Fifteen Steps to the Best Childbirth Experience of Your Life describes a program that pregnant women may use to have a wonderful, stress free labor and delivery. It gives pragmatic information on being prepared for the little things that can mean so much to an expectant mother during childbirth.

The delivery of high quality and equitable care for both mothers and newborns is complex and requires efforts across many sectors. The United States spends more on childbirth than any other country in the world, yet outcomes are worse than other high-resource countries, and even worse for Black and Native American women. There are a variety of factors that influence childbirth, including social determinants such as income, educational levels, access to care, financing, transportation, structural racism and geographic variability in birth settings. It is important to reevaluate the United States' approach to maternal and newborn care through the lens of these factors across multiple disciplines. Birth Settings in America: Outcomes, Quality, Access, and Choice reviews and evaluates maternal and newborn care in the United States, the epidemiology of social and clinical risks in pregnancy and childbirth, birth settings research, and access to and choice of birth settings.

A must-read for women who want to know all of their choices in childbirth. --

Drawing on a landmark study involving more than one hundred pregnant women and mothers, a renowned OB/GYN synthesizes the secrets to a good birth—medically and emotionally. Most doctors are trained to think of a “good” birth only in terms of its medical success. But Dr. Anne Lyerly knows firsthand that there are many other important elements that often get overlooked. Her three-year study of a diverse group of over one hundred expectant moms asked what matters most to women during childbirth. The results, presented to the public for the first time in A Good Birth, show what really matters goes beyond the clinical outcome or even the usual questions of hospital versus birthing center, and reveal universal needs of women, like the importance of feeling connected, safe, and respected. Bringing a new perspective to childbirth, the book’s wisdom is drawn from in-depth interviews with women with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, and whose birth stories range from quick and simple to complicated and frightening. Describing what went well, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently next time, these mothers give voice to the complete experience of childbirth, helping both women and their healthcare providers develop strategies to address the emotional needs of the mother, going beyond the standard birth plans and conversations. Transcending the “medical” versus “natural” childbirth debate, A Good Birth paves the entryway to motherhood, turning our attention to the deeper and more important question of what truly makes for the best birth possible.

At the top of the many life experiences that embody the power of transformation is birth. And yet, there are reasons why that transformation, in the most positive, growth-propelling way, is so often not realized. With the emphasis generally on the outcome and not on the process, the extraordinary leverage of the journey is dismissed. The Ultimate Birth Experience will help you discover how to: - Confidently take control of your birth experience - Effectively communicate and partner with healthcare providers - Use your natural and medical toolkits wisely - Advocate for what is important to you - Erase the possibility of regret - Trade worry and apprehension for joyful anticipation Get ready for a mindset shift that will shape your own ultimate birth experience, and all of your transformational experiences to come. Prepare to find the courage and conviction to take the reins of your birth and your life. "The Ultimate Birth Experience is a profound declaration of empowerment for every pregnant mom-to-be. As a fierce advocate for choice, Gail defends your right to experience birth the way you choose. She breaks the myths and encourages you to trust your instincts. This book is a window into the world of birth, through the eyes of a seasoned birthing professional. With a smart, sincere and thoughtful approach to this profound, life-changing event, this a must-read book for every pregnant woman." Sandy Pelland, CEO/Founder, MomLife TV

Are you yearning for a childbirth experience filled with confidence, strength, and joy? Welcome to "Childbirth Without Fear," an empowering guide that illuminates the path towards a transformative and fear-free journey into parenthood. In this captivating book, acclaimed childbirth educator and advocate [Daryl Cass], embarks on a mission to liberate expectant parents from the shackles of fear that too often accompany the birthing process. Drawing from a wealth of knowledge, research, and real-life stories, [Daryl Cass] masterfully navigates readers through the biology of birth, illuminating the innate wisdom of the female body and the miraculous interplay of hormones that drive labor's natural progression. From the outset, [Daryl Cass] addresses the insidious influence of fear on the birthing experience, revealing its potential to hinder labor, impede bonding, and cloud the joy of childbirth. With compassionate expertise, readers learn invaluable techniques to release fear, embrace mindfulness, and cultivate a profound mind-body connection, thereby empowering them to face childbirth with newfound serenity and resilience. This comprehensive guide explores a myriad of birthing options and settings, from hospital births to the serene intimacy of home, providing readers with the tools to make informed choices that resonate with their unique needs and desires. Encouraging open communication, [Daryl Cass] teaches readers to craft personalized birth plans that reflect their wishes while fostering flexibility to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Expectant parents will delight in the wealth of preparation techniques shared by [Daryl Cass]. From physical exercises and prenatal yoga to nurturing nutrition and the importance of childbirth education, this book equips readers with an arsenal of resources to embark on their childbirth journey with unwavering strength. The significance of a supportive birth companion cannot be overstated, and "Childbirth Without Fear" offers profound insights on nurturing companionship during labor. Whether it be a partner, family member, or doula, readers will discover how a compassionate presence can be a guiding light, easing both physical and emotional burdens. Emphasizing the transformative power of coping strategies, [Daryl Cass] delves into effective pain management techniques. Breathing exercises, visualization, and movement during labor take center stage, revealing how these tools foster a deeper connection with one's body, while instilling a sense of empowerment throughout the birthing process. Amidst the exploration of medical interventions, readers are enlightened on the paramount importance of informed consent. Armed with knowledge, parents-to-be can confidently advocate for their birth preferences while harmoniously collaborating with healthcare providers to achieve the best possible outcomes. As a beacon of hope, "Childbirth Without Fear" unravels the beauty of embracing unplanned outcomes, instilling readers with courage to navigate unexpected twists during childbirth. From cesarean births to assisted deliveries, [Daryl Cass] illuminates how resilience and acceptance can lead to newfound strength and triumph. But the journey doesn't end with birth. "Childbirth Without Fear" gently navigates readers into the realm of confident parenting. With practical advice, it addresses the transition to parenthood and the importance of building a strong support network while practicing self-care, ensuring that the journey of empowerment continues well beyond the birthing suite. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey-one that will forever change the way you approach childbirth and parenthood. Welcome to "Childbirth Without Fear"-where empowerment meets joy, and the miraculous dance of life unfolds. Grab Your Copy Now!!!