Paperback – 400 pages

MORE THAN 500,000 COPIES SOLD! In this completely revised and updated edition, the nations leading midwife shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience.

This book should be read by every woman who is having or may someday have a baby, and by every midwife, nurse, doula, childbirth educator, and doctor who assists or may someday assist these women through their maternity experiences.Marsden Wagner, M.D., M.S., former Director of Womens and Childrens Health, World Health Organization

Based on the female-centered Midwifery Model of Care and drawing upon her decades of experience, Ina May Gaskin gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention.

Filled with inspiring birth stories and practical advice, this invaluable resource covers:

Reducing the pain of labor without drugsand the miraculous roles touch and massage play
Whatreallyhappens during labor
Orgasmic birthmaking birth pleasurable
Common methods of inducing laborand which to avoid at all costs
Tips for maximizing your chances of an unmedicated labor and birth
How to avoid postpartum bleedingand depression
The risks of anesthesia and cesareanswhat your doctor doesnt necessarily tell you
How to create a safe, comfortable environment for birth in any setting, including a hospital
And much more!

Ina Mays Guide to Childbirthtakes the fear out of childbirth by restoring womens faith in their own natural power to give birth with more ease, less pain, and less medical intervention.