Natural Hospital Birth: The Best of Both Worlds by Cynthia Gabriel is a fantastic resource for women wanting a natural experience, but also the peace of mind of birthing in a hospital with all the technology available in the small chance that anything would go wrong. It is empowering, accessible and smart. Gabriel’s passion for birth is evident and she knows her stuff – it is a great resource for first time birthing mothers because she references so many of the natural birth schools of thought. It is also one of the first birthing books I’ve read that gives an extremely detailed account of not only the physical stages of each part of labor, but also the emotional stages women might go through as well.
Gabriel has an extensive section on birth plans and why they are important. She guides the reader through questions to write a dream birth, a detailed birth plan for themselves and their support (partner/doula), and a medical team birth plan (much shorter and focused). She even recommends how to phrase certain things to ensure a higher level of respect and cooperation in a hospital birth setting. It encourages a partnership between parents and medical staff to bring about the best birth experience for families.
It is a great contribution to the natural birth literature out there and a must read for birthing women!
June 13th, 2012 at 4:15 am
[...] [children]“. Melissa of “Project Mommy Brain” touches on everything from natural child-birth, to breastfeeding and beyond in a beautifully articulate and poetic way. Her words inspire me [...]
January 22nd, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Reblogged this on The birthmuse's Blog and commented:
I stumbled across a review of the book here at projectmommybrain. She JUST reviewed another book called Momma Zen that sounds great and I am ordering from my independent local bookstore Nicola’s. I will admit that it feels wonderful to read positive reviews of the book that I spent so many years working on. I received my first pretty bad review at amazon a few weeks ago. I knew it would happen eventually — and I also know that the birth world is full of strong opinions because we are all such unique strong mamas! — but understanding that intellectually and facing my first bad review in reality are two different things. I remain grateful and excited about all the mothers, fathers, doulas, midwives, doctors, and childbirth educators who are expanding the circle of natural birth every day, everywhere.
January 23rd, 2012 at 10:25 am
I’m glad you found my review and enjoyed it! Your book is really one of my favorite birth books. Thanks for writing it!