“What to expect when you’re expecting” is a great title . . . and the book has become a childbirth classic. I read it myself eight years ago. I’m just glad it’s not the only thing I read. I don’t want to take the time/energy to completely deconstruct this book, but overall, despite it’s almost iconic popularity, I feel that it creates anxiety in women during pregnancy (which I definitely consider a negative). It also contains a total of only 18 pages of information on birth.
On the other hand . . . the new 4th edition of “Pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn: The complete guide” devotes almost 200 of its 497 pages to birth, with excellent chapters devoted to pregnancy and the newborn stages as well. The book references the latest evidence-based maternity practices (including the National Institutes of Health 2010 VBAC review) and emphasizes the birthing woman’s rights and responsibilities. It is well indexed and packed with very useful information. And did I mention that it is a steal for the price?
I am so excited about this book and hope that it gains the fame it deserves. I am planning to use it as a textbook of sorts for my future birth classes. In the past, I have debated about which books to recommend to which moms. Now I know exactly where to start. This is a MUST read for all pregnant moms . . . and if you are planning for a “natural birth”, I’ve got a stack of great ones to follow up with after this. If you’d like to purchase this book, you can do so here.
Happy reading!
I think I feel another giveaway coming on. Stay tuned . . .
