If you are pregnant or know someone who is, please read this book.

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Product Description

Anyone working to improve the childbearing experience and help women avoid unnecessary intervention has encountered numerous "obstetric myths" or "old doctors' tales." And while the evidence in the medical literature may be solidly, often unequivocably, against whatever "the doctor said," without access to that evidence, the pregnant woman is quite reasonably going to follow her doctor. This book is an attempt to make the medical literature on a variety of key obstetric issues accessible to people who lack the time, expertise, access, or proximity to a medical library to research concerns on their own. After an introductory chapter giving basic information about the different types of medical studies, how to evaluate them, and some basic statistical concepts, Goer provides chapters on cesarean issues, pregnancy and labor management, and a review of alternative approaches. Each chapter begins with a stated myth, followed by an examination of the reality. Goer then analyzes the mainstream belief, pointing out its fallacies. Then comes a list of significant points gleaned from the studies and keyed to her abstracts. Next is the outline by which the abstracts are grouped. Finally come the numbered abstracts of relevant articles published, in most cases, after 1980. The book concludes with a glossary of medical terms and an index. This compact, accurate, and understandable reference tool is designed for people without medical training as well as care givers.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #418753 in Books
• Published on: 1995-02-28
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Review
“...an extremely useful resource for everyone who works in the field of maternity care, for policy makers, and for childbearing women and couples. Scientific documentation for many obstetric practices is at their fingertips in this readable guide. Childbirth educators and practitioners will find it both an educational tool for themselves and a motivation to give improved care to women in pregnancy and birth. Policy makers can use it to make their case for implementing changes in practice. Armed with the information it provides, pregnant women can ask knowledgeable questions, make informed decisions, and experience less intervention in their births. You can be sure that this thoroughly researched 'Guide to the Medical Literature' in obstetrics will be a frequently used reference.”–Birth

“[T]his would serve as a scientific obstetric 'Bible' to keep at hand, to dip into when help is needed on a particular subject. It will provide chapter and verse to support midwifery solutions to obstetric problems, it will comfort in times of despair, and it will keep one's heart and soul in the right place.”–Midwifery Matters

Review
"Unencumbered by the burden of conventional obstetrical thinking, Ms. Goer takes a fresh look at current customs in maternity care. Using logic, common sense, and the latest scientific findings, she has written an incisive critique, inspiring us all--physicians, midwives, childbirth educators, nurses, doulas, and expectant parents--to rethink and question routine care as it exists today. This is "must" reading for all who participate in maternity care." - Penny Simkin, P.T., Childbirth Educator, Doula co-author,Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn and author, The Birth Partner

About the Author
HENCI GOER is an ASPO-certified childbirth educator and doula (professional labor support).

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Customer Reviews

Facts not fear
This books lays it all out on the line. The numbers are there. Hospital births lead to more cesearean because docs can control the process more and everyone is afraid of a beautiful act that women have been accomplishing for millions of years.

very technical
If you are looking for a book that gives you the facts, the science behind the facts and very detailed information this is the book for you. If you want just a reference or guide for basic knowledge try another book.

Find the facts
This book is a wonderful resource for anyone who is looking for the truth about current obstetrical practices. Overdue? Have a breech baby? You can look it up here and see what the studies actually say about the safety of going past 41 weeks and delivering a breech baby vaginally. I think OBs sometimes use scare tactics without providing concrete evidence. This will be your bible on how safe birth can actually be.