I just finished Unassisted Childbirth by Laura Kaplan Shanley. It was not exactly what I was looking for. I was looking for something in terms of a practical how to because I have very quick labors and I would like to be prepared if I do not make it to the hospital. This book was more of the "why's" against hospital births, although she is preaching to the choir. I have never had a homebirth, but would love one. I am not having one because the lay midwives are all too far away to come here to assist. I have quick easy labors. The only parts of any of my birth experiences that were traumatic were when the staff would not just leave me alone coupled by the lack of privacy. So she does not have to go far to convince me that being in the comfort and privacy of your home would be so much more preferable.
Aside from the lack of more practical info, my other critique is there were at least two chapters of New Agey suggestions of affirmations and thinking yourself to a quick and painless labor. I have little patience for New Age stuff. I also have little patience for both her and Dr. Bradley's attitude that labor does not hurt. I think labor can be enjoyable despite the pain, and having the right atmosphere and attitude can cut down on the pain, and even that some women experience more pain than others. But I think the idea that labor really does not hurt, but it is programmed into our subconscious by a malecentric society is a fallacy. If that were the case, it simply would not hurt. Why not program that eating ice cream is very painful? Why childbirth? Besides, the Bible states:
To the woman he said:
I shall give you intense pain
you will give birth to your children
in pain.
Genesis 3:16
She was pregnant, and in labour, crying aloud in the pangs of childbirth.
Revelation 12:2
So that is what scripture says and that overrides Ms. Shanley and Dr. Bradley in my book.
All that aside, as simply as a childbirth preparation book, I found the attitude of this book much more refreshing than Lamaze and Dr. Bradley who I thought were both full of bologna. Even though the book was about unassisted childbirth, there was a certain perspective that I think can be brought to any birth situation. I mean all these methods are take what will work for you and leave the rest, it is just annoying how militant they are about their particular perspective. Although I think I found Dr. Bradley the most annoying. I don't think many husbands really like being the coach person and I liked Laura Shanley's perspective that childbirth is ultimately about the mother and baby and no one else. Emotionally, if there is anyone else involved, it certainly is about the husband, but it doesn't have to be if no one is really feelin' that.
Anyway, if you are expecting I recommend this book even if you are not planning an unassisted or even homebirth. Actually especially if you are having a hospital birth because it will help you focus on a good birth plan and decide what you want out of your birth experience.
