The national C-section rate is at an all-time high of 31 percent. Are all these C-sections necessary, or are some of them done simply for the sake of convenience? Inductions seem to be the norm, but are they always needed? Today, expectant mothers are often left feeling powerless, as their instincts are replaced by drugs and routine medical procedures.What you are about to discover is that you have a choice, and you have the power to plan the kind of birth that's right for you-whet...

Here is your guide to the fastest-growing trend in childbirth—a tradition as old as motherhood itself. Doulas, or professional labor assistants, have led thousands of expectant women through the birthing process in a way that’s safe and meaningful, and that creates the birth and postbirth experience all mothers long for.What exactly dodoulas do?How to find one that suits you.What are the “trade secrets” only doulas know but every woman should be aw...

MORE THAN 500,000 COPIES SOLD! • In this completely revised and updated edition, the nation’s leading midwife shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience.“This book should be read by every woman who is having or may someday have a baby, and by every midwife, nurse, doula, childbirth educator, and doctor who assists or may someday assis...

From the childbirth experts at the Mayo Clinic comes the newly revised guide on planning for a healthy pregnancy. With detailed information about fertility, prenatal care, common pregnancy symptoms, and childbirth, this comprehensive guide will be your go-to source for answering all your ordinary—and not so ordinary—pregnancy questions.The second edition of Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy dives into the nitty-gritty of motherhood by touching on to...

As an intelligent woman, you are probably used to learning as much as you can before making major decisions. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions of your life--how you will give birth-it is hard to gather accurate, unbiased information. Surprisingly, much of the research does not support common medical opinion and practice.Birth activist Henci Goer gives clear, concise information based on the latest medical studies. The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Bette...

Childbirth is a life-altering experience for any woman, but a Cesarean delivery can be overwhelming, whether it’s unexpected or planned. Despite the fact that roughly one in four babies in the United States is delivered by c-section, very little information about the experience is included in typical pregnancy books and physicians and childbirth educators often gloss over the details.The Essential C-Section Guide is written not only for women to read in preparation for a s...

The first book to clearly explain this new disorder and offer treatment optionsAfflicting an estimated 3 million women in the United States, PMDD is an extreme form of PMS in which the physical and psychological symptoms are often so severe that they strain social, familial, and work relationships to the breaking point. Despite the rapidly growing body of scientific research into its causes and cures, PMDD continues to be a bone of contention among medical professi...

A fun, friendly, fact-filled guide to get you through the many challenges of pregnancy, month by month.Becoming pregnant is hugely exciting, but with so many things to think about, it can also be overwhelming. Ease your worries with The Baby Bump, a comprehensive guide that offers expert and real-mom advice on surviving those all-important nine months.Featuring tips and advice on everything future moms really want to know—including what is safe to ea...

From Abigail to Zachary, the most complete book of its kind, with more than 10,000 names! Inside this book:- Accurate meanings for each name- Its country of origin- The historical and literary figures who make it famous- The root word for each name- Nicknames and variationsplusThe Special Astrology section that reveals your baby's character, personality, birthstone, flower, color and more.

At last-everything expecting moms need to know about giving birthChildbirth is one of the most significant events of any womans life-and for many, also a source of enormous anxiety and fear. In The Big Book of Birth renowned childbirth educator and Realbirth Center founder Erica Lyon offers an antidote to that fear with a comprehensive and up- to-date guide to childbirth. Drawing from more than a decade of teaching expecting parents what really to exp...

As a new parent, the nursery is the most important room in your home, and designing this special space is also an opportunity to prepare, mentally and physically, for the changes to come. In The Peaceful Nursery, home and lifestyle experts Laura Forbes Carlin and Alison Forbes show you how to apply the best principles of home decorating, Feng Shui, and healthy living (as well as their own parenting experience!) to create a warm and welcoming environment for your new baby.A...

2013 Gold Medal Winner IPBA Benjamin Franklin Award, LGBT CategoryEach year, over 7.3 million Americans face infertility. In their search for answers and alternative means for building a family, they turn to the nearly 500 reproductive specialty clinics across the US.Same-sex and single-by-choice parents are more prevalent than ever in the fertility industry and there is no definitive, up-to-date guide to help families of all types approach egg donation. Re...