I did not enjoy What To Expect When You’re Expecting. So I followed it up with another old pregnancy book. I read and wrote The Birth Partner By Penny Simkin review.
Minimal Effective Recommendation
This is a must-read for anyone in a supporting role to a pregnant person. Although some of Penny Simkin’s opinions on childbirth are clear, she delivers information in a balanced, fairly unbiased manner. Even if you aren’t in America (and some things aren’t relevant), this will truly give you an idea of what to expect and put you in a good position to stay calm and do the right things at the right time. Whatever your birthing preferences, this book will prepare you to make good decisions together.
Full Review of The Birth Partner By Penny Simkin
Overview
Since the original publication of The Birth Partner in 1989, it has served as a complete guide to childbirth for dads, partners, doulas, and all other labour companions. Readers have relied on Penny Simkin’s guidance in caring for the new mother, from her last trimester through the early postpartum period.
The most recent edition (the 5th) was released in 2018 and is available as:
Synopsis
The Birth Partner includes thorough information on:
- Preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun
- Normal labor and how to help the woman every step of the way
- Epidurals and other medications for labor
- Pitocin and other means, including natural ones, to induce or speed up labor
- Non-drug techniques for easing labor pain
- Cesarean birth and complications that may require it
- Breastfeeding and newborn care
- and much more
A Focus On Technical Information and Prioritising Mental Well-being
One thing this book does incredibly well is striking this balance. While much of the book is dense with technical information and an account of what to expect, the focus always comes back to care for the pregnant person. The primary focus of the medical professionals involved in the birth is the physical well being of the mother and baby. Emotional concerns are not their foremost priority. Penny Simkin ensures you don’t forget to take up that role.
Some Minor Negatives
The book is occasionally a little dry and can be a slow read. But with the intention to inform on a complicated topic, this may be a necessary weakness to allow for the many positives the structure and style produce.
Not everything is relevant for non-US births. This is not a major downside, because the US-specific details aren’t overly confusing or alienating.
Although I mentioned that Simkin “delivers information in a balanced, fairly unbiased manner”, there are a few exceptions. Mostly, information and options are presented in a matter-of-fact way. On a couple of occasions throughout the book, explanations come at the expense of undermining medical professionals. This could due to an attempt to vary the writing style in a sometimes repetitive format. But it only comes through that way a couple of times and didn’t really detract from the tone or message of the book overall.
Easy-To-Follow Structure
The book takes you through four parts
- Before the birth
- Labour and birth
- The medical side of childbirth
- After the birth
Part One – Before The Birth
The focus is clear through this section; learn and communicate healthily and clearly. There is also a good section on birth plans.
Part Two – Labour And Birth
This is where we learn about the six steps of labour. We’re led through the stages and given an idea of what to expect. There is a helpful table that shows the stages and what the birth partner should do for each one.
Simkin explains her comforting technique; the three Rs. There’s also a great checklist of comfort measures to try during labour.
Towards the end of this section, there are explanations of some things that can go wrong. Learning about this can prepare the birth partner and help them react positively and help them make effective decisions.
Finally, there’s the Take Charge routine. A great account of ways to relieve the pregnant person of a feeling that they are losing control.
Part Three – The Medical Side Of Childbirth
Here, we get plenty of information on options and complications that can arise. There is a chapter on pain medication. But, again, there are a couple of great tables that help understand pain medication.
Then, there is some great information about cesareans, and VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).
Part Four – After The Birth
A section dedicated to returning home. This should help formulate a plan for recovery and the challenges that follow.
Final Thought
This book gives so much helpful information which is presented very well. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone preparing for birth. Especially those in a supportive role.
Rating
8 out of 10.
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