Although this book is meant for birth partners, I found it very useful as I approached my due date. I highly recommend it for anyone who is going to be acting in the role of labor assistant/coach/partner. ( )

Had to read this for Doula class. Clearly, it ruled. ( )

A very thorough and unbiased look at the birthing process. Reading this and taking a birth class was very repetitive, but lead to good reinforcement and differing views on some subjects. I think the quote on the back is exactly right, this is the Bible for birthing. Overall a little dry and very long, but worth the read, especially for partners. I enjoyed the late pregnancy and postpartum sections especially. I expect to come back to this book during the birth and for subsequent labors. ( )

Detailed, boring and ultimately unnecessary—at least for me. ( )

The best guidebook for birth partners currently available. Well-written and comprehensive, it emphasizes birth as a woman-centered experience where the mother is in charge. This training manual for the labor coach (not the birthing mother) has an intervention-free birth, immediate mother-child contact, and early breastfeeding as goals. Common concerns as well as unusual situations are discussed clearly and alternatives provided. This new edition features dark borders on key pages, so they can be quickly found by the birth partner as needed.