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"Is my baby all right?" is a valid question asked by many expectant parents. Today, there are many tests available to help identify abnormalities in babies, and prenatal testing is becoming a more prevalent part of prenatal care. As a midwife, I am aware that only 2 percent to 3 percent of babies are affected by a serious abnormality, leaving 97 percent unaffected. Although I do not routinely advocate the use of prenatal tests, more and more families choose on their own to use them, or a situation may require their use.
This book discusses abnormalities in babies, how they occur and are detected, and the options available to the prospective parents. It helps make sense of the testing system. By offering an in-depth summary of screenings and diagnostic testing methods, this book explains genetics and environmental and hereditary factors in an understandable fashion. Support services are described and case histories are used to suggest more effective choices in a difficult situation.
I feel comfortable about using this book as a reference for parents who have questions about potential abnormalities. It gives good, solid advice presented in a non-biased manner.
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
"Journal" and "journey" originate from the same Latin word, diurnus, meaning "daily." "Diurnata," the author points out, means "a day’s travel." This lovely book guides the reader through the writing process as she journeys through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. It is divided into four sections, each of which focuses on various phases of each trimester and the postpartum period, coming full circle to twelve months after conception. Gently, gently the author inspires the reader to get in touch with her body’s changes, her feelings, her wisdom, then record them. She intersperses the text with journal entries made during her own pregnancy, poetry from many authors, and journal entries from "Journey Into Motherhood" workshop participants. Several blank pages follow each section, handy if the reader chooses to use this book as her journal.
The benefit of a guided journal is that the more difficult issues of pregnancy, childbirth and new motherhood are presented in a reassuring and manageable way. Campbell’s writing style is thoughtful, almost dreamlike, and never directive or judgmental. The reader comes to her own awakenings at her own pace. She can think about and write her own truths with increasing ease.
I asked one of my clients, the new mother of a seven-month-old, to read this book. She said, "I found myself relating to the questions and concerns brought forth by the author. I kept my own journal during pregnancy, and as I looked it over I laughed with familiarity to see the same types of concerns being addressed."
Campbell uses thoughtful techniques: writing letters to your unborn/newborn, looking back to your ancestral roots, reacquainting yourself with your mother and your own birth, imagining, dreamwork, free writing, and many, many more.
I recommend this book not only to pregnant women and birth practitioners, but also to counselors and writing teachers. What a beautiful work of art Leslie Kirk Campbell has created!
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
The first edition of this book, published in 1983, was the first book to show full-color photographs of normal embryonic and fetal development. The second edition continues in the same vein, with updated literature and photography, and uses the Carnegie system of staging to measure development and maturation. Contemporary ultrasound imaging augments the photographs and text.
This full-color volume takes the reader through the normal process of fetal development including pre-embryonic, embryonic and fetal stages. It continues with fetal membranes and placenta, head and neck development, followed by the formation of the thorax, abdomen, limbs, bones and joints, and muscles. All photographs and scans are meticulously identified, tiny feature by tiny feature.
This atlas of embryology is geared for all who might be interested: nurses, midwives, students and doctors as well as families and mothers-to-be. The photographs are astounding, and draw the reader deeper and deeper into the detailed miracle of fetal development.
It must be noted that all of the illustrations are from human specimans, many that were prepared over 40 years ago. Any individuals who object to this will most likely not be interested, but as the preface reads, "It is hoped that this second edition will serve the students of medicine and its allied fields to visualize the beauty and three dimensional nature of human embryonic and fetal development."
Reviewer Jill Cohen practices midwifery in the Eugene, Oregon. Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
Midwifery Today has brought together a rich and striking blend of voices and informative, thought-provoking, heartfelt and diverse material in its new book for both aspiring and practicing midwives. As I read it, I thought that if I could get through it, absorb it, understand it, live it, I could really be a midwife. This book is indeed a screening: for those women who have not the time, commitment, constitution or support for such life work, the true awareness of that reality may very well surface, long before the last of the pages is in sight. Midwifery is not for the meek or cowardly, nor for the arrogant.
The subjects of money and family support (or lack of it) are discussed in a frank and uncompromising way. The subjects of defects and death are met head-on. The practical, educational aspects of midwifery and the intuitive, unseen, spiritual aspects of this calling are fully addressed. Included are the trials and tribulations, victories and tragedies.
This book may give aspiring midwives cause for pause and reflection, as it did me. But its cautionary words woven with an absolute love for, and belief in, midwifery allow us to untangle our own cords of confusion, fear, and desire, and to float peacefully, head down, on our way through.
I loved learning about each of the women through their writing-what midwifery means to them, the reasons why they first decided to become a midwife, the reasons they stay.
I recommend this book unreservedly, not only to aspiring midwives and apprentice midwives, but to all midwives, childbirth educators, labor and delivery staff members, hospital administrators, postpartum care personnel. To read this book is to gain insight into the journey and struggles that today's midwife must traverse in a system that itself has a long way to go to understand the sacrifices and the struggles of the profession. This book is not only for self-evaluation; it is a lovely way to feel a strong pulse of the midwifery heart.
Reviewer Nancy Wainer Cohen is an aspiring midwife and author of Silent Knife, Open Season,and Birthquake. She lives in Needham, Massachusetts with her family.
Published in the Summer 1995 (No. 34) issue of Midwifery Today Copyright 1995, Midwifery Today, Inc.
Julie Tupler is a registered nurse, a certified fitness trainer, and a childbirth educator. She is the founder of Maternal Fitness, a one-on-one labor preparation program based in New York City. Throughout her years of experience she has compiled data, expertise, and proven techniques into a new and innovative book of the same name.
This book takes us past the "Just keep fit" attitude and really shows women how to stretch, strengthen, and relax the muscles they will use most in labor, as well as instructs them in what changes occur in the pregnant body and how to work with these changes.
Maternal Fitness is a wonderful combination of exercise, education, and relaxation to help create a more enjoyable pregnancy and a quicker recovery. Some specific topics include: The do's and don'ts of prenatal exercise; the Tupler technique: getting to know the muscles you need for labor and birth; the do-it-yourself fitness evaluation; posture, muscle strength and flexibility, nutrition, and visualization. Julie defines the BAKs Basics: 13 moves that pregnant women should practice every day.
Drawings are liberally applied to the text to explain exercises, define correct posture and identify muscle groups.
Julie's primary goals for the pregnant woman are first, prevention of common pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, edema, enlarged painful breasts, etc; second, preparation for labor both through exercise and understanding the process of birth; and third, restoration. Julie explains it best by stating "It's just common sense that the more thoughtfully you exercise your body during pregnancy, the faster and more easily it will recover or restore itself to your pre-pregnancy shape and energy level."
Julie Tupler has a wonderful sense of humor and enthusiasm that keeps your attention on her instruction, and makes you want to learn more. She truly makes her program come alive.
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
Medicine Women, Curanderas, and Women Doctors is, as co-author Perrone states, "storytelling." Over several years' time, the authors of this health anthology interviewed representative healers from three traditions: Native American medicine women; Hispanic curanderas; and female allopathic physicians. Told mostly in the subjects' own words, threads of compassion, selflessness, faith, strength, gentleness, wisdom and devotion to their work are apparent in each woman's mantle.
The authors sought out these glimpses into daily lives, beliefs and philosophies of caring to increase our understanding of the ways traditional practices affect communities and practitioners when the healers are female. The result is an excellent, affirming and enlightening view of possibilities for research and improved health care. The authors agree it is time to listen to the wisdom of other belief systems and to incorporate them into both personal and global healing and balancing. By bringing the female approach toward healing to the forefront, everyone's physical and spiritual health will benefit.
This book would be appropriate reading for many: people involved in women's health care, cross-cultural and cross-religious studies, sociology, public health, medical ethics studies, women's studies, and those simply interested in the lives of other female healers.
The essence of Medicine Women, Curanderas, and Women Doctors' message is summed up perfectly in co-author Stockel's closing comment, "To anticipate the enormous potential for improvement in the entire spectrum of healing, should this syncretic model of health care become a reality, the traits women healers hold in common may be combined with their natural empowerment to heal and to utilize spirituality in the forms of courage, communion, and connectedness in their healing ways. The total scope of what may then become possible is monumental."
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
Mother Massage: A Handbook for Relieving the Discomforts of Pregnancy
by Elaine Stillerman
Educators, doulas, and midwives can enhance their practices with knowledge and use of appropriate massage. Seven forms of touch therapy as well as herbs, nutrition, and more are suggested as specific, effective comfort measures for pregnant women. Also given are instructions for full-body massage (suitable for anyone), labor, postpartum, and infant massage, and massage techniques for lactation. Two quick-reference tables provide easy access to details about reflexology, shiatsu, and herbs. Stillerman teaches a course in Mother Massage to professional masseuses, and it’s wonderful to study her techniques in this handy, useable form.
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
Here is an amazing tale of five women with twins and how they formed The Book Group to share and record all they knew about mothering multiples: the obstacles, trials and tribulations, and the many innovative changes that they made in their lives in order to adjust to their special situation. Having come from five different upbringings themselves, the mothers have different viewpoints, giving the reader a broad perspective on all subjects they discussed in their group.
With extensive content, 15 chapters cover diverse topics: finding out about having twins, working with the pregnancy, the birth experience, the first 24 months, establishing support systems, childcare, older children and twins, couple relationships, our own self, and perspectives from fathers. This book is packed with advice!
Linda Albi, who mothers two sets of twins, puts it into perspective as she writes, "I am encouraged by the fact that I’ve gone through this before, and I know, in order to endure, I have learned to keep an open mind and not fight against the many changes that have assailed me. I continue to grow along with my twins."
A thorough resource directory gives information on pregnancy and birth, prematurity, miscarriage, death of a child, child health and safety, breastfeeding, twin information services including twin equipment, parenting resources, and special needs child help services. There is also a good twins reading list.
These women encourage individuality in parenting twins. They encourage each mother to develop her own style and approach to parenting based on her needs and the needs of her children. Through this book, mothers of multiples can find a graceful path in which to nurture their families in a peaceful and happy manner.
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
Ask yourself this question: What food or beverage would ease your pregnancy-related nausea? Something salty, sour, bitter, tart, sweet, crunchy/lumpy, soft/smooth, mushy, hard, fruity, wet, dry, bland, spicy, aromatic, earthy, hot, cold, thin or thick?
Considering how common morning sickness is (it affects 50 percent to 90 percent of all pregnancies), I was happily amazed to find an entire book dedicated to this uncomfortable problem. Miriam addresses many views and strategies that can be used to offset this pesky problem.
The book gives information on the possible causes of morning sickness, its history, its physical and mental manifestations, and available resources from which to get help. Miriam has also included dietary suggestions and good recipes.
Chapter One begins with a thorough explanation of what morning sickness actually is, with a good look at feelings and how smells play a role. "Real Stories from Real Women" gives the reader a sense of purpose, and stories from fathers help to deal with issues on "the other side." The menu portion of the book is extensive, and contains good reference to calories, fat, cholesterol content, and protein as well as characteristics in regards to flavor, fiber content, bitterness, sweetness, etc.
This book is well researched and tastefully done. It’s an excellent reference book for all pregnant women as well as a very useful book for practitioners’ libraries.
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
This very optimistic and comprehensive guide to pregnancy as experienced by women with disabilities is written for the expectant woman, but also has much valuable information for those who providce their prenatal care. Advice is also included for differently-abled women who are contemplating the impact of pregnancy on their bodies and lives.
The book's major strength is in the survey results that list physical changes and challenges that were the result of pregnancy for each of 36 diabled women. Some are charted as pregnancy-related, some as disability-specific, and some are the result of both conditions. Midwifery and out-of-hospital birth are viewed as positive and plausible options, depending on individual circumstances. Also very helpful are the practical discussions of adjusting to postpartum life.
This guide takes an open-minded approach and makes honest assessments. It is a welcome addition to an under-represented category of prenatal literature.
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
Sherokee Ilse has conceived five babies, only two of whom survived past birth. Her personal experiences with miscarriage, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy moved her to teach birth educators to realistically temper their tales of hard work followed by the joy of a perfect infant.
In Presenting Unexpected Outcomes, Ilse shares with educators the reasons and methods for bringing up this painful topic. It stands to reason that those who have experienced perinatal loss have the most insight to share. Knowing that it would be extremely difficult for a teacher to say "How could I have better prepared you for this excruciating disappointment?" to a couple who has been so devastated, Ilse takes the reader by the hand and advises birth educators how to teach so couples understand there are no guarantees. There are specific activities to use in class, a few handouts to reproduce, and plenty of insight and practical advice.
For those who have already tested the waters of realistically discussing such topics, Presenting Unexpected Outcomes offers ways to improve these segments. For the novice, Ilse presents her information in such a way that even newcomers to the field should have no excuse for avoiding discussions of sick infants, stillbirths, SIDS and more.
Expectant couples tend to wear rosier and rosier glasses with each passing year. This guide will encourage educators to find ways to reach behind the facades and protective mechanisms and get closer to the reality awaiting each couple as they travel toward parenthood.
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
Only someone who has been both a medical doctor/researcher and a homebirth midwife could write a book like this one, which explores love from a scientific angle yet with great respect for the beautiful orchestration of normal physiology as it works to its best capacity when it is undisturbed. Love, we learn, is a strategy for human survival.
The author begins with the primal period which includes fetal life, the perinatal period and early infancy. He explores the behavioral effects of various hormones on birth, postpartum, and the interaction of mother and baby. Using this lens, he then examines the offspring in adulthood: has an undisturbed birth resulted in an expansive capacity to love, or have interventions of many kinds resulted in violent criminality, suicide, impaired sociability, schizophrenia?
The book goes on to explore human sexuality, mysticism, death and prayer as changed levels of consciousness. Odent discusses peak experiences and their impact on human health and well being. The human attraction to water and the physical adaptations of the human body to life in water are given a chapter, as is love at a molecular level, a fascinating look into the physiology of emotional states.
Odent's book gives the reader just enough to think about in regard to each subtopic he raises, while the reader is then compelled to find out more-both by doing further research of a formal nature and obeying the urgent need to tap one's deepest, purest intuition. This in itself sounds like an amazing incitement for an author to accomplish, but for anyone who has been in Odent's presence, it is not at all surprising. This fine book is quintessential Odent -- passionate, inquiring and brilliant, with the kind of emerging logic that animates, excites and inspires.
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
The Childbirth Kit was developed by two mothers who met after the births of their children, compared and combined their knowledge about techniques that worked in childbirth for both of them, and decided to share their findings with other women. This lovely and useful kit can help other birthing women focus on the energy of labor in a positive way.
The booklet details birth options, ideas and the basic how-to’s of labor. Divided into six sections, each offers succinct counsel easily accessed under bold sub-heads, with a "Remember" sidebar at the end. The first section, Opening, discusses planning for birth, and offers special tips for a birth partner, along with information on doulas and how a pregnant woman can find her own path in childbirth. The section entitled Progression discusses the anticipation of labor and how to prepare for and practice for it, from how to help create a more relaxed birth with the use of water, breathing, imagery, touch, and humor. The next sections address early labor, active labor, transition and pushing. There are many great ideas that both mother and her birth partner can use to facilitate these phases. Detailed explanations complimented by wonderful drawings give good examples of ways to create a satisfying birth experience.
The cards provided in the kit have a variety of uses. Each card has a beautiful image on one side, and techniques, trigger words, and visualizations on the other side. They are arranged in order so that a set of tools is ready to use at any point during labor and birth. Full explanations on when, how, and which cards to use at what points of time are also included in the booklet. For instance, for the pushing phase the picture of energy (which is a picture of a fiery red sun) and the picture of arrival (a beautiful baby) are used to remind you of the purpose of the intense journey, and to fill you with power. An additional card called Waiting Days Calendar is designed to help you plan fun, motivational, or distracting activities for before and after your due date. Just fill in the blanks per day. Having gone weeks over my own due date, I found this card a brilliant piece of work! Of course the authors offer lots of creative ideas in the booklet to help attain your goals with this card. Finally,there is a blank card so you can create your own image, techniques and ideas.
Marie and Liz help make the birthing experience fun and effective. The Childbirth Kit is very uplifting and positive, and I recommend it for any mother-to-be to help build self confidence while facilitating the natural process of birth.
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
One day while doing prenatals, a client planning a waterbirth handed me a copy of Susanna Napierala's book. She had pored through it and said it had answered all her questions. Over the years I have read a lot of information on water in pregnancy and birth, but this book says it all.
First, the nature of water and its relationship to human beings is discussed. This gives the reader a foundation for understanding the relationship of water to childbirth. Susanna quotes the findings of major authorities in the field and adds her own findings as collaboration.
Birthing options, prenatal care, preparation,and the benefits of water are discussed. Laboring in water, postpartum, and birth stories are also included. A helpful chapter on how to make your own tub is a nice feature.
Susanna's midwifery experience and the testimonies of mothers is reassuring. This book should be read by parents and practitioners alike.
Reviewer Jill Cohen lives and practices midwifery in the Eugene, Oregon area. She is associate editor of Midwifery Today, and senior editor of The Birthkit.
Review courtesy of Midwifery Today.
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