I loved, loved, loved this book. I read it to prepare for the natural birth of my second child (vaginal breech), and then again to prepare for the natural birth of my third. I chose to have all three in the hospital, and wanted to avoid the slippery slope to a c-section. At Virginia Hospital Center (Arlington) and Inova Fairfax Hospital, where my children were born, the c-section rates are 40%. How is this acceptable?? C-sections are major surgery.

Inductions start the slippery slope. Few women can or choose to cope with pitocin-induced contractions, so an induction almost always means an epidural, which means no early laboring in the comfort of your home, no moving around, and the inability to get into positions that help the baby descend. Pitocin can also affect the unborn baby's heart rate, which causes great concern to all, OB included. So the baby either does not arrive quickly enough or goes into crisis, and the result is a c-section.

Epidurals and c-sections both negatively affect the chance of baby breastfeeding well early on, which means baby is given formula in the hospital and early days post-birth - another slippery slope, this time to early weaning. With strong evidence that breastfed babies have higher IQs, fewer allergies, get sick less often and less severely, have decreased rates of SIDS, etc., this is no small matter. "The AAP Section on Breastfeeding, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, and many other health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life." http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496 Also see http://kellymom.com/index.html for lots of great breastfeeding advice and info.

This book will give you the information you need to trust your body to give birth naturally. The birth stories at the beginning will help you to see that there are a wide range of "normal" births, both in terms of duration of labor and pain. Many coping strategies are discussed, along with the overarching theme that birth is a natural process. The pain of natural birth is not like the pain of an injury or something gone wrong. It has a purpose, and this book will help you learn to surrender to the purpose, rather than fight against it.

PS You probably can't hire Ina May, but you should hire a doula or at least find a friend who has given birth naturally to help coach you and support you through your labor.

Absolutely a must have. Very informative and down to earth!
I wish I would have bought the book early on in my pregnancy! Will forward this book on to a fellow co-worker at work!

I'm a first time mom and my midwife recommended this book. Unlike other pregnancy books this one is not geared towards all of the things that can go wrong. Rather its about all the things that can go right with a pregnancy. This book gives women the confidence they need to approach birth with a calm attitude. Gaskin teaches women that their bodies "are not lemons." That we don't need shiny instruments or machines that go "bing" to help us birth our babies. What we need instead is love, patience, and the confidence to bring our children into this world. This book would be great for anyone contemplating a homebirth, an intervention free birth, or for anyone who has fears about the birth process. I give it five stars.

My first birthing experience was everything I didn't want: induced, heavily medicated, and then a c-section. I was determined to have a completely natural v-bac the second time around. Our doula recommended this book, and it really gave my husband and I the information we needed that we never got from our first ob. I recommend this book to any woman contemplating a natural childbirth, especially those whose doctors are not supportive of such a move.

I rarely review anything, but this book inspired me. Although I had heard about it many times, I initially resisted reading it because I was worried it would be preachy and/or only applicable to people planning a birth with midwives. While I will still have a hospital birth with an OB, I learned numerous highly useful things from this book. Ina May is a very experienced and intuitive midwife, and the book is based on her experiences as well as a lot of research.

First, the book emphasizes that we women are highly capable of having a natural birth, and the whole first half is stories from women who have done so (I read these selectively). The second half of the book goes into well-researched and -documented detail about how our bodies work during a natural birth, which greatly appeased my logical mind. It also covers the various inappropriate and scary procedures that may be recommended to you in the hospital. This last part was not always an enjoyable read, but helped me make a list to ask my doctor of things I didn't even know I needed to ask. In my opinion it is crucial that we and our partners have this information so we can advocate for proper care in the hospital. Just because a procedure is commonplace, doesn't mean it is beneficial or even safe for the woman. When I finished the book, I was dwelling a little on "I really hope I don't need a [fill in procedure]" so now I'm flipping through the stories again to leave a better taste in my mouth.

This book is definitely geared toward people who are considering a natural childbirth or already know they want one. If right now you think you want an epidural the second you walk in the hospital, I don't know if you will want to read this book. But if you do read it, I suspect it will cause you to rethink some things. I also recommend reading "The Birth That's Right For You" (Ness, et al), which helps you decide what you may or may not want during your birthing, depending on your personality and how you operate when you're not in labor.

I really liked this book. If you are planning for or contemplating a natural birth this is a must read.

Ina May's book begins with the stories of tens of women who have laboured at the Farm. It shows, in real women's words, the power of the human body and the natural nature of childbirth.

She then goes on to describe the principles of midwifery, calling upon scientific evidence to support her claims. I like this book because it is not 'hippie', but rather uses science to support the view that natural childbirth is best for both mother and child.

After reading this book 3 times during my 2007 pregnancy (and taking Lamaze classes), I looked forward to labor and delivery with excitement, rather than fear. I felt confident in my body's ability to deliver my baby safely and naturally without being numbed by drugs or sliced open by a surgeon. This book not only helped me avoid an epidural, but it gave me the confidence to wait it out when I was a few days overdue and my doctor suggested that I be induced. (Of course I would have agreed if it had been necessary, but since all was well with the baby, I knew she would arrive when SHE was ready, and she did, 7 days after my due date.) I had an amazing, empowering natural birth and this book was invaluable to me. I will share it with many women over the years!

While a bit extremist at times, Gaskin's book is very helpful to those considering births beyond the medical model. The first half - full of birth stories - is uplifting and inspiring, and the information Gaskin presents is compelling. While still "crunchy granola," the wealth of information in this book is not to be overlooked.

This is by far the best book on the subject. I have been a fan of Ina May Gaskin since Spiritual Midwifery, which was given to me by a former midwife. I did extensive research for a novel I wrote about natural childbirth and this book helped me a great deal. When I became pregnant I knew I was going to have natural childbirth and this was the book I went back to. It is an opening book that makes a woman really think about the choices she makes for herself and ultimately her child. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Ina May is to date the world's greatest midwife! It's so wonderful to hear all of her uplifting experiences with birth and her thoughts on the subject. She is at the forefront in natural birthing and has a wealth of essential advice and knowledge on the subject. A must read for any pregnant mother!!!

I love this book so much!!! It is full of positive birth stories, which is something that is really not that common in the US. The women acknowledge the hurdles of labors, but have a constant positive understanding of what is happening to their bodies. I would recommend this book to any pregnant mama or papa. My husband also enjoyed some of the stories I shared with him.

The first half of this book is just short birthing stories--which becomes very tedious to read straight through. The stories are interesting but completely anecdotal. The second half of the book gives very generalized information on natural birth. Despite being a physician myself at a university based practice, I thoroughly believe in the power of natural childbirth. This book is encouraging but honestly not really adequate in terms of the practical information. I give it 5 stars in terms of illustrating and reassuring that natural childbirth can be accomplished safely...but again only 3 stars if you are looking for a true guide to giving birth naturally.

I have read countless books on pregnancy & childbirth but have never enjoyed one quite as much as this one. It was extremely informational, encouraging and empowering to any woman who has been previously convinced by society and the US medical system that her body is somehow broken and incapable of NORMAL birth. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Excellent!!

don't read the crap that OB's and doctors are handing out telling women that if their labor doesn't fit nicely into their schedule and goes according to a generic time limit they'll have to have a c-section. giving birth is an empowering experience that can be ENJOYED and NOT FEARED. ina may helps inform you of the possibilities in childbirth so you can explore your options and also know what to expect. fast, easy reading.

Even if giving birth outside a hospital just doesn't seem like you (or me), keep reading this book. Ina May's "Guide" is well written, with interesting history, and aware of today's trends. Every woman and birth is different, and every woman in this book is capable of more than you (or often she) can imagine. The first half of the book is birth stories- and the second half is Ina May's detailed explanation of the birth process and options. Now I know exactly why my own labor "failed to progress" -I was scared! And each of my secret fears were addressed in this book. Learn what a good midwife could do for you and what your body really could be capable of when you believe in yourself. I wish I had read this book during my first pregnancy!! Women centered birth makes so much sense- but change isn't going to come from the midwives- change can only happen when mothers make that choice. We mothers need to become aware that we always have options- knowledge overcomes fear. Ina May is an experienced and well-spoken midwife who reached through the pages to make a difference to me.

I read this book during my first pregnancy and it was the best of all the many books I read. I had always known that hositals often do many unneccessary interventions. But after reading this book and experiencing the beauty, peace and joy of a miracle birth at home I have become a zealous supporter of home birth and midwives. I only wish more woman would read this book and see that their bodies are capable of giving birth and breastfeeding. If you're a mother-to-be, please read this book and reconsider planned c-sections, epidurals, drugs and episiotomies.

Ina May has written another great book that makes childbirth seem so natural and empowering, as opposed to a common misconception that it is painful and women should not have to endure the pain. This book helps you realize how powerful the female body truly is. I have already recommended this book to many friends and family of the childbearing age. Whether or not you choose to go natural, I think the book is useful in shedding light on the unique ability our bodies have to birth a baby!

This was the most inspirational book I have ever read on childbirth. I highly recommend that any expecting parent should read this book. It brings a new meaning to childbirth. It's meant to inspire a woman not make her fear the happiest day of her life!

Ina May combines emotional support and education in this book. There is a section of birth stories from various women that will inspire you...that yes, natural childbirth is a beautiful, normal process our bodies are made to go through. She also covers all the facts you need to know in order to educate yourself about the various screening tests, procedures and equipment you might see in a hospital setting. My favorite part is how she discusses the mind/body connection during labor and the stories she tells of women who have either regressed or progressed based on this connection. I will be giving birth in a hospital and feel better prepared, yet this books makes me wish I could give birth with a midwife at home-- unfortunately it is not legal here in AL.

As a first time mom preparing for natural childbirth (that's drug free, not just vaginal) I found this book to be very inspiring and it helped me to have confidence in my body. These days women are taught that they aren't capable of having a baby without all of the latest medical interventions and drugs available. I have always felt that childbirth is a natural process but doctors treat pregnant women like they are sick and childbirth is treated as a dangerous event in which the mother and child need to be rescued from one another. The first half of this book has great natural childbirth stories written by mothers and it has given me invaluable information to use for my own impending birth. I am reading it a second time now and hi-lighting passages that I want to remember. The second half of the book is about the medical procedures that are commonly used in the United States and how much more dangerous they are than what we are led to believe. How can The United States of America have one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the industrialized world? While all of these birth stories happen outside of a hospital there is still a great deal of information and confidence to be had if you are going to be giving birth in a hospital with a doctor. Take control of your birth experience because it is a miracle whether it is treated as such in the hospital or not.

Great reading material for info on natural birth stories and this book really promotes midwifery as the way to go for giving birth.

Positives -For the very few who are going to have a home birth this book is ideal. The book is beautiful in the sense that it puts us back in touch with the fact that nature built us to have babies and emphasizes the sheer beauty of childbirth.
Negatives - On the other hand, a significant part of the book is dedicated to home births therefore, it left me quite disinterested after numerous home birth stories and techniques knowing that this will not be my experience. Many of the mothers who shared their birth stories were quite antagonistic at times when mentioning their experience with hospitals and doctors. This, I feel, is not a healthy mind set for the average first time mom giving birth in the average hospital these days.

I think this is a much needed book for moms all around. It reminds us that bad news travels easily and we need to hear more good news about what the body is capable of and what women are built to do.

This is great book for folks who would like to contemplate opting for a birth experience that occurs in a holistic and non-hospital setting. Through the use of many stories -- told in first person by women who were assisted in delivering by Ina Mae or her colleagues -- and a clear discussion of how the body can be aided (or thwarted) during labor, Ina Mae helps demysticize and demedicalize the process and thereby empowers the
reader to make an informed choice about the way that they want to bring their child(ren) into the world.

...for this straightforward, informative, and beautiful book. It is proving to be a wonderful touchstone as my husband and I experience our first pregnancy. I first bought this book to show my fearful partner numerous examples of healthy, normal births. It has turned out to be a brilliant resource for me, as well. Ina May touches on topics that I, a women's health nurse, had never considered, such as my anxieties and their place in my childbirth experience. We have begun to explore that (and other issues) with each other and our midwife. We are also learning to reframe our predisposed notions of pain. More than anything, this book is preparing us to be truly present for whatever experience we may have. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to any future parent, no matter what kind of birth the are planning.

My wife and I loved Ina's book. We read a couple other books on natural child birth, and this one was the best. She had the most experience, and the stories she shares at the beginning of the book helped with our confidence levels. I recommend this book.

I obviously don't need to write an extensive review with the amount already presented here. This is simply the best birth book available~ the only one you need to read. A lot of the stories brought forth so much emotion, in a good way. I also enjoyed Wise Woman Herbal for the Child Bearing Year, however, that book focuses mainly on nutritional herbs for pregnancy.

This is a wonderful book about birth. Easy to read and filled with stories to keep it from being technical or dry. Ina May has such confidence in a woman's ability to birth. It is very inspiring to me and I believe would be for any pregnant woman. I wish I had read this in my first pregnancy, not for the first time in my third pregnancy.

Ina May does practice as a home birth midwife, but she also gives good advice and consideration to the woman who has chosen to birth in the hospital. She does not try to drive home a point about where a woman should birth, but does give a lot of useful advice about how to most effectively cope with the physical and emotional demands of labor and birth. She explains in detail the connection between mind and body, how positive thoughts and continuous, loving support can help a woman's body achieve labor and birth in the way her body is designed. Her stories and the collection of birth stories of many women balance all the "fear stories" about birth in our culture. The "fear stories" that tell women over and over that expert medical personnel and advanced medical equipment are necessary for a safe birth, are quietly and confidently dispelled by all the positive, peaceful stories that Ina May shares.

Has alot of great stuff in it. Two of our midwives were raised on the farm so it's nice to read about it.

If you want to read a book about birthing that is not going to scare you, but encourage you this is it!!! The book opens with stories of women's home birth experiences, said in their own words. Every woman had a different experience, but everyone was very encouraging.
The second half of the book, Ina May talks about birth in hospital as oposed to home. I think she rants just a little in this section, but she has great information.
I had a hospital birth with no medication or IV's and everything went beautifully. The inspiration, encouragement and empowerment I received as a result of reading this book helped me focus on what I wanted and how to achieve that in the birthing process. Good luck to you as you go through this great experience, this book will help!

As a first time mother it can easier to commit to the idea of a natural birth than to understand what it means, how it will work, what to expect. The birth stories in the first part of this book are invaluable to any woman considering natural birth for the first time. They are varied, empowering and offer a sort of "proof" that if other women can do it--so can I. I also appreciated Ina May's insight about the birth process, ways to possibly accelerate labor, and medical interventions from a midwife's point of view. I am birthing in a hospital, have read several natural birth books, hired a doula and am taking Bradley classes. Ina May's book has most of the same information as the other books, but her book also inspires, comforts, reduces fears and empowered me to strive for natural birth I know I am capable of providing for my child.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is really the best book I have bought in preparing me mentally for childbirth. It can be graphic with the images and the emotional pain (remembering and overcoming old wounds) that women go through during childbirth. But the tone of the book is very positive and celebratory. Even the words she uses to describe labor pains is empowering. I found it very helpful for getting me over my fears of labor and knowing that my body is strong and very capable of this natural process.

I've heard it said that "pregnancy is like a disaster waiting to happen". Finally a book that brings peace of mind to us mothers-to-be; sweeping away our fears with positive birthing stories and putting medical facts into perspective. I am now empowered to know what questions to ask of my care provider, and what I will and will not tolerate during the birth of my unborn child - and why.

I cannot even begin to say how amazing this book is! After reading it, I felt as though I could do anything -- most of all, birth my child without the necessity of drugs or other interventions. The birth stories are empowering and the description of how the female body works to birth her baby is so vivid that no pictures are needed.

I recommend this book to EVERY woman I meet that is pregnant and will continue to do so.

I'm done having my children, but when my brother and her wife were expecting, I asked a doula friend to recommend a good book for them as they were being inundated with bad advice and birth stories. Not only did Ina May's book fit the bill, but it helped my sister-in-law have the confidence not only to have a safe, natural delivery, but also a WATER birth!! She read the book through twice before delivery she told me. I will definitely order this book again when gifting expecting parents.

This is an excellent book for anyone keen to have a drug free birth. The first half of the book is full of positive stories of childbirth, people who have given birth with the help of Ina May and her associates. It makes a nice change from the horror stories we are confronted with every day. The second half of the book will help you understand your body during the final stage of pregnancy and childbirth. There are lots of tips to help you achieve a drug free birth. This is not alternative mumbo-jumbo, this is good, common sense.

Throw out your copy of "What to Expect..." This book is essential reading for both the first time mother or the seasoned veteran of labor. Gaskin is THE authority on birth, and the information compiled in this page-turner of a book (I read it in about two days) is empowering & liberating. The insights into what/why things goes awry in the American hospital setting is thoroughly enlightening. This should be on the top of every pregnant woman's reading list.

This is the absolute best book that I have read on pregnancy. It is very honest and well written. If you are considering natural childbirth, this is a must read b/c you will not find this information in any of the other mainstream books. Even if you are not considering natural childbirth, you need to read this just so you now what kind of medical interventions to expect and the side effects.

This is the pregnancy and birth book that I loan out from my office library most often. If Ina May can't influence you no one can. I first read this book to prepare for my third pregnancy. My abnormal glucose challenge tests were such a focus in my first two pregnancies. I learned from this book that there is another perspective on how to handle abnormal glucose tests and what threshold to be concerned. I learned so much more; It reframed my mental imagery in preparation for my homebirth. Midwives see everything differently than obstetricians. Every pregnant woman needs to read this book. Every OB should read it, too.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth was a wonderfully encouraging book for me, a first-time mom. The first part of her book is nothing but positive birth stories, which was a much needed change from the horror stories many women love to share with pregnant women. This book reminded me that giving birth is part of the natural cycle of life, not a medical horror that must be endured. It provides much welcome insight, experience, and advice for expectant mothers and those that will support them during the birth of their new family member. I highly recommend it.

There are so many 5-star reviews here, I wonder what I have to add, but I'll give it a try. If you are considering, willing to consider, or planning a natural childbirth, you absolutely MUST read this book. Cover to cover. If you are homebirthing, same thing. This book, more than anything else -- including Bradley classes, prepared me for my fantastic natural homebirth last year. Ina May's understanding of a woman's body during birth, her views and interpretation of the "pain" of childbirth, her understanding of the role of birth attendants, and her matter of fact and panic-free discussion of birth complications are not only a breath of fresh air, but essential oxygen in a smoke filled room of ACOG-scare tactics, epidural and C-section crazy hospitals and doctors and needlessly fearful women. Ina May will restore (or create for the first time?) your faith in the power and innate wisdom of your body to birth safely and inspiringly. PLEASE read this book.

If you are pregnant, are thinking about getting pregnant, or know someone who's pregnant, you need to buy, read, or by and gift this book. It's extraordinary, honest, and what we all need to know about childbirth, namely, it's natural! This is what our bodies were made for!

I know that I, now only 4 short weeks away from my due date, feel much more confident in my abilities to bring my little one into the world. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

I didn't think it was possible, but Ina May out did herself with this one. Spiritual Midwifery is just so awesome, but in some ways dated. This book has more contemporary birth stories and info for the average pregnant woman. I recommend this for EVERYONE who is pregnant and wanting to read something that affirms your inherent ability to birth your baby and be a mother.

I read this book within just a few days...
I am at 31 weeks pregnancy and was searching for some sort of encouragement. I have known my entire life that when I do have a child, I wanted to do it as naturally as I possibly can. But when I found out I was pregnant, my choice was inundated with snarling remarks from my family, my friends, and even my obstetric care providers. I began to doubt myself and fear was starting to set in. Can I really do it???
I spoke to a midwife about my concerns, and she immediately recommended this book. I ordered it the same day, and Amazon delivered it in 2 days time. From the moment I picked this book up, I could not put it down!
Ina May is an amazing midwife and author. This book will ease your fears and give you back a sense of empowerment, both in yourself and or all women alike.
The stories of other women's birth experiences are uplifting... and the information in the second half of the book will solidify your decision to give you and your child the gift of a natural childbirth.
Throughout the book you will learn many tricks and skills for dealing with the "pain" in labor that we are all told to fear instead of look forward to.
I am about to re-read the book, and I'm SO excited for my birth!!!
Thank You Ina May!!!

Ina May is not only the world's most famous midwife, she is also an engaging writer who makes birthing human, woman-centered, and body-positive. I am recommending this book to all of my pregnant friends, so that they can get in touch with the sexuality and spirituality of giving birth.

This book is a must for all mothers to be Ina May is an inspiration to all midwives and on reading this book she has given me further insight into the natural process of childbirth and the innate power of woman to give birth on her terms will bring better outcomes for mother and baby

I bought this book in preperation of my husband and I about to start trying to conceive. I was drawn to it as I would like to have an unmedicated water birth whenever we do get pregnant. I learned so much from this book and am amazed that the majority of women in the US are not taught this very important knowledge. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering a nonmedicated birth, whether it be at home, a birthing center or hospital. It includes many studies and facts regarding the dangers of unnecessary medical interventions in the process of labor. I now look forward to having a nonmedicated labor and delivery as I feel it will be a very beautiful and even spiritual experience. Thank you Ina May for your work in midwifery and for sharing your knowledge with those of us not comfortable with simply taking the word of our doctors without any research on our part.

Ina May has again wowed us with her latest writings. Her "guide" is wonderful for women in our American culture (and other countries as well!) who have this feeling that something doesn't sit right with the way our country's sisters are birthing their babies! What I find truly helpful in this book is that the information is great for a first-timer and priceless for someone who has had a medicalized birth but is searching "this time around" for something different.

Want to feel fulfilled after your pregnancy and birth experience? Want to be empowered? Want to know what it means to give birth? Read this Guide, and keep it with you as you journey through your pregnancy and birth your baby.

I enjoyed the book tremendously. After reading it, I was empowered and excited about the birth of my first child - not scared and worried, as when I read other authors. Most importantly, I have gained a much better understanding of the midwifery model of childbirth to complement the medical model endorsed by my OB. With this knowledge, I'm much more confident about my options and my choices. And, the many birth stories were fascinating.