The Essential Homebirth Guide

November 15, 2012
Professional midwives Drichta and Owen present a comprehensive and easy-to-read guide to lead mothers through each phase of pregnancy and home birth. The authors organize the book in a question-and-answer format, with heartfelt testimonials interspersed throughout. Their goal was to open the range of experience and exposure for pregnant women so when they "make decisions regarding where and how to birth, [they] will be making truly informed ones." Drichta and Owen stress that midwives focus on the mother and family--developing a strong relationship, educating the mother and creating a birthing plan tailored to the mother's preferences. The authors' relationship-centered chapters walk readers through each step of pregnancy and delivery, including nutrition, prenatal testing, home birth after a cesarean and 10 common pregnancy-related issues. The authors also discuss special circumstances such as twins and breech babies. In addition, Drichta and Owen instruct readers on how to prepare their home for birth (a clean bathroom is key). They also admit that not every birth can take place at home, counseling mothers to have a written plan if they must transfer to a hospital. The authors back up their assertions with statistics, and each chapter is footnoted. Appendixes include questions to ask when choosing a home-birth attendant, a home-birth reading list, websites for childbirth education and support, and resources for high-risk births. A foreword by Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, encourages mothers to access their innate birthing wisdom. A strong, helpful resource for anyone considering a home birth.

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Starred review from August 1, 2013

In this supportive and fact-filled title, midwives Drichta and Owen fill a necessary gap in the literature about home birthing and provide a realistic and comforting view of how it is managed. Midwifery care is very different from obstetrical care, and its holistic approach is made evident here. The authors begin with a historical overview of homebirth and address choosing a provider, as well as prenatal care and the supplies, preparations, and considerations for the birth itself. This information is followed by notes on postpartum care and a wealth of appendixes, including photos, reading lists, and sample questions for a potential provider. The text is a wonderful combination of narrative, sidebars, medical information, Q&A, and birth stories, reflecting the recommended model of care--which emphasizes parent decision-making and midwife as coach. VERDICT Readers will come away from this title with a clear understanding of homebirth options and outcomes. With the rise in the number of women seeking a pregnancy-as-a-healthy-life-experience approach, this exceptional and distinguished guide should find a welcome readership in all communities. A mandatory purchase for all libraries.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2013
A foreword by Christiane Northrup, the influential ob/gyn and best-selling author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom (2010), ensures that this is no quacky guide to home birth. At a time when C-sections make up an estimated 30 to 50 percent of U.S. births, this book by two midwives and nurse educators puts the power back into mothers' hands. And it offers guidance to all pregnant women, not only those who plan to deliver at home. Drichta and Owen talk about prenatal nutrition (nix the sugar and processed foods) and urge pregnant women to simply enjoy themselves. They note that, contrary to popular belief, women who miscarry are not at increased risk of miscarrying again unless they experience three sequential miscarriages. They recommend making a birth kit, including flexible straws (easier to drink from during labor), a heating pad, and lots and lot of towels. Taking to heart the idea that a picture is worth a thousand words, they tuck in photos of women giving birth at home. Their calm, commonsense advice should make all pregnant women feel comforted and well prepared.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)