The Doula's Guide to Empowering Your Birth

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  From the publisher - 
Lindsey Bliss, who has assisted as a doula at hundreds of births and is herself a mother of seven, reveals here all the wisdom and advice that the doulas, also known as childbirth coaches, share with the new mothers who hire them. This book covers the period from pregnancy, through birth, to fourth trimester healing, and the beginnings of family life. The focus, however, is on preparing for birth--including topics like how to pick the right childbirth class and the right birthing method. You’ll also see how to assemble the team of professionals, family members, and friends who will support you through labor and birth. Bliss also covers labor and birth, as well as the 11th hour decisions about pain medications and cesarean sections.
Bliss's tone throughout is at once authoritative and confident as well as warm and encouraging. Her concern in her practice as well as in these pages is to listen to and help secure each new mom's own personal vision of a birthing experience that is safe, fulfilling, and meaningful.

I am pretty sure that every woman in my family who has given birth wish that they had had Lindsey in the delivery room with her. Mom? 1955- shaved/enema/full anesthesia.  SIL? Planned c-sections and no chance of VBAC (vaginal delivery after c-sections) to even be tried. Sister? Labour in a Japanese hospital where she wanted an epidural but that doctor went home at 5 p.m. AND SHE HAD TO TAKE HER OWN BEDDING!!  Me? let's not open that can of worms.

I have been skeptical of the use of doulas but this book cements in the fact that ALL mothers to be can use one on their side.  Helpful tips abound in this book (including NOT using "Dr. Google"!) but they lost me on some, well, some "interesting" tips like ritual baths with crystals and NOT NAMING THE BABY BEFORE IT COMES OUT. --- seriously, what if your Emma looks like a Monica? 

I would say that every pregnant woman to woman planning on being pregnant should read this book and decide if a doula is for them ... and think long and hard to see if they can afford it as many medical insurance plans do not cover them! Pregnancy is a personal thing and momma needs to make her own choices!

As a freelance doula, I highly recommend this book to any parents-to-be or any one that is interested in the field of childbirth. The information Bliss as compiled has taken me years to learn through both hands on experience and hours of educational courses making this a much needed resource.