The Birth Partner

Women who have continuous support during labor have fewer complications, a lower cesarean-section rate, and a more satisfying birth experience. This makes the presence of a prepared, confident, and calming birth partner essential to the mother's overall health during labor and delivery and to the creation of a positive memory of her baby's birth. For almost two decades, The Birth Partner has been the definitive guide for life partners, relatives, friends, and professional doulas (labor assistants) who wish to perform this role and help a woman through childbirth. These caregivers can rely on The Birth Partner for up-to-date information about techniques, devices, and medications for easing labor pain; tests and treatments of the fetus and newborn; strategies to help labor progress; potential medical procedures and interventions; how to best help the mother during the early postpartum period; and much more. The new edition of The Birth Partner also includes more information on ''the 3Rs'' (Relaxation, Rhythm, and Ritual) for coping with the pain and unpredictability of labor; non-drug techniques to relieve pain and enhance the woman's sense of well-being; current medications, tests, technologies, and interventions and how, when, and why they are used; and the rapidly increasing rate of both first and repeat cesarean deliveries. It's a must-have for every labor companion.