The national C-section rate is at an all-time high of 31
percent. Are all these C-sections necessary, or are some of them
done simply for the sake of convenience? Inductions seem to be the
norm, but are they always needed? Today, expectant mothers are
often left feeling powerless, as their instincts are replaced by
drugs and routine medical procedures.
What you are about to discover is that you have a choice, and
you have the power to plan the kind of birth that's right
foryou-whether it is at a birth center, a hospital, or at
home. In YOUR BEST BIRTH, internationally known advocates of
informed choiceRickiLakeand Abby Epstein inspire women to take back
the birth experience, with essential advice on:
Positive and negative effects of epidurals, Pitocin, and other
drugs and interventions
Inducing vs. allowing your labor to progress naturally
The truth behind our country's staggering C-section rate
Assembling your birth team and creating your birth plan.
With chapters such as "Obstetricians:Finding Dr. Right,"
"Epidurals: You Haven't Got Time for the Pain," and "Electronic
Monitors:Readingbetween the Lines,"Lakeand Epstein will encourage
you to consider whatever your doctor, mother, and best friend may
suggest in a new light. The book also includes inspiring birth
stories, including those from well-known personalities, such as
Laila Ali and Cindy Crawford. Packed with crucial advice from
childbirth professionals, and delivered in a down-to-earth,
engaging voice, YOUR BEST BIRTH is sure to renew your confidence
and put the control back where it belongs: with
parents-to-be!
"Abby Epstein and Ricki Lake have taken a wonderful and constructive approach to ensuring an optimal birthing experience. Their language creates a 'climate of confidence' for pregnant women and their families, who must make key decisions about where, how and with whom to give birth in a health care system often unresponsive to our needs. This book is like a good friend giving wise counsel." --Judy Norsigian, co-editor ofOur Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birthand Executive Director, Our Bodies Ourselves
