Recommended reading fro natural childbirth

[Chaldeonmenthe]

'Birthing from Within' by Pam England is a great book for the arty people amongst us. It is very friendly towards both home and hospital birthing. It is more about working to prepare yourself for the birthing experience and transition into motherhood than any mechanics of birthing.

This may sound very hippie, but remember no books or doctors can compete with a mothers instinct. Always go with your gut with your decisions and beliefs, and fight to the last to make others listen to and respect them. Doctors and midwives included.

[chickenchargrill]

Just wanted to second/third/fourth (however many have already said it) the Hypnobirthing book. I felt so much more in control with the last babe, even if I did drive my consultant mad with my refusals to have early induction. In the end I had to have my waters broke, refused any further monitors being strapped on or drips, just kept saying no. Labour started properly 5 hours after they broke my waters, and a very big boy (9lb 10 with lots of swelling) appeared an hour later.

I also refused to go to the maternity ward and was in my own home straight from the labour ward.

[Pumpkin&Piglet]

Wish I'd gone straight home after mine.

I didn't even have him in the hospital they just took me in because we had to call an ambulance in the end (born in the car).

We were kept hanging around for hours and hours because of midwife shift changes. He was supposed to be checked over at home but I was there so long they had to do certain checks before we left. We should have just come straight home - he was clearly fine and any checks could have been done by a midwife in my front room!

[chickenchargrill]

Pumpkin - I got kept in for ages after my first two. I was determined not to this time and thanks to my stubborness, having a strong birthing partner as well as my other half, we got our own way. It was awesome having my friend, H, in there too. She didn't think she did much but knowing I had a couple of people on my side really helped me stay assertive over my wishes.