Methods of Childbirth: The Completely Updated Version of a Classic Work for Today's Woman

Discusses various aspects of childbirth education as well as examining methods of preparing for delivery and the effects of drugs on the mother and baby

Bean presented all the "new" aids to childbirth in the original edition of this standard work ( LJ 7/72), discussing preparatory breathing exercises and the ability to experience childbirth without the use of drugs or anesthesia. Many of the same issues are discussed in this revised edition. The beginning chapters cover all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth and the later chapters cover patient rights; home births and birthing centers; and what actually occurs at the time of delivery. There is very extensive coverage of breastfeeding, which Bean strongly encourages. Detailed discussion of the politics of childbirth, patient rights, and malpractice issues all define this revision as a product of the late 1980s. Coverage is complete, but readers should be aware of Bean's somewhat negative attitude toward the established medical community.
- Debra Berlanstein, Towson State Univ., Baltimore
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.