The Water Birth Book: From the World-renowned Natural Childbirth Pioneer

This is the book you have been looking for. If you are either interested in having a water birth or educating yourself casually as a professional, you will start and end with this book. This is indispensable literature from our nation's authority on water birth! I have no regrets. I bought this book and have since gifted it to many others (my loaners were never returned, which is a good sign *chuckle*) who have commented back to me on their appreciation for it! Get it, you won't regret it. It never hurts to have the full picture.

Janet Balaskas is the author of the classic childbirth book, Active Birth. The Waterbirth Book was published in 2004. From back cover of the book: In The Waterbirth Book, natural childbirth pioneer Janet Balaskas offers straightforward, detailed, and supportive advice for both parents and midwives. This comprehensive and inspiring guide includes: A historical and cultural overview of waterbirth The benefits of water in labor and birth How to choose whether a waterbirth is the best option for you How water can help throughout your pregnancy What to expect and how to prepare for your waterbirth The best way to use a birth pool The experience of waterbirth--personal stories ------- The Waterbirth Book is quite good, comprehensive, and informative. It also has some nice black & white photos. It is very up to date. It is geared toward a UK audience, so some of the language/stats are UK based, but it isn't too disconcerting. Also, since it UK based, it assumes that midwives are legal & that one will be present at your birth (I wish the same were true in Missouri!). My homebirth ended up progressing too quickly to inflate the birth pool we had purchased, but I am still pleased to have The Waterbirth Book as part of my personal lending library.