Last word first: A great look at childbirth, with so much more detail than that chapter at the back of "What to Expect."About the Book (from the Hachette site): With chapters such as "Obstetricians: Finding Dr. Right," "Epidurals: You Haven't Got Time for the Pain," and "Electronic Monitors: Reading between the Lines," Lake and Epstein will encourage you to consider whatever your doctor, mother, and best friend may suggest in a new light. The book also includes inspiring birth stories, including those from well-known personalities, such as Laila Ali and Cindy Crawford. Packed with crucial advice from childbirth professionals, and delivered in a down-to-earth, engaging voice, YOUR BEST BIRTH is sure to renew your confidence and put the control back where it belongs: with parents-to-be!
My Thoughts: After two children of my own, hearing dozens of birth stories from my friends, and watching hundreds of episodes of "A Baby Story" on TLC, I didn't think there was much related to childbirth that I hadn't at least heard of. Turns out I was wrong.
In "Your Best Birth," authors Ricki Lake (yes, that Ricki Lake) and Abby Epstein do a great job of telling it like it is, presenting tons of different options for delivery venue, pain control, procedures, etc. I really enjoyed the sidebars with celebrity birth stories, including Laila Ali and Cindy Crawford (because who doesn't love to hear about the stars screaming obsenities at their husbands?).
I thought that this was a fairly balanced book, but the biggest complaint I have heard about this book from other readers is that it "pushes natural childbirth." I think maybe we are all too used to thinking about childbirth as a medical problem, requiring medical intervention, when really it's a natural process. Sometimes medical intervention is necessary (I've had two inductions and an epidural) but I don't think this should always be our first answer. Sure, it's easier to just listen to whatever your doctor tells you to do, but I think we each have a responsibility to be informed, use our critical thinking skills, and make decisions about our healthcare. Even if that decision is "I'm going to do whatever my doctor tells me."
This book was well-written; I found the style enjoyable and easy to understand. If you're from Canada, or anywhere outside the US, for that matter, keep in mind that parts of this book aren't going to apply to you, since our health care system is so different.
Overall, I thought this was a great book. Even if you don't agree with the authors' views, it's good to get a different perspective.
About the Authors: RICKI LAKE is an actress, host of the long-running Ricki Lake talk show, and natural childbirth advocate, based in LA and New York. ABBY EPSTEIN is a New York-based filmmaker and natural childbirth advocate.
