Journey with You

When I was researching on my options of birth, I got a recommendation for this book from a Bradley lecture. I was hoping we could at least take a condensed class focusing on the birth part. (Their whole program lasts about three months.) However, I was already two months until due date and the only lecture available said she won’t get to the labor part until May. Therefore, I decided to get a book and self-study.

I was initially thinking about getting the Husband Coached Childbirth by Dr. Bradley. After reading reviews and talking to the lecture, I’ve decided to get the Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg. Dr. Bradley’s book focus more than just the birth itself and it doesn’t have many illustrations or pictures. The later one focuses mainly on all the relaxation techniques I need for birth and has many helpful pictures and illustrations.

After reading the book, even though this is my second child, I’ve realized how few I knew about childbirth. The birth lesson we took with Cyrus seems totally useless compared to this book. I really learned more about my body’s changes during birth and realized how I should simply relax my body and feelings and let my body do the job. I’ve learned lots of useful relaxtion and pain-relief techniques. A lot of them actually are simple meditation techniques. I also learned the right positions for birth and how I can breath and push efficiently during the second stage.

Like some readers pointed out, some medical information in the book is outdated. However, I still strongly recommend this book simply because the basic principle of natural childbirth doesn’t change, no matter how much the technology has changed. I absolutely love the concept of “husband coached childbirth”. It’s so helpful the book teaches husbands how to handle the whole childbirth process. It’s wonderful to think that my husband and I are a team. I am not giving birth all by myself. We are doing it together!

One reader said she had a smooth, natural childbirth by reading through this book for only once. I am nervous as the first time but am also much more educated and confident that I am in charge with the birth of my child. I am looking forward to doing it “my way”.