
—Bernie Dorsey, Founder of Conscious Fathering
“For the most part, pregnancy books are written for and read by women, but if you’re a caring father (or father-to-be), this is an outstanding book. It gives the fairest and most complete descriptions of the myriad medical options available during childbirth. It is the best of the many books available.”
—Tom Seager, father of three, Potsdam, NY
“Current research, wisdom, and women’s voices together create the most comprehensive book on understanding your options. It will educate, inspire, and nurture you to make informed decisions as you welcome your baby into the world.”
—Debra Pascali-Bonaro LCCE, CD (DONA), PCD (DONA), Coauthor of Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth Experience; director, Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret
“A truly wonderful book for expectant families. It’s informative, thorough, and helpful. We give it to all our patients, and they think it’s great, too!”
—Carolyn Kline, MD, MPH, Perinatologist Eastside Maternal Fetal Medicine, Kirkland and Bellevue, WA
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
Narrated by Suehyla El-Attar
Penny Simkin PTUnabridged — 23 hours, 30 minutes
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
Narrated by Suehyla El-Attar
Penny Simkin PTUnabridged — 23 hours, 30 minutes
Overview
Parents love this book because it puts them in control; experts love it because it's based on the latest medical research and recommendations from leading health organizations. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn provides the information and guidance you need to make informed decisions about having a safe and satisfying pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period--decisions that reflect your preferences, priorities, and values.
Unlike pregnancy guides that can overwhelm and alarm by telling you up front all the things that can possibly go wrong, this book first describes normal, healthy processes, their typical variations, and the usual care practices for monitoring them. Only then does it cover possible complications and the care practices and procedures for resolving them. Throughout, the presentation is crystal-clear, the tone is reassuring, and the voice is empowering. And the language is inclusive, reflecting today's various family configurations such as single-parent families, blended families formed by second marriages, families with gay and lesbian parents, and families formed by open adoption or surrogacy. From sensible nutrition advice to realistic birth plans, from birth doulas when desired to cesareans when needed, from reducing stress during pregnancy to caring for yourself as well as your baby after birth, this pregnancy guide speaks to today's parents-to-be like no other.
Editorial Reviews
11/01/2016
Now in its fifth edition, this informative guide covers the multiple stages of the birth experience and beyond. Childbirth educator and doula Simkin; registered nurse and lactation consultant Janet Whalley; registered nurse and lactation specialist Ann Keppler; social worker Janelle Durham; and childbirth educator, doula, and author April Bolding, contribute their insights in this handy reference that will help readers make informed decisions on everything from whether to hire a doula to diet and exercise, complications (breech birth, high blood pressure), and cesarean procedures. A "calendar of pregnancy" shows trimester changes on charts. The authors recommend creating a "birth plan" so that everyone involved is on the same page. Stages and phases of labor are examined along with pain relief (epidurals, spinals) and relaxation techniques. "Key Points To Remember" appear throughout. Also included is material on adjusting to parenthood, coping with postpartum issues, caring for the baby, and breast feeding. The authors consider vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and how siblings will adapt to the newcomer. Photos appear throughout, and a list of recommended resources of books, websites, and DVDs is useful. The often requested What To Expect When You're Expecting is a similar title on the topic, but public libraries can benefit from having multiple volumes on this subject. VERDICT Readers considering having a baby or who are already pregnant will find this a valuable resource.—Barbara Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940177524276 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Hachette Audio |
| Publication date: | 02/09/2021 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
Videos
