Reading suggestions for preparation for labor? I'm not taking lamaze b/c it's $400.?

Question

Hi. I wont be taking lamaze classes because they are just SO expensive. $400! That money can be used toward my daughter when she's here. Anyway, my dr suggested that I buy a video but, when I went to the book store, I saw a picture of a women in labor and it really and truly scarred me! I cant get that image out of my head. So I dont want to watch a video of labor either. Are there any books that I can read to help me prepare for what is going to occur soon? I'm 32 weeks presently. I just need some tips on how to get through the pain and focus and not be scared to death. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

I will leave the option open for me if I need pain meds. But I want to try to deal with it on my own until I cant any longer. I'm not very big on medication if I can avoid it.

Answer 1

1. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: Penny Simpkin

2. A Good Birth, a Safe Birth: Diana Korte

3. Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Susan McCutcheon

4. The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth: Henci Goer

5. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth: Ina May Gaskin

LaMaze is a joke anyway. If you are looking to try for an unmedicated birth, or even just to go undrugged as long as you find yourself able to, these books will help you. If you are looking to understand birth options better, 2 & 4 are great at explaining risk vs. benefit of common procedures and interventions (and their consequences).

If you aren't too concerned about taking labor drugs, getting an epidural, or ending up w/ a C-section, you really don't need to read anything. Just walk through the hospital doors and the doctors & nurses will be happy to make every decision for you from start to finish. ;)

It sounds like you are really nervous, though, which I think ALL soon-to-be-parents are. The popular "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book is a decent read for just answering pregnancy/birth questions, but I don't personally care for the rest of the "What to Expect..." series. Like many other baby care books, the authors write as though their parenting methods are the ONLY ones that work well, or turn out good children, etc. :rolls eyes: Babywise (Ezzo) is another horribly judgemental series to avoid. Some good info in all of them, perhaps, but I don't need my parenting advice to be washed down with a hefty dose of "my way is best", KWIM?

Best of luck. Birth is amazing, although I know that saying that to a first-time parent does NOT offer much reassurance! Personally I prefer natural birth whenever possible, but not all women are the same, nor all births uncomplicated. It's always good to have your options open. ;)

Answer 2

The Birth Book, by Dr. William and Martha Sears
Six Practical Lessons for an Easy Childbirth, by Elisabeth Bing

I was on bedrest and couldn't go to my classes, so I read books. The Birth Book has pretty much everything you need to know -- but it's huge and can be a little overwhelming. Six Practical Lessons is a tiny book and was really all I needed, and it's all about breathing through the pain and letting go of your fear. I had a beautiful birth, with no need for medication, in large part because I'd spent so much time practicing my breathing and thinking about what I was going to do when the baby came.

Answer 3

I bought Ina May Gaskin's book, "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth." It talks about childbirth in a very positive, woman-centered way. I think that book was authored recently. She also wrote a previous book called, "Spiritual Midwifery" in the 70's. Even if you are having your baby in a hospital it will make you less scared, and more focused on the different ways you might birth and how to mentally prepare. I try to stay away from all the hospital-based books because they focus on fear and interventions and they scared the heck out of me!!! We didn't take childbirth classes either due to the cost and plus a lot of my friends said it didn't prepare them for how it really was anyway. I'm 35 weeks now. Good luck with your beautiful new baby-to-come!

Answer 4

Lamaze is definitely nicely actual worth the time and money, exceedingly if it is your first toddler. We took the learning with my first, and that i mandatory no meds, it grow to be painful yet once you somewhat pay attention at school, and put in the attempt it fairly is amazingly attainable. they're very common approximately what to assume, so it does ease your fears of the unknown. As stupid because it ought to sound, the respiration and concentration that they coach you're making a international of distinction. various years later I had yet another baby, didnt take the learning using fact I figured I remembered sufficient, nope. i ended up with the meds interior the IV ( no epidural ) for concerning to the final 0.5 hour of exertions. I say, choose for the learning, and dont be afraid. women have been doing this for many some years the two with and devoid of meds. you will do high quality.

Answer 5

There is this book called the pregnancy bible that pretty much goes through everything about being pregnant and delivering. They too have pictures but I don't think they are too bad. It also has instructions about nursing, how to take care of yourself after the birth, etc. It's really a great book. Are you planning on having any medication to help you with the pain?

Answer 6

They have free lamanze classes! Check your local maternity stores or WIC offices.