The Complete Illustrated Birthing Companion: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating the Best Birthing Plan for a Safe, Less Painful, and Successful Delivery

How to give birth is the most important decision of a woman's pregnancy, but navigating the maze of options is overwhelming. The Complete Illustrated Birthing Companion clearly lays out the process for eight successful birthing plans from home births and hospital births to a natural unmedicated delivery and C-sections. Each path outlines the latest research on every technique and procedure from water birthing to medications and includes "Real Deal" and "Inside Information" sections that detail the huge variations parents-to-be sometimes encounter. Written by an OB/GYN, nurse/midwife, and neonatal nurse, this photo-filled essential guide presents the most balanced and comprehensive perspective on all aspects of delivery today including red flags that indicate when another birthing plan may be more appropriate as well as helpful strategies and trimester-by-trimester schedules for the smoothest birth experience possible. "Every expecting mom is hungry for information and guidance. The Complete Illustrated Birthing Companion is that and so much more In order to attain our personal best throughout pregnancy, as well as during and after childbirth, access to information and services are key. Women need to feel prepared and supported going into motherhood." --Christy Turlington Burns, Author, Living Yoga: Creating a Life Practice , and Founder, Every Mother Counts "The authors have taken a comprehensive, straightforward, and truly unbiased look at the many childbirth options available to women today. This is an indispensable guide for expectant mothers everywhere."--Alexa Joy Sherman, deputy editor, Natural Health magazine "From the best experts in the field of childbirth, The Complete Illustrated Birthing Companion is a real-life guide to the entire process of having a baby. Most importantly, it explains the spectrum of choices, from drug-free home birth to what to expect during a C-section, and everything in between. Don't go into labor without it " --Peg Moline, editor-in-chief, Fit Pregnancy magazine