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The Waterbirth Book by Janet Balaskas Price: NZ39.95$ (add to order) First published in August 2004; 306 pages; 16 x 21.5 cms; 10 black and white photos Index to this page: Table of Contents; About the Author; Book Reviews Foreword by Yehudi
Gordon, MD v Janet is the founder of the Active Birth Movement in the I980s and is renowned internationally for her pioneering work in the field of childbirth and has introduced revolutionary innovations to birth education and maternity care. As well as writing, she teaches pregnant women and their partners, and trains professionals at the Active Birth Centre in London. From the Foreward by Yehudi Gordon, MD :"I am very pleased to write the foreword to The Waterbirth Book. Janet Balaskas and I have worked together for many years and I know that she has had a seminal role in changing birth practice, initially in the UK and subsequently throughout the world. Janet is a visionary and is the founder of the Active Birth Movement. She has inspired many people: some joined her as colleagues in the Active Birth Movement and others became converts and firm admirers of the concept of 'active birth’. Active birth arose as a counterbalance to the obstetric medicalization of birth, with its active management of labour. Water was initially introduced into the birth room decades ago by Michel Odent in Pithiviers in France as a pain relief for labour and to help a woman give birth actively. Waterbirth evolved from that. In 1990 Janet and I wrote a book called Waterbirth, but this new book is more comprehensive and provides a detailed overview of the information that is now available. The Waterbirth Book contains sage advice from Janet, who has had 25 years of experience with active and waterbirth. This book looks at all aspects of water for labour and birth, beginning with the history of waterbirth and including details of the physiological benefits and potential risks of using water. Janet gives useful guidance for prenatal preparation and details on the practicalities of using the pool for mothers and midwives. This book is primarily addressed to mothers and it contains many quotations and practical case studies to help the reader get a ‘real life feel’ of what the experience could be like. Compared to women who have given birth out of water, water- birth mothers have a higher level of satisfaction. The Waterbirth Book also addresses potential complications of labour and birth and using water, and emphasizes the value of good midwifery care in all labours and births. The vast majority of babies who are born in water do very well and many people would say that they are particularly calm. Babies have a protective dive reflex, which ensures that water is not inhaled after the head is born — a baby will not begin to inhale and breathe until he or she reaches the surface of the water. Fortunately, complications related to birth in water are extremely rare and the skill of experienced midwives allows close monitoring of mother and baby. This book guides women to be aware that while the pool may have been useful in labour, it may be safer to give birth out of the water. The emphasis is that if there are concerns for the baby’s safety or the labour is prolonged it is important to leave the water. The accent is on safety and giving birth actively and this is portrayed in the book with a rhythm reminiscent of the rhythm of labour. The book is comprehensive and balanced — Janet reminds us that birth does not always go to plan, and that each labour has its own unique rhythm. Waterbirth is not a panacea or the holy grail, and labour and birth are influenced by many factors. This book encourages women to prepare and yet remain open to the possibility that birth is unpredictable. It is a valuable tool, empowering women to make choices, be active in the birth of their children and approach labour and birth with an open mind and an open heart." |
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