Reviews on this inspiring book:
"This book changed my perspective on giving birth. It took me from a place of fear to one of empowerment and even excitement! I recommend that you take what works for you and leave what doesnt BUT I feel this should be on the bedside table of every pregnant women. A truly inspiring look at childbirth and at life from a very down to earth common sense approach. It is also very readable for those that struggle with factual books, reads more like a story."
- Teearn Fitzpatrick (pregnant with her first baby)
"It wasn't just the inspiring birth stories, which were at times a little too "nuts and berries" for me. It was the medical facts and insights in combination with the beautiful stories that really cemented in my mind that birthing naturally is SO RIGHT and GOOD...and POSSIBLE. I tell all my pregnant friends about this book."
- Callie Reames Gillard (mother of 2)
"This was THE book that released my fear and gave way to a feeling of empowerment and excitement towards the birth of my baby. I understood that birth was the most natural and primal thing to experience. I have bought many copies of this book to give to others who are pregnant. It is one of the most special gifts you can give to a pregnant woman. A gift of empowerment and fearlessness."
- Karen Askins
"I'm currently reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth for the third time! I find that, every time I read it, I gain more insight as to what the female body is naturally capable of during birth. Here's what I've learned from reading Ina May's ...wonderfully wise words:
Birthing a baby is an intense, beautiful and soul cleansing experience. Ina's words have taught me to accept the rushes of energy (or contractions) as revitalising waves to open my body and spirit, focusing my energy on bringing new life into the world.
Ina May has also taught me that during birth, pain is relative. Everything is what you make it. Pain is based in fear and if you relieve yourself of fear then you loosen those shackles of pain. She also gives examples of wonderful, natural methods of pain relief - massage, romance, even jiggling!
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is a beautifully written, inspiring and enlightening book. It's a "must have" for every pregnant woman's library!"
- Rebecca Minor
"I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth when my first child was 11 months old. I had planned a natural birth with him, but I ended up being induced and had a lot of interventions. When I read the book, it was like I finally knew what birth was supposed to be like. It was life-changing for me. I read it cover to cover, and started planning for my next birth, even though I had no idea when that would be. 4 years later, I had my second pregnancy. I read birth stories from the book throughout my pregnancy for inspiration. I ended up having an amazing birth experience, and I credit the book for giving me such a positive view of normal birth!"
- Tanya Nakogee (mother of 2)
"This book gave me inspiration and courage when I was pregnant with my second hoping for a Vbac. I read about how our bodies are supposed to work if left to nature!"
- Naomi Mitchell (mother of 4)
"Ina May's Guide to Childbirth gave me the confidence I needed to advocate for and have the labor and birth experience that I wanted. After reading her book, I knew I could labor and deliver without any unnecessary IV's, drugs or medical interventions. And I did!"
"So so so great! I love all the positive birth stories; and the informative second half of the book was a wonderful preparation for the birth of our first baby, at home. Planning the second homebirth for Feb!" :)
- Ginger Borshov
"I'm reading it right now for the first time and my favorite things are the positive, beautiful birth stories. I dog ear my favorites so I can read them again and again."
- Heather Murphree Lacis
"Loved it! In transition I kept telling myself, "This cannot be bigger than me because it IS me." I also loved the idea that natural birth is honest pain, it's gone when she's here".
- Catharine McDonald
"I first read it when I was researching and studying natural birth for my own birth plus taking notes on becoming a midwife. It is great! I love it and would recommend it to all women who are planning to have a child or any doctor who is interested in the subject. Ina May Gaskin is so wise and inspires me. I also read her Birth Matters and I am ordering the Guide to breastfeeding and Spiritual Midwifery for my library."
- Jessica Porntono-Currin
"One of my favs. I ask all my clients to read some of the birth stories and the Law of Sphincter chapter". :)
- Ann Lipofsky, Doula
"Inspired the natural birth of my first child. Yes, I blew rasberries-LOL."
- Sharmaine Zamora
"Great book to help u prepare mentally on what is to come!"
- Melissa Zech
"My most fervent prayer for all pregnant women is that they read this book and heed its wisdom. In doing so, they will remember their women's wisdom and never forget it. Thank you, Ina May, from the bottom of my heart, for writing this guide to natural childbirth. This information can change the world."
- Dr. Christiane Northrup
"Highly recommend the book - covers a great deal for the expectant parent."
- Lonnie Drury"
"This is a MUST read!!!!"
- Chris Jan Arrowsmith
- Teearn Fitzpatrick (pregnant with her first baby)
"It wasn't just the inspiring birth stories, which were at times a little too "nuts and berries" for me. It was the medical facts and insights in combination with the beautiful stories that really cemented in my mind that birthing naturally is SO RIGHT and GOOD...and POSSIBLE. I tell all my pregnant friends about this book."
- Callie Reames Gillard (mother of 2)
"This was THE book that released my fear and gave way to a feeling of empowerment and excitement towards the birth of my baby. I understood that birth was the most natural and primal thing to experience. I have bought many copies of this book to give to others who are pregnant. It is one of the most special gifts you can give to a pregnant woman. A gift of empowerment and fearlessness."
- Karen Askins
"I'm currently reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth for the third time! I find that, every time I read it, I gain more insight as to what the female body is naturally capable of during birth. Here's what I've learned from reading Ina May's ...wonderfully wise words:
Birthing a baby is an intense, beautiful and soul cleansing experience. Ina's words have taught me to accept the rushes of energy (or contractions) as revitalising waves to open my body and spirit, focusing my energy on bringing new life into the world.
Ina May has also taught me that during birth, pain is relative. Everything is what you make it. Pain is based in fear and if you relieve yourself of fear then you loosen those shackles of pain. She also gives examples of wonderful, natural methods of pain relief - massage, romance, even jiggling!
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is a beautifully written, inspiring and enlightening book. It's a "must have" for every pregnant woman's library!"
- Rebecca Minor
"I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth when my first child was 11 months old. I had planned a natural birth with him, but I ended up being induced and had a lot of interventions. When I read the book, it was like I finally knew what birth was supposed to be like. It was life-changing for me. I read it cover to cover, and started planning for my next birth, even though I had no idea when that would be. 4 years later, I had my second pregnancy. I read birth stories from the book throughout my pregnancy for inspiration. I ended up having an amazing birth experience, and I credit the book for giving me such a positive view of normal birth!"
- Tanya Nakogee (mother of 2)
"This book gave me inspiration and courage when I was pregnant with my second hoping for a Vbac. I read about how our bodies are supposed to work if left to nature!"
- Naomi Mitchell (mother of 4)
"Ina May's Guide to Childbirth gave me the confidence I needed to advocate for and have the labor and birth experience that I wanted. After reading her book, I knew I could labor and deliver without any unnecessary IV's, drugs or medical interventions. And I did!"
"So so so great! I love all the positive birth stories; and the informative second half of the book was a wonderful preparation for the birth of our first baby, at home. Planning the second homebirth for Feb!" :)
- Ginger Borshov
"I'm reading it right now for the first time and my favorite things are the positive, beautiful birth stories. I dog ear my favorites so I can read them again and again."
- Heather Murphree Lacis
"Loved it! In transition I kept telling myself, "This cannot be bigger than me because it IS me." I also loved the idea that natural birth is honest pain, it's gone when she's here".
- Catharine McDonald
"I first read it when I was researching and studying natural birth for my own birth plus taking notes on becoming a midwife. It is great! I love it and would recommend it to all women who are planning to have a child or any doctor who is interested in the subject. Ina May Gaskin is so wise and inspires me. I also read her Birth Matters and I am ordering the Guide to breastfeeding and Spiritual Midwifery for my library."
- Jessica Porntono-Currin
"One of my favs. I ask all my clients to read some of the birth stories and the Law of Sphincter chapter". :)
- Ann Lipofsky, Doula
"Inspired the natural birth of my first child. Yes, I blew rasberries-LOL."
- Sharmaine Zamora
"Great book to help u prepare mentally on what is to come!"
- Melissa Zech
"My most fervent prayer for all pregnant women is that they read this book and heed its wisdom. In doing so, they will remember their women's wisdom and never forget it. Thank you, Ina May, from the bottom of my heart, for writing this guide to natural childbirth. This information can change the world."
- Dr. Christiane Northrup
"Highly recommend the book - covers a great deal for the expectant parent."
- Lonnie Drury"
"This is a MUST read!!!!"
- Chris Jan Arrowsmith