Synopses & Reviews
Anyone working to improve the childbearing experience and help women avoid unnecessary intervention has encountered numerous obstetric myths or old doctors' tales. And while the evidence in the medical literature may be solidly, often unequivocably, against whatever the doctor said, without access to that evidence, the pregnant woman is quite reasonably going to follow her doctor. This book is an attempt to make the medical literature on a variety of key obstetric issues accessible to people who lack the time, expertise, access, or proximity to a medical library to research concerns on their own. This compact, accurate, yet understandable reference is designed for people without medical training and organized for easy access.
After an introductory chapter giving basic information about the different types of medical studies, how to evaluate them, and some basic statistical concepts, Goer provides chapters on cesarean issues, pregnancy and labor management, and a review of alternative approaches. Each chapter begins with a stated myth, followed by an examination of the reality. Goer then analyzes the mainstream belief, pointing out its fallacies. Then comes a list of significant points gleaned from the studies and keyed to her abstracts. Next is the outline by which the abstracts are grouped. Finally come the numbered abstracts of relevant articles published, in most cases, after 1980. The book concludes with a glossary of medical terms and an index. This compact, accurate, and understandable reference tool is designed for people without medical training as well as care givers.
Review
Unencumbered bythe burden of conventional obstetrical thinking, Ms. Goer takes a fresh look at current customs in maternity care. Using logic, common sense, and the latest scientific findings, she has written an incisive critique, inspiring us all--physicians, midwives, childbirth educators, nurses, doulas, and expectant parents--to rethink and question routine care as it exists today. This is "must" reading for all who participate in maternity care.Penny Simkin, P.T., Childbirth Educator, Doula co-author,Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn and author, The Birth Partner
Review
An extremely scholarly and detailed evaluation of the many controversial interventions and issues involved in obstetrical care.Marshall H. Klaus, M.D. Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics University of California, San Francisco and author,Mothering the Mother
Review
Many in the birth community have been waiting for this book with anticipation; it will more than fulfill their expectations. Kudos to Henci Goer for providing quick, easy, and comprehensive access to essential information about the dangers of technobirth. Women in the technocracy have too rapidly embraced the Trojan horse of technology without looking inside this "gift" to see its very real dangers. Let this book be their wake-up call!Robbie E. Davis-Floyd, Ph.D. author,Birth as an American Rite of Passage
Review
Maternity care as we know it is based on myths that are hammered home as truths. This book offers the chance to break free from that pessimistic model and embrace one of genuine health care. Ms. Goer teaches you how to understand the medical/obstetric literature . . . She also shows through the literature how midwifery and out-of-hospital birth are scientifically valid and more likely to result in a healthy mother and baby.Roberta M. Scaer, M.S.S. Co-author, A Good Birth, A Safe Birth
Synopsis
Anyone working to improve the childbearing experience and help women avoid unnecessary intervention has encountered numerous "obstetric myths" or "old doctors' tales." And while the evidence in the medical literature may be solidly, often unequivocably, against whatever "the doctor said," without access to that evidence, the pregnant woman is quite reasonably going to follow her doctor. This book is an attempt to make the medical literature on a variety of key obstetric issues accessible to people who lack the time, expertise, access, or proximity to a medical library to research concerns on their own. This compact, accurate, yet understandable reference is designed for people without medical training and organized for easy access.
About the Author
HENCI GOER is an ASPO-certified childbirth educator and doula (professional labor support).
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Nature of Evidence: How to Read the Medical Literature
The Cesarean Epidemic
The Cesarean Rate
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Cephalopelvic Disproportion, Failure to Progress, Labor Dystocia and Active Management
Breech Presentation
Fetal Distress and Electronic Fetal Monitoring
Pregnancy and Labor Management
Gestational Diabetes
Postdates Pregnancy: Induction versus Watching and Waiting
Premature Rupture of Membranes at Term
IVs versus Eating and Drinking in Labor
Amniotomy
Epidural Anesthesia
Episiotomy
The Case for an Alternative System
Midwives
The Freestanding Birth Center
Home Birth
The Nature of Evidence (Reprise): Why the Gap Between Belief and Reality?
Glossary