The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth - Softcover

Simkin, Penny

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1558320105 ISBN 13: 9781558320109

Publisher: Harvard Common Press, 1989

Synopsis

What fathers and other birth supporters or coaches need to know.

About this title

About the Author

Penny Simkin, P.T., has been teaching couples about childbirth for almost three decades. Her first book, Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn, established her outstanding reputation among childbirth professionals.

From the Back Cover

Destined to become the birth partners bible. We have needed something like this or a long, long time. -Marian Tompson, cofounder of La Leche League

Penny Simkin shows how giving support in childbirth is not only a matter of helping a woman through labor and delivery-important though that is-but also of enabling her to cherish a meaningful memory of birth. -Sheila Kitzinger, author of The Complete Book of Pregnancy

The Birth Partner will give birth partners an increased sense of confidence in helping mothers-to-be and themselves cope with the labor and birth in a positive way. -Martin Greenberg, M.D., author of The Birth of a Father

A clearly written book that describes what really happens in out maternity units. I recommend it highly for both parents and a supportive friend. -Marshall Klaus, M.D., author of The Amazing Newborn

"The Birth Partner gives information and options that help couples make intelligent, informed choices about their childrens births. -Polly Perez, R.N., B.S.N., A.C.C.E.R, President, Childbirth and Family Education, Inc.

Reviews

To give the birth partner a clear understanding of the process of bearing a baby, and the role that he or she is to play, Simkin thoroughly examines parturition, from essential supplies for mother and baby to how to handle an emergency delivery. She writes knowledgeably and in a readable style, but has an unfortunate habit of tendering gratuitous advice (she notes that the partner can help the mother during the "birth phase" by staying "close by"). She also fails to explain certain suggestions (why does the birth partner need a swimsuit to shower with the mother?). At her best, Simkin makes the birth partner aware of medical decisions that may lie ahead and of the importance of indulging the mother with constant tender loving care and encouragement during labor and delivery. But those who have attended a competently taught childbirth preparation class will find much of the text familiar. Simkin, herself an instructor, wrote Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: A Complete Guide for Expectant Parents. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Simkin, author, childbirth educator, and assitant at hundreds of births, has written a wonderfully supportive book for birth partners. She includes detailed information on length and stages of labor and delivery, and describes medical procedures. Medical terms are well defined. Other topics include types of pain medication and their effects; suggestions for comfort measures during labor and delivery; and what to expect in an emergency birth, Cesarean section, or stillbirth. Especially useful is the book's "tab" system for easy identification of pages with "on-the-spot" information. This is a more detailed source than The Birth Partner by Carl Jones with Jan Jones ( LJ 5/1/89). Recommended.
- Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard Common Press
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1558320105
• ISBN 13: 9781558320109
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256