Having a safe, healthy birth

The history of birth: back to the future

You're pregnant!

Choosing a caregiver and birth site

Moving through pregnancy

Preparing for labor and birth

The simple story of birth

Keeping your birth safe and healthy

Finding comfort in labor

Birth plans and baby plans

Getting the safe, healthy birth you want: communication, negotiation, and decision-making

Greeting your newborn

Early parenting.

Preface: why another birth book?

What is normal birth?

The history of birth

Early pregnancy

Choosing a caregiver and birth site

Middle and late pregnancy

Preparing for labor and birth

The simple story of birth

Keeping birth normal

Finding comfort in labor

Creating a birth plan and baby plan

Communication and negotiation strategies

Greeting your newborn

Early parenting

Appendix A: evidence-based care

Appendix B: the mother-friendly childbirth initiative

Appendix C: the rights of childbearing women

Appendix D: about lamaze international

Appendix E: the doulas' contribution to modern maternity care

References

Recommended resources

Index.