Sunday, May 30, 2010

"Your Best Birth" by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein


When I found out I was pregnant, I went to see my doctor and he sent me to an OB. I have been seeing him for over 4 months now, and planned to continue to see him up to the birth of our little girl, who he (providing he was on call) would deliver. It seems simple and routine, and it is certainly the way things have been done for years.


Then my friend told me about a documentary she watched called "The Business of Being Born" by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein. This film changed everything for me. I picked up a copy of their book "Your Best Birth" and have been reading it over the last few weeks. The book challenges mother's to be to consider all of their options and to plan the kind of birth that is right for them. I learned so much reading this book and would recommend it to every mother-to-be. After reading the book, I truly believe that they way a baby is born can affect who they are, and I want to have a say in how our baby girl enters the world. I have decided to speak with a mid-wife and am excited for my first appointment on Tuesday.


Here is a brief description of the book from their website:


YOUR BEST BIRTH is an empowering childbirth guide packed with crucial advice from medical professionals, delivered in a down-to-earth, engaging, and honest voice. Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein reevaluate the pregnancy process, renew expectant mothers’ confidence, and place the control back where it belongs: with parents-to-be.


While I certainly appreciate that you always need to leave room for the unexpected, I feel so much more confident, empowered and even excited about the miracle of birth.

2 comments:

  1. While I've never read either or Ricki Lake's books, I have seen a midwife during both of my pregnancies & loved it. I'd also suggest Ina May Gaskin's books, particularly "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth." Of all the books I read about childbirth it was the only one that made me feel positive & reassured that I could have the type of birth I wanted. And it was the only one I even bothered to read the second time around. GL!

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  2. I've heard great things about that book as well. I'm reading hypnobirthing now but plan to read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth next!

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