REVIEW: The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth (Goer)

I feel that the author, Henci Goer, did a great job with this book. She makes it clear from the very beginning (page 6) which side of the fence she stands on in regards to childbirth. I appreciated her forthright honesty. She even admits to wanting to sway the reader to her way of thinking. However, she goes about in two ways. First, she has research and studies to back up what she feels is optimal care. She even goes so far as to include the studies in their entirety in the appendices. Secondly, she compares several options side by side, which encourages the reader to draw their own conclusions.

I enjoyed that the book was broken down into specific categories with only one issue/procedure/subject specifically addressed per chapter. While I preferred to read the book chronologically, she sets it up in a way that it could be read out of order with page references directing you to the other topics within each chapter.

I found it encouraging that she addresses the Cesarean epidemic straight away because she feels it is "the most pressing issue in maternity care." She does a nice job explaining why our C-section rate is on the rise, the procedure itself, as well as both short and long-term side effects. I was slightly disappointed that she didn't go into more detail about how to prevent this major abdominal surgery but this is addressed in the remainder of the book.

In the very next chapter she addresses a breech birth which, in this day and time, almost 100% guarantees a Cesarean delivery. Here, she discusses the different types of breech presentation and risks associated with both a vaginal birth or C-section. The author presents different methods for trying to turn a breech baby as well as their associated risks. I found this chapter the most informative.

The remaining chapters of this book explain common procedures and interventions that are common to childbirth in the United States, most of which the author frowns upon. She goes into great detail to explain why most of these tactics are unnecessary and can potentially cause more harm that good. She gives her recommendations for how to avoid such procedures but also explains the pros and cons of each should your provider want to proceed with a certain course of action.

While I whole-heartedly agreed with the author's viewpoints, I am afraid this book could potentially put off a first time mom. The writer concludes her book with her preference for all women to deliver at home with a midwife if possible. While I believe this option lends itself to fewer interventions and healthier outcomes, I would only recommend her book for a client with a healthy pregnancy who has expressed interest in as few interventions as possible. I would also recommend this to a mom who had a less than ideal hospital birth and is looking for a better birthing experience overall.

It's definitely a book for a birth professional to add to their lending library solely based on the evidence-based conclusions and I rather enjoyed reviewing her material and suggestions.