The Positive Birth Book: A New Approach to Pregnancy, Birth and the Early Weeks

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So keeping in mind that it is basically a glorious, useful, practical, indispensable beginning birth book, and that I have many, MANY good things to say, I'll just drop my minor criticisms here:

Includes a brand new chapter: What Women Want. What Women Need. What Women Are. Praise for Give Birth Like a FeministFor a writer who declares: “no woman should be judged for her choices”, there was a lot of unnecessary judgment in this book. Also, I found it laughable that the chapter on “A Positive Hospital Birth” was essentially a long paragraph on why you *shouldn’t* give birth at a hospital unless under extreme circumstances, and then a halfhearted second paragraph basically saying “but if you have to, just try to make it feel like a home birth if you can.” see the following links for more info (although there is plenty more and this is just the tip of the iceberg) In case anyone is uncertain about what you’re “allowed” to do when giving birth, Hill spells it out: stop asking for permission, recognize that your experience matters–quite a bit–and demand respect. Researchers, activists, and journalists have been raising alarms about inappropriate and even abusive maternity treatment for decades, yet it persists. Hill joins the chorus with a loud call to action for feminists: this is your issue, too.”

While the author’s intent seems to be to empower women to make choices, she is quite distrusting of the medical profession and her approach is more likely to create fear among pregnant women of doctors rather than encourage them to trust in their knowledge and expertise when working with them. She talks often of how women traditionally gave birth at home without doctors intervening and the nostalgia with which she talks about the past suggests she thinks giving birth was ‘better’ then because it was more ‘natural’. She seems to conveniently forget that before modern medicine, women and children were more likely to die in childbirth than today in large part because medical care including facilities and research were not as good then as they are today. My Period is perfectly written for girls going through puberty, in a language that they will understand. A no nonsense, essential guide for young girls that explains EVERYTHING they need to know. Highly recommended!” We started off on the wrong food when Ms Hill said that she would rather take castor oil than be induced. Uhm, no! Castor oil is dangerous and you're writing a book giving out advice to confused, vulnerable women! The Positive Birth Book is like everything I ever Googled pre-birth rolled into a friendly, warm format and is full-to-burtsing with USEFUL information. For example, I am rhesus negative and to be honest I never really understood what that meant, I just did what I was told! This book explains it so well. It is also refreshing to read something positive about all types of birth – I didn’t feel like I was being preached to. I wish I had read this book during my pregnancies!” A phenomenal book for everyone who wants or needs to know about periods (which is pretty much all of us!). Bravo Milli”So good I read it TWICE! And now my fiance is reading it! Thank you. It’s a brilliant book that all mums to be should read!” Since I read this book I have been really excited to get my period! In fact, every time I go to the toilet I hope it’s there!” New section on your rights in pregnancy and birth by Bashi Hazard of the Human Rights in Childbirth International Lawyers Network As a journalist since 2013 she has written for many publications including the Telegraph, Mail, Guardian, Independent, ipaper and Mother&Baby, and has appeared on BBC Radio 2, BBC 5 Live, talkradio, LBC and many leading podcasts. She is a member of the advisory group for Sex Matters and lives in Somerset with her partner and three children. Please note that the icons are for your private use only and may not be shared, sold or reproduced without written permission from the publisher Pinter & Martin.

The cards can be used in a number of ways: by pregnant women who want to work through their birth choices in a more visual and dynamic way; by those who want to explore them with their partner, doula, midwife or other supporters; or by birth professionals as a starting point for activities and discussions with their clients.

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There is more information available on giving birth and raising children than ever before. With each new scientific advance or fad, more questions arise: Fertility issues? Screening tests? Antenatal classes, hypnobirthing or yoga? Home, hospital or birth centre? Breast or bottle, or both? Attachment parenting or parent-led routine? Co-sleeping or their own room? Spoon-feeding or baby-led weaning? To vaccinate, or not? Researching any or all of these topics can be time-consuming and frustrating, as good information and support sits alongside that provided by ‘experts’ or those with vested interests keen to prey on our anxieties and relieve us of our cash. Contradictory articles in the press, one-sided, heavily edited TV shows and social media commentary muddy the waters even further. There was no mention of the Post-Partum Poo and how to prevent difficulties with that by eating and drinking appropriately during labor could make that a non-issue. Separating the fact from the fiction, Milli Hill answers everything you need to know – from menstrual cups and period pants, to cramps and hormones. She’ll explain how incredible your body is, what is actually going on each month and why.

AND – you can now take an online course with Milli herself to help you build your Visual Birth Plan! Find out more: I think the book would have benefited from a section on improving on one's previous birth experiences. Yes, the idea of PTSD and healing from traumatic birth was covered, but more as an "if this happens to you, you will be prepared" sort of way. An explicit reference to this sort of birth baggage and further resources for healing for someone who has already had this sort of birth before being exposed to the idea of birth positivity and The Positive Birth Movement would have been, in my opinion, incredibly helpful and appropriate here. Milli Hill is a bestselling non-fiction author, freelance journalist, feminist, creative psychotherapist, mum of three, and author of the popular blog The Mule. Birth plans are essential to a positive birth experience, not only because they clearly document your wishes, but also because in the process of making them, you can become better informed about your many choices. I love this book. Everyone’s going to love this book. Because it gives mothers what they now most need – accurate facts, proper reassurance, and about a thousand reasons to be excited about birth.”A great read: honest, lively, fresh and helpful. This book puts women in the driving seat which is key to positive change.” The icons represent every possible birth choice in every setting, from home birth to caesarean. There are some blank cards included too, because every birth is unique. You’ll also find a guide inside with suggestions to get you started.