THE ESSENTIAL HOMEBIRTH GUIDE

Professional midwives Drichta and Owen present a comprehensive and easy-to-read guide to lead mothers through each phase of pregnancy and home birth.

The authors organize the book in a question-and-answer format, with heartfelt testimonials interspersed throughout. Their goal was to open the range of experience and exposure for pregnant women so when they “make decisions regarding where and how to birth, [they] will be making truly informed ones.” Drichta and Owen stress that midwives focus on the mother and family—developing a strong relationship, educating the mother and creating a birthing plan tailored to the mother’s preferences. The authors’ relationship-centered chapters walk readers through each step of pregnancy and delivery, including nutrition, prenatal testing, home birth after a cesarean and 10 common pregnancy-related issues. The authors also discuss special circumstances such as twins and breech babies. In addition, Drichta and Owen instruct readers on how to prepare their home for birth (a clean bathroom is key). They also admit that not every birth can take place at home, counseling mothers to have a written plan if they must transfer to a hospital. The authors back up their assertions with statistics, and each chapter is footnoted. Appendixes include questions to ask when choosing a home-birth attendant, a home-birth reading list, websites for childbirth education and support, and resources for high-risk births. A foreword by Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, encourages mothers to access their innate birthing wisdom.

A strong, helpful resource for anyone considering a home birth.