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The cover of Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

Gaskin, Ina May

What can expectant parents learn from many mothers' birth stories and a midwife's case against routine interventions?

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At a glance

Author
Gaskin, Ina May

Why read it

  • You will question routine steps such as induced labor and ask what the evidence says
  • You will ask whether a routine procedure like episiotomy is needed in your case
  • You will hear in mothers' own words how their labors unfolded, which helps you picture your own

Who it is for

  • Expectant parents choosing where and how to give birth
  • Partners who want to support someone in labor
  • Doulas, nurses and students of maternal care

Contents

  1. A NOTE OF THANKS
  2. AN INVITATION
  3. INTRODUCTION TO THE BIRTH STORIES
  4. James’s Birth—November 16, 1986 By Karen Lovell
  5. Harley’s Birth—October 19, 1995 By Celeste Kuklinski
  6. A Story of Sisterhood—February 13, 1972 By Mary Shelton
  7. Ramez’s Birth Story—May 30, 2003 By Njeri Emanuel
  8. Brianna Joy’s Birth—June 20, 1995 By Bernadette Bartelt
  9. Abigail Rosalee’s Birth—April 21, 2000 By Katie Hurgeton
  10. Autumn Apple Windseed’s Birth—November 11, 1970 By Kim Trainor
  11. Lily Rose Heart’s Birth—November 20, 1976 By Kim Trainor
  12. Otis Francisco’s Birth—July 2, 1980 By Kim Trainor
  13. The Joy of Delivering Grace—April 30, 2000 By Kathryn B. Van de Castle
  14. Shannah’s Birth—May 22, 1985 By Mary Ann Curran
  15. Sara Jean’s Story—December 5, 1999 By Sara Jean Schweitzer
  16. Rosey’s Story—September 20, 1994 by Rosemary Larson
  17. The Most Painful, Most Wonderful, Most Beautiful Experience: A Birth on The Farm—May 17, 1997 By Tracey Sobel
  18. Who Knew? By Anonymous
  19. Galen’s Birth—September 16, 1972 By Anita Staengl
  20. Samuel’s Birth Story—July 18, 1979 By Patricia Lapidus
  21. Angelika’s Story—June 18, 1991 By Angelika and Viktor Engelmann
  22. Evan’s Birth—January 24, 1998 By Diana Janopaul
  23. It’s a Nose!—December 22, 1982 By Valerie Gramm
  24. Heaven Morgaine’s Birth—December 22, 1990 By Beth Colton
  25. The Birth of Dylan Zade—March 1, 1991 By Suzi Mitchell
  26. Felicia’s Birth—November 21, 1973 By Susan Levinson
  27. Jake’s Birthing Tale—May 31, 1989 By Lorrell Friend
  28. Joel’s Birth Story—July 6, 1973 By Kathleen Rosemary
  29. The Magic of Life—March 13, 1990 By Tazio Qubeck
  30. Harry’s Birth—August 2, 1976 By Rita Winningham
  31. Mulci’s Birth—October 13, 1974 By Jeanne Madrid, LM
  32. Robin’s Birth—July 24, 1983 By Suzy Jenkins Viavant
  33. Vanessa’s Birth—January 21, 1990 By Suzy Jenkins Viavant
  34. Lois’s Story—May 7, 1977 By Lois Stephens
  35. Climbing Out of Despair By Charmaine O’Leary*
  36. Travelers
  37. Sebastian’s Birth—July 12, 1986 By Ellen Coss
  38. Moment of a Miracle—December 23, 1986 By Rebecca Salonsky
  39. Annah’s Story—May 28, 1992 By Lais Sonkin
  40. Lisa’s Birth—April 22, 1983 By Sue and Chris Topf
  41. Chelsea’s Birth—July 22, 1987 By Marbeth and Stephen Dunn
  42. Reuben’s Birth—April 15, 1977 By Barbara Bloomfield
  43. Mariahna Margaret’s Birth—October 2, 1980 By Carol Nelson
  44. Liza’s Birth—Esalen, Big Sur, California—September 19, 1990 By Karrie Dundas
  45. How We Got Corbett—December 17, 1994 By Nancy Presley
  46. M(idwife in) D(isguise) By Heidi Rinehart, MD
  47. Julianna’s Birth—March 6, 1993 By Heidi Rinehart, MD
  48. Ajahna’s Birth—May 14, 2000 By Mariahna Nelson-Schaefer
  49. INTRODUCTION
  50. 1 THE POWERFUL MIND/BODY CONNECTION
  51. The Wrong Environment Can Stall or Reverse Labor
  52. 2 WHAT HAPPENS IN LABOR
  53. The Hormones That Regulate Labor and Birth
  54. 3 THE PAIN/PLEASURE RIDDLE
  55. Painless Birth
  56. Orgasmic Birth
  57. Birth Pain Is Different from Other Pain
  58. Respecting Our Bodies
  59. 4 SPHINCTER LAW
  60. The Excretory and Reproductive Sphincters

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