Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Gaskin, Ina May (August 7, 2008) Paperback Paperback – 1705

I found the birth stories in the first half of the book encouraging and empowering, although I had to hold my nose at the extent of the hippy in parts - I consider myself fairly ‘crunchy’ but this was a whole new level!The second half that talks about pregnancy and labour was informative and also empowering, convincing me that my body IS capable of birth and that labour doesn’t have to be totally traumatic. But, she is very anti-intervention and quite scaremongering in places - she kind of gives the impression that any medical intervention is highly risky, which isn’t really true.Overall I would say it’s well worth reading to motivate you to try for an unmedicated delivery (if that’s your goal) but don’t take everything she says too seriously.

I am so glad i read this book, and also made my husband read the second half. First half is a variety of birth stories, second half is information. I found it a really useful book to read, it made me feel calmer and more confident for the birth. Some parts are quite American specific (generally birth in the US involves much more medical interventions than the UK) but still good to know the facts and feel confident of the approach in the UK. Would 100% recommend this book for all pregnant ladies and their partners who are interested in natural child birth and want to feel more confident of the process.

though helpfull for a first time mother to get an idea over the labor procedure as a natural process,i found it terribly biased over midwife home birth and intentionally terrifying for anything related to hospital procedures re labor.

I've just finished reading this. I'm on my 1st pregnancy (2 weeks left) it has helped me tremendously on keeping in a calm mind about the forthcoming birth for preparation (mentally & physically) and taught me interesting facts (sphincter law was particularly helpful) which I'm hoping will get me through labour and help me to make decisions regarding what the hospital staff may suggest. I am going to hospital but want as little intervention as possible and no drugs. I'm merely going as a precaution with being on my 1st preg.The stories are all mostly positive,which is all I want to read,yet still help to prepare the mind for what is to come.I will defo recommend this !

Insightful and informative, allowed a non biased perspective on the techno medical model of care that is standard throughout the US and UK within obstetric medicine.After a traumatic first birth I was reccomended this book by a mother of two and read it cover to cover. It gave me many insights and allowed me to find closure over my first birth. From a non biased over view of intervention to guides on how best to avoid it and achieve a natural birth- this book contains everything a pregnant woman needs to know. Ina may gaskin is a celebrity throughout the positive birthing movement and this book is why: it is truly the bible for women wanting a natural birth.Highly reccomended.

Love, love, love this book! For anyone interested in having a natural birth or who feels scared about the birth process I highly recommend this book. Some of the stories are a bit ‘hippyish’ but hey it was the 70s! I feel fully prepared for giving birth and although it is written from a USA point of view it gave me pointers as to where and what to look for in the UK. I feel confident and excited about perusing a natural birth.

Excellent throughout. Easy to read and digest yet extremely informative. A huge literary achievement that gives mothers the information they need to know to make their own decisions about childbirth in a time when most information provided to parents is biased and incomplete.Most of all, an inspiring read that teaches us to once again trust our bodies.Thank you Ina May!

This is a good resource for those expecting.... just don't expect your husband to read it. It makes good logical sense and has many good pointers. The quality of writing is great. But it was just a bit hippy for my tastes personally. I don't expect labour to be pain free, ecstatic and orgasmic as suggested by the book! Guess I am more of a practical person. The first half of the book is dedicated to stories - these are helpful for a first time expectant parent. Ina May is clearly an authority but if you are boxed in by NHS choices, the book isn't too terribly helpful because there of course aren't choices such as the Farm here...