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Copyright 2017 by Allison Hill
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. For information, address Da Capo Press, 53 State Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02109.
D ESIGNED BY L INDA M ARK
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Cataloging-in-Publication data for this book is available from the Library of Congress.
First Da Capo Press edition 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7382-1910-3 (paperback)
ISBN: 978-0-7382-1911-0 (e-book)
Published by Da Capo Press, an imprint of Perseus Books, LLC, a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
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Note: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. This book is intended only as an informative guide for those wishing to know more about health issues. In no way is this book intended to replace, countermand, or conflict with the advice given to you by your own physician. The ultimate decision concerning care should be made between you and your doctor. We strongly recommend you follow his or her advice. Information in this book is general and is offered with no guarantees on the part of the authors or Da Capo Press. The authors and publisher disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book. The names and identifying details of people associated with events described in this book have been changed. Any similarity to actual persons is coincidental.
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E3-20170303-JV-NF
Throughout, the authors deliver practical tips and emotional support for coping with both complicated and uncomplicated pregnancies as well as the things that can go wrong, such as miscarriages or infertility. A great resource for anyone seeking information on pregnancy, childbirth, and the first weeks after birth.
Library Journal
Comprehensive and engaging.
Kirkus Reviews
Written in an easy to understand way Every woman who is pregnant or wishing to get pregnant will find this book a great resource.
Portland Book Review
A comprehensive guide to pretty much everything that happens from preparing for pregnancy through the fourth trimester after birth.
Deseret News
What could be better than a guide to pregnancy and birth written by doctors who are also moms? [A] comprehensive new book Written in a clear and friendly style. Packed with real-life stories from new moms and tested practical tips, this extraordinary guide is a reassuring resource for a healthy and stress-free pregnancy.
Tucson Citizen
Full of useful tidbits With common-sense information and advice on everything from breastfeeding to baby blues, these are the doctors every new mommy wants at her side. The comparisons to the seminal What to Expect When Youre Expecting are inevitable, but the Mommy Docs write in a more conversational, matter-of-fact tone A thorough and useful guide from conception to pregnancy and delivery.
BookPage
So filled with medically sound advice, intelligently presented case histories, extensive debunking of myths, and all-around sensible writing, that the book itself becomes a thing you might not expect while expecting: a super-clear, super-helpful, easy-to-read and easy-to-use guide that beautifully balances the medical with the personal.
InfoDad.com
Its the Mommy Docs comforting tone that makes this guide both invaluable and appealing. Recognizing that pregnancy is as much about emotional changes as it is about physical changes, they set their guide apart from others by providing heartfelt personal experiences and those of many of their patients. Whether its a readers first, second, or even third child, theres good advice for every kind of pregnant mother.
Foreword
The Mommy Docs Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth with Yvonne Bohn, MD and Alane Park, MD
To the mothers who have the courage to insist on a natural and mindful birth experience, and to the doctors and midwives who are dedicated to providing care in a safe and respectful way.
F OR CONVENIENCE, I OFTEN USE A SINGLE PRONOUNHE OR SHE to refer to a health-care professional, spouse, or partner; or I may refer to a father or husband rather than a wife, co-parent, or co-mother. I have attempted to alternate use of these pronouns and titles throughout the book. I do not in any case mean to imply that professionals or partners are exclusively one gender or another.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS WHO HAVE chosen me as their doctor over the last twenty years. You have shared the most intimate moments of your life with me, and for that, I am forever grateful.
I was honored to write this book with Sheila Curry Oakes. Sheila brought an enthusiasm to the project that gave my words life. Her fresh perspective and patience were greatly welcomed.
I appreciate the hard work of my editors Rene Sedliar and Lisa Kaufman, project editor Amber Morris, and copyeditor Iris Bass. Id also like to thank marketing director Kevin Hanover, publicity director Lissa Warren, and publisher John Radziewicz at Da Capo Press. Thank you for believing in me and finding the book inside me.
I owe gratitude to Andrea Harrow, the librarian at Good Samaritan Hospital, for her contribution in locating the hundreds of research studies that I reference in this book. Andrea was available on a moments notice to find what I needed, even from obscure obstetrical journals. Her support and encouragement wont be forgotten.
I would like to thank my familymy parents, Pat and Bob; and my children, Luke and Katfor their support and inspiration.
Thanks to Anita and Myron, for their advice, generosity, and kindness.
And finally, deepest thanks to my love, Eric, who has encouraged me to think outside the box and believed in me unconditionally.
This book would not be possible without all of you.
I N MY TWENTY-YEAR CAREER AS AN OB-GYN, I VE DELIVERED THOU -sands of babies and have seen every type of birth. A mother relaxing in a warm bath, breathing deeply with her contractions. A woman being wheeled down the halls of the hospital for an emergency cesarean as blood pours from her placenta previa. A woman who has an epidural, listening to music and talking excitedly with her family about the future. Each scene is different, but as the top of a babys head emerges, I can feel my own heart racing in my chest. I love to steal a glance at the faces of the family as they see their son or daughter for the first time. More important, I can breathe a sigh of relief that the baby is safe.
But what type of birth is best? Some would argue that having your baby at home, surrounded by supportive family and friends, and with minimal medical intervention, is the way it should be done. Others view childbirth as risky and would only want to have a baby in a hospital where a doctor, anesthesiologist, and all of the current technology are available. There are arguments to be made on each side of this debate, and I dont think there will ever be a clear consensus. I believe that the focus shouldnt be on what type of birth is best but, rather, on how to achieve the safest, most personalized, respectful care in all possible settings.