Unassisted Childbirth [Format Kindle] Author: Laura Kaplan Shanley | Language: English | ISBN:
B000PC0V2U | Format: PDF, EPUB
Unassisted Childbirth Download books file now Unassisted Childbirth from with Mediafire Link Download Link
Présentation de l'éditeur
For many generations, society has assumed that childbirth, with its associated fear, pain, and risks, must take place in a hospital setting in the presence of medical professionals who have no relationship to the parents and their baby. Laura Kaplan Shanley rebuffs the context of this assumption, which treats childbirth as a "disease" rather than as a natural process. In Unassisted Childbirth, she calls upon the thousands of years during which women gave birth without medical intervention--arguing that with the proper beliefs, women are capable of and can opt for delivering their own babies, with or without their partners. Shanley, who had her own four children at home without medical assistance, explains how women's apprehensions contribute to most difficulties encountered in labor. In addition, she points out, only after the practice of placing women in infectious hospital settings began did the risk of hemorrhaging, sickening or even dying in childbirth increase. As she assessed prenatal procedures that supposedly assure the expectant mother, Shanley reveals the fallibility of such long-relied-upon techniques as ultrasonography, induction, supine birth positioning, the use of IVs, enemas, anesthesia and fetal monitors. The author then explores how women can, by building faith in the power of the birth process, change the feelings of guilt, shame, and fear that inhibit many from attempting unassisted home birth. Finally, she and others who have delivered their own babies--sometimes in the face of formidable societal opposition--tell their stories, full of love, triumph, and pride. This remarkable book offers new insight, alternatives and information for expectant mothers, midwives, childbirth professionals and all others concerned with the issue.
Books with free ebook downloads available Unassisted Childbirth
There are several things you need to know if you're considering buying this book:
1. Ms. Shanley has become an unofficial spokesperson for Unassisted Childbirth (UC is homebirth without midwifery care). So if you're considering one, it is worth reading the book despite the points I'm about to make.
2. As a previous poster indicated, Ms. Shanley's book is not a handbook. It is more of an argument for UC, a nice collection of data and quotations to support UC, a recounting of her experiences in life leading up to and including her five UCs, and a recounting of other people's wonderful UC stories. This part is good and I wish the book had stopped here. But of course, she couldn't leave well enough alone.
3. The remainder of the book, about half of the book presents Ms. Shanley's cognitive view of the world: that you can control your body with your mind. For example, she practices (or practiced) "mental birth control," which I can only assume is the practice of willing oneself not to become pregnant. It's not her ideas that I find objectionable: it's the rationale she uses.
Most of her ideas come from a life philosophy she and her husband formulated. Many, many pages are devoted to recounting the philosophy of a series of books entitled Seth Speaks (and related titles) by Jane Roberts. Seth is Ms. Robert's alter ego in the multiple-personality-disorder sense. Ms. Roberts devoted five books to Seth's outpourings of philosophy.
The fact that Ms. Shanley's life philosophy derives largely from the ramblings of a multiple personality who does not use the word "but" - combined with the fact that her husband "willed himself" to lactate - gives the book a decidedly looney feel. If you can get past the feeling of, "Wow, this woman is certifiably nuts," the book may be very inspiring to you. If not, I'd say skip the life-philosophy chapters.
I recommend Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin as an alternative from a woman who is equally positive about women's bodies but sounds a little more sane.
Par Lydia Musher
- Publié sur Amazon.com
I first read Unassisted Childbirth before my first was born. I had already decided we were going to UC, but I wasn't totally committed. Although I don't agree with all of Laura's spiritual/religious beliefs, they did not detract (for me) from the ultimate message of the book, which is that UC is a viable choice and the key is trusting yourself and God. She does not denigrate those who don't choose UC, but shows that it is a respectful decision for those who so decide. We have had two beautiful, planned, unassisted births and look forward to many more. This book was the clincher for me. It brought me to the ultimate peace and tranquility I needed to proceed with our decision. I have never turned back and I thank Laura for sharing her journey and stories and thoughts with us. She has brought unassisted birth to the forefront of birthing choices and I believe the world is better for it.
Par Mary Siever
- Publié sur Amazon.com
Unassisted Childbirth Download
Please Wait...