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 to helping a woman have a happy and healthy childbirth. The new edition has all of the information that dads, relatives, friends, and professional doulas (labor assistants) have come to rely on, as well as new information on non-drug pain relieving techniques; current medications, tests, technologies, and interventions and how, when, and why they are used; and the increasing rate of both first and repeat cesarean deliveries. It’s a must-have for every labor companion.