Author: Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg

Publisher: Plume

Pub. in: July, 1996

ISBN: 0452276594

Pages: 272

Measurements: 8.9 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches

Origin of product: USA

Order code: BA01128

Other information: ISBN-13: 978-0452276598

After having tried the Lamaze method and ending up with an epidural and feeling very "out of control" during my first delivery, I went in search of more information to help me through my second delivery. I happened upon this book at a garage sale and decided it was worth a gander.

While I agree with other reviewers that the book had some dated photos and information, this did not interfere with my personal purposes for buying the book.

Having gone through the process once, I was seeking a method which:

- Informed me in detail about what my body was doing through the birthing process and how I could work "with it" (rather than "escape" from it)

- Gave me natural alternatives for relaxation and bearing the pain (rather than "panting techniques," how to balance on a birthing ball, focusing on imaginary "special places," getting an epidural when I couldn't take it anymore, etc.)

- Gave me exercises to prepare my body ahead of time for the physical demands of labor

- Gave my husband information so he could be part of the process and feel confident in his ability to coach me through

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way proved to be the book that would meet these needs. Putting this information to use during my second labor was amazing. I was able to use the relaxation techniques at home for as long as possible. My husband was able to correctly judge when to get me to the hospital. We were able to get through the transition stage, knowing what the signposts were and that I was "almost there." I was only at the hospital an hour before my son was born. I felt great afterwards without drugs and was more than ready to go home the next day.

Having read this book "with a grain of salt," overlooking the harsh opinions about the medical profession, my husband and I used it as a tool to educate ourselves about my body. It gave us the confidence that with God's help and with an understanding of the design for birth, we could make it through. I was personally also grateful to have a very capable doctor and nurses who were very willing to work with me, and actually stated that they were very refreshed to see my husband and I working together for a "natural" birth.

In conclusion, every birth is different, but I see this book as a great tool to be used with an open mind, not knowing exactly what your personal labor will be like. It is important, however, to invest time in learning and practicing the methods in the book if you really want to reap the benefits.

(From quoting MrsZ, Canada)