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Water Birth: The Concise Guide to Using Water During Pregnancy, Birth, and Infancy
A guide for expectant parents discusses the benefits of using birth pools during labor and childbirth and the use of water for meditation, relaxation, and exercise during pregnancy and after the baby's birth
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 4, 2026
Left 3 stars because it was good info, but very repetitive. I’m excited to have a water birth.
February 23, 2010
An extremely useful book for those determined to labour and/or give birth in water. The book is an exhaustive source of information: it gives historical perception of the idea of birth in water; depicts in the smallest detail the process of labour and birth trough all the stages; clarifies even the smallest questions of medical, psychological and practical character that could arise.
The book explains the process of preparation of becoming mother, the labour and birth itself on an everyday language. It depicts in detail all the medical procedures that might need to be done so that they could be understood without the necessity of having medical education to be understood and in the same time not sounding laic.
Every chapter of the book is illustrated with a personal story and backed with numerous scientific studies and data leaving no room for doubt on the safety and positive effects of labouring in water.
The Water Birth Book is exactly about that – water birth, but in the same time it keeps in the reader's mind that each and every birth is different and specific in its own way. That is why it prepares women for all the unexpected situations that could arise during pregnancy and the phases of labouring (in water or, if necessary, outside the birth pool).
It notes all the medical procedures that could become crucial for the safety of the mother and child, all the positive and negative effects of their application.
It inspires the belief in the powers that each woman possesses - something pregnant women desperately need in times of highly hospitalised and medicamentised labouring process (at least in countries where women are convinced by medical personnel that natural birth is barbaric and a Cesarean is the safest, easiest and best way to deliver).
In the end this book builds a balanced and realistic view and expectations about the birth in general no matter how it is achieved.
The book explains the process of preparation of becoming mother, the labour and birth itself on an everyday language. It depicts in detail all the medical procedures that might need to be done so that they could be understood without the necessity of having medical education to be understood and in the same time not sounding laic.
Every chapter of the book is illustrated with a personal story and backed with numerous scientific studies and data leaving no room for doubt on the safety and positive effects of labouring in water.
The Water Birth Book is exactly about that – water birth, but in the same time it keeps in the reader's mind that each and every birth is different and specific in its own way. That is why it prepares women for all the unexpected situations that could arise during pregnancy and the phases of labouring (in water or, if necessary, outside the birth pool).
It notes all the medical procedures that could become crucial for the safety of the mother and child, all the positive and negative effects of their application.
It inspires the belief in the powers that each woman possesses - something pregnant women desperately need in times of highly hospitalised and medicamentised labouring process (at least in countries where women are convinced by medical personnel that natural birth is barbaric and a Cesarean is the safest, easiest and best way to deliver).
In the end this book builds a balanced and realistic view and expectations about the birth in general no matter how it is achieved.
August 20, 2024
This is the book that I read as a teenager and decided I would have water births. I did end up having four water births, so I guess it made an impact.
October 18, 2022
This book did not disappoint. Janet Balaskas is very knowledgeable about the female body and water births. The first chapter goes into detail about the doctors who pioneered water births, their reasons for doing so, and the research that has been done the last 50 years. I was quite surprised to learn how much research has gone into water births. It's incredibly popular outside of the US (she explains why this is). In some first world countries, a hospital birth is only for women with high-risk pregnancies. She opens up your eyes to a different perspective and level of care than that of US hospital births. If you have no interest in exploring birth options outside of popular medical protocol, this isn't the book for you. Janet shares hospital and home birth statistics and comparisons. And notes all of her references as well incase you're interested in doing your own research. She covers everything in this book, including common concerns and complicated pregnancies. She isn't dogmatic by any means and understands not every birth is going to be as perfect as the mother wishes it to be. She encourages mothers to listen to their body and make decisions accordingly. And if the mother has a high risk pregnancy, recommends a hospital or birthing center, as water birth at home may not be the best option for her and the baby. Her whole agenda revolves around the mother and baby being as comfortable and as safe as possible throughout labor and birth. She is incredibly familiar with the female body and the process it goes through during pregnancy, labor, and finally delivery. She is also very familiar with medical protocols for hospital births, and explains why they may or may not be right for you depending on your situation. Her outlook on birth is beautiful. Its not all about painful contractions and laboring for hours on end. She recognizes the life that is about to be delivered into the world, and how emotional this moment is for the mother. Even if you plan to have a hospital birth I highly recommend this book so you can understand your own body and make a good birthing plan. The insight she shares is invaluable. At last, the book is filled with amazing pictures of water births, and stories mothers share of their births. It's an encouraging book that will put you at ease regardless of your birth plans.
December 16, 2025
fascinating fr fr
November 14, 2012
2.5 stars. This would probably have been better as a 50 page ebook - much of the book is padding or irrelevancy to fill up the pages. The core information does present a useful overview of waterbirth, including the recognition that it isn't right for everyone, and the dangers involved, and helped firm my decision to pursue one.
On a side note - I wish natural birth advocates didn't presume all their readers have minds so open that their brains fall out. Just because I am willing to accept on the evidence that water birthing is a relatively pleasant and safe way to approach labour doesn't mean I am willing to accept that every disproven SCAM remedy in the world is effective, or that attachment parenting is good for children.
On a side note - I wish natural birth advocates didn't presume all their readers have minds so open that their brains fall out. Just because I am willing to accept on the evidence that water birthing is a relatively pleasant and safe way to approach labour doesn't mean I am willing to accept that every disproven SCAM remedy in the world is effective, or that attachment parenting is good for children.
July 16, 2012
This was a great commercial for water birthing without really giving me enough scientific info to decide. Anecdotal evidence doesn't cut it. Maybe that's all there is; maybe more studies need to be conducted. But overall, I did not find this book helpful at all.
June 29, 2013
I love the idea of a water birth and love water myself. But after I'd finished reading it, I was told by my doctor that a water birth was out of the question because of gestational diabetes. Anyway I can still have a bath and use water as a pain relief!
March 25, 2016
Very comforting book for an expecting mother. Whether you intend on having a water birth or just laboring in water and birthing on land it is full of useful information and insight from other woman who share their birthing experiences.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews