excellent read!!

SUMMARY OF THE BOOK: Gentlebirth gives many research-based and proven methods to help with childbirth preparation and pregnancy that starts with a mother’s mindset and beliefs surrounding childbirth.

 

What I loved most about this book is the abundance of science and study-based information that is included. I enjoyed this book from start to finish because it was exactly along the lines of a few topics that I had been studying in my own personal life, and included many ideas and techniques that work for improving your personal life in general, and applying those techniques to the context of pregnancy, labor, and early parenting.

It included the basics of interventions that may be used for inductions and pain relief. I felt like there was less information that I expected on morphine and fentanyl and would like more detail on how those drugs affect the balance of hormones for mom and baby before and after delivery.

It talks about relaxation methods that are very effective and great in every-day life, as well as prenatally. Some things talked about, such as meditation and mindfulness, is something I enjoy, and wish more of my clients were familiar with, but most people see it as strange and tend to disregard it. I do hope that this becomes a more mainstream practice, especially in preparation for labor. The book includes extensive information on how the brain, personal beliefs, and self-talk can all affect your body’s hormones and labor.

It was interesting to hear about studies that had been done on many routine prenatal practices, and what the evidence showed as what would be considered the best practice. For example, I did not know that constant fetal monitoring actually has a negative effect and can greatly increase the risk of the mother having a cesarean. And yet, this is a practice that is constantly done, with very little reason, I find. I also found that there are a few ways to assess labor progress that I had not heard of before I read this book which I will definitely be paying attention to with future clients in labor.

As a doula, this book has encouraged and inspired me to put far more emphasis on the benefits of the relaxation practices that I ask my clients to do to help prepare them for labor.  I especially loved all the information on how the brain works and changes as a result of the relaxation practices, and how it applies to labor, which I will also put far more emphasis on when talking to my clients about their pain management options. I will also encourage clients to be practicing relaxation much earlier in pregnancy, and not just when they are nearing the end. From experience I know that it is something that takes practice, and extreme focus during labor. Of course, extra coaching is a major help as well!

I believe this book will be very helpful in helping people prepare for labor. It gives a perspective and ideas that doctors do not talk about with their prenatal patients. It definitely helps to highlight different options and techniques that people can look into. As people who are preparing to deliver a baby read this book, get the evidence-based information, and practice the techniques, there is no doubt they will become more confident and excited about delivering their baby! There is also great information on breastfeeding and parenting a newborn baby, which I strongly believe every soon-to-be parent needs to hear!

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