- The Birth Partner, Third Edition
- A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions
- By Penny Simkin
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Women who have continuous support during labor have fewer complications, a lower cesarean-section rate, and a more satisfying birth experience. This makes the presence of a prepared, confident, and calming birth partner essential to the mother’s overall health during labor and delivery and to the creation of a positive memory of her baby’s birth. For almost two decades, The Birth Partner has been the definitive guide for life partners, relatives, friends, and professional doulas (labor assistants) who wish to perform this role and help a woman through childbirth. These caregivers can rely on The Birth Partner for up-to-date information about techniques, devices, and medications for easing labor pain; tests and treatments of the fetus and newborn; strategies to help labor progress; potential medical procedures and interventions; how to best help the mother during the early postpartum period; and much more. The new edition of The Birth Partner also includes more information on “the 3Rs” (Relaxation, Rhythm, and Ritual) for coping with the pain and unpredictability of labor; non-drug techniques to relieve pain and enhance the woman’s sense of well-being; current medications, tests, technologies, and interventions and how, when, and why they are used; and the rapidly increasing rate of both first and repeat cesarean deliveries. It’s a must-have for every labor companion.
Book Details
- Paperback, $16.95
ISBN 978-1-55832-357-5
- Pub Month: February 2008
- Total Pages: 416 pg.
- Trim Size: 6x9
Awards
One of Lamaze International’s Top Ten Recommended Books
From the Press Room
Penny Simkin to speak at La Leche League of WA breastfeeding conference, October 2008
The Birth Partner, Third Edition (press release)
Praise
“Simkin does a great and honest job preparing birth partners for what to expect in terms of their own emotional changes, and how to help the pregnant woman in their life get ready for labor… A balanced and very helpful view of childbirth, labor and delivery, if a labor support person reads only one book during a woman’s pregnancy The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin should be that one.“ - Angela England, Suite101.com
“The Birth Partner is the ultimate guide for mothers, birth coaches, and doulas. There is nothing else so complete, well balanced, and reassuring.”
—Kathleen Huggins, author of The Nursing Mother’s Companion and The Expectant Parents’ Companion
“In these days of fear-based maternity care, this book is an antidote. Employing the lessons and information provided, the birth partner, working with delivery staff (and hopefully with the support of a doula), can form a strategic alliance that will promote the mother’s desired birth experience. And even when the birth takes an unexpected turn, the information will fortify the woman and her supporters with what they need to turn the most complex and medicalized birth into a positive experience.“
—Michael C. Klein, M.D., emeritus professor of family practice and pediatrics, University of British Columbia and Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia
“The birth partner’s bible.”
—Marian Thompson, co-founder of La Leche League International