Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler
book data
143 ratings, 4.24 average rating, 38 reviews
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published
July 31st 2001
by Meadowbrook
binding
Paperback, 512 pages
isbn
074321241X
(isbn13: 9780743212410)
description
If you only buy one childbirth book, this is the one...
The most complete. It covers all aspects of childbearing f...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 194)
Read in October, 2008
recommended to Laura by:
my midwife, and my birth-class instructorrecommends it for: people who are pregnant or considering pregnancy
What I love about this book is the acknowledgment that not all pain management techniques work for all women. Rather than present one comprehensive 'system' (a la Hypnobirthing, Bradley, etc), she suggests several methods for dealing with childbirth pain, and is non-judgmental about the use of medication as well. To me this is much more helpful - I can become familiar with several techniques and focus on the ones I like. In comparison, Hypnobirthing is presented (in the book Hypnobirthing) as...more
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Read in January, 2004
A really excellent birth preparation course, in book form. Simkin presents the facts, and the pros and cons of various choices, in a much less biased way than most "natural birth" proponents, but without the pro-intervention blinders typical of mainstream medico types. The description says, "if you only buy one childbirth book, this is the one" and I wholeheartedly agree. The perfect read for anyone who wants to have the birth experience SHE wants -- whether that means una...more
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Read in December, 1999
I bought this book, memorized every detail, and followed the instructions religiously until I was so stressed out and neurotic that I was driving myself crazy.
Forget about timing your contractions, waking your baby up every two hours to feed them, and all the other instructions a book will tell you. Just do what feels natural and your baby will probably turn out allright...mine did.
On the flip side, I give this book three stars and recommend it to those who truly have no clue about preg...more
Forget about timing your contractions, waking your baby up every two hours to feed them, and all the other instructions a book will tell you. Just do what feels natural and your baby will probably turn out allright...mine did.
On the flip side, I give this book three stars and recommend it to those who truly have no clue about preg...more
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Read in March, 2008
Covers the same terrain as most pregnancy and birth books, but has a unique, empowering perspective. Provides simple tools for recording fetal movement (kick count, contractions,sleep cycles, etc. as well as worksheets to help you plan for birth. Also describes very hands-on techniques for easing/supporting birth. A mostly encyclopedic approach, with lots of helpful tables where information is organized at a glance. This may be the one birth book I buy.
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Read in January, 2005
Written by a doula, but very down-the-middle approach, I didn't sense any agenda. She gives details on different options, with pros and cons, and no sense of judgment, which is too often part of books that emphasize natural childbirth. Great reference, including photos of brand-new babies and explanations of why they look so funny. The photos of a woman in labor made me cry, although that may have been the hormones...
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
anyone who is pregnant
The single best book about pregnancy, birth and child care that I have seen. I purchased this book to help me better understand all the stages of labor. It provided not only helpful information, but guidance and advice for managing the pain of labor. After the birth of my son, I have returned to this book for its help with questions about caring for this new little being. Can't recommend this book any more strongly.
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Read in February, 2008
recommended to Net by:
Kaiser Health Educationrecommends it for: New Mom
The complete guide is no understatement. It covers everything from pregnancy precautions, nutrition, detailed explanations of fetal development, phases of labor, both natural and medicated pain reduction strategies, all way through breast feeding and newborn care. I would definitely recommend it as great starting point for the soon to be new mom.
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Read in January, 2002
Awesome guide for anyone expecting a baby. We used it as the curriculum for our home birth prep classes, but it's written in such an inclusive manner as to be applicable regardless of the style of birth you're hoping to have. Before the birth of our daughter we attended a sibling class taught in Seattle by the author Penny Simkin - excellent.
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Read in November, 2008
recommends it for:
Pregnant women/considering pregnancy
Love this book so far. Since it is baby #2, I am skipping around a bit. I really feel that this book gives you a lot of knowledge that you won't find in the typical pregnancy books (i.e.- what to expect, girlfriend's guide, etc.). In my opinion, knowledge dispells fear which can help in any style of birthing you choose.
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Read in February, 2008
recommends it for:
soon to be and expecting parents
this is a GREAT book with TONS of information on pregnancy and birth. it is very informative with a variety of information from natural childbirth to birth w/ medication. it is a million times better than "what to expect when you're expecting" and i would highly recommend it as the best childbirth book on the market.
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2 comments
Read in September, 2008
I love this one for what it is - a textbook for midwives and doulas and an instructional manual for parents. The information is the most detailed of any of the books I've read, but it is not overly technical. This is the book I find myself going to when I need more info than my other books offer.
Read in January, 2008
Had to read this as part of my DONA certification. I didn't care for it in the beginning -- it seems geared to health professionals, is somewhat dry and has a lot of charts -- but it grew on me and I found it very helpful at my most recent birth. It's a good reference.
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
anyone who is pregnant
on the recommendation of my doula (thanks Merrell!) i just finished reading this book last week... it's fantastic! i like it better than What to Expect when You're Expecting. it has more information and the organization is better. A great resource.
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Read in August, 2008
recommended to Courtney by:
My sister-in-law Sarahrecommends it for: Erin, Teresa, Anne, anyone that is pregnant!
This is a great book! I will probably be reading it right up until I'm in labor because it has so much information. This is the book we used in our birth preparation class so it was nice to talk about it with other expectant parents.
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Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
Anyone thinking of becoming pregnant or already pregnant
I have two copies of this book. I love it. It was required reading to be certified as a doula as well as a childbirth educator. I suggest it to all my clients and friends and family who are thinking of becoming pregnant or are pregnant.
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Read in June, 2006
recommended to Astrila by:
Overlake Hospitalrecommends it for: anyone trying to conceive or pregnant
I only gave it **** since it doesn't have any pretty pictures, but other than that, it's a great book. I haven't read the What to Expect When You're Expecting, but I've heard this one's better, and I believe it.
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recommends it for:
expectant parents, doulas
A very good easy-to-read guide to, oh, pregnancy childbirth and newborns. Really great charts explaining various interventions, medications and treatments in the hospital and pros and cons of each.
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I've actually met this author when I certified as Childbirth Education instructor. She was a physical therapist who went on to use what she had learned for laboring women. Good book--Good insight.
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This book is good, but not as thorough as the Sears’ books. She covers pregnancy briefly and the labor/postpartum periods in more detail offering medical information as well as techniques.
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birth (on 5 people's shelves)
non-fiction (on 3 people's shelves)
baby (on 3 people's shelves)
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