The Birth Partner Book

The Birth Partner

By Penny Simkin, P.T.

The role of a pregnant woman’s birth partner is an important one. He or she may be needed to help a laboring woman make decisions as well as help to ease her pain and discomfort during labor and childbirth. In order to prepare for this time, the birth partner--whether father, partner, or friend--needs a reference book that can give them thorough information for reviewing in advance, yet can be easily referenced for quick answers during labor and delivery. The Birth Partner is an all-in-one complete informational book that describes everything a birth partner needs to know – in detail.

The Birth Partner includes sections on:

• Preparing for birth
• Helping labor begin (in certain situations)
• Early labor
• The stages of labor
• Strategies for special situations
• The medical side of childbirth
• Ways to assist after childbirth
• Chart describing various drugs, their effects and secondary reactions

The Birth Partner is intended to help the partner of the woman giving birth (baby's father, doula, or loved one) prepare to support the woman.  It includes detailed information about labor and delivery, explanations of what she may be experiencing, as well as suggestions for support.  It also includes discussions of the possible emotional reactions of the partner during challenging aspects of childbirth.

The Birth Partner provides detailed information about labor and delivery, including definitions of technical terms that enable the birth partner, mother, and caregivers to communicate clearly.

Childbirth today actively involves the "birth partner" (either the father or a close friend or relative of the mother) who acts as support and coach. Drawing on decades of experience as a childbirth educator and labor support provider, Penny Simkin thoroughly prepares this special person for his or her role before, during, and after birth. The Birth Partner provides detailed information about labor and delivery, including definitions of technical terms that enable the birth partner, mother, and caregivers to communicate clearly.