Pregnancy & Childbirth Secrets

by Gail J. Dahl

[2007. Vancouver, British Columbia: Innovative Publishing, 286 pages, paperback.]

[Review first published in Midwifery Today Issue 84, Winter 2007, © 2007, Midwifery Today, Inc. Review by Cheryl K. Smith.]

This accessible and down-to-earth book came about after the author found a dearth of helpful information about childbirth during her own pregnancy. What she learned after running an ad requesting mothers to send her their best tips of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care will not surprise those of us who have worked in birth for any length of time: Medicalized birth is causing trauma and physiological damage to moms and babies. This gem of a book guides women through the months of pregnancy and into the newborn and breastfeeding period, imparting along the way a wealth of “secrets” compiled by the author. These secrets address such issues as choosing a provider, prenatal testing, cesarean section, preparing for birth, circumcision and breastfeeding. This book will make a great gift for any expectant parents.

Reviewer Cheryl K. Smith is managing editor for Midwifery Today and publisher of Ruminations, the Nigerian Dwarf and Mini Dairy Goat Magazine, as well as raising a small herd of mini dairy goats in the coast range of Oregon.

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