The Essential Homebirth Guide

“This comprehensive and well researched book is precisely what the homebirth community has been craving. It takes you from the decision making months of pregnancy through options for labor and beyond beautifully. What a welcome addition and reference for anyone passionate about homebirth.”–Mayim Bialik “PhD ” “Homebirth is the gold standard by which all birth can be measured. This book is one of the most important books to come out this year. It addresses exactly what women want and need to know about this way of birthing. Birth is a human rights issue and homebirth gives both mother and baby back what rightfully belongs the them, their birth. This book is chock full of current information we have learned about birth in the past few decades. With a good midwife and this book in their hands, families are on the road to a miraculous birth experience.”–Jan Tritten “Midwife and Founder of Midwifery Today ” “A foreword by Christiane Northrup, the influential ob/gyn and bestselling author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (2010), ensures that this is no quacky guide to home birth. At a time when C-sections make up an estimated 30 to 50 percent of U.S. births, this book by two midwives and nurse educators puts the power back into mothers’ hands. And it offers guidance to all pregnant women, not only those who plan to deliver at home. Drichta and Owen talk about prenatal nutrition (nix the sugar and processed foods) and urge pregnant women to simply enjoy themselves. They note that, contrary to popular belief, women who miscarry are not at increased risk of miscarrying again unless they experience three sequential miscarriages. They recommend making a “birth kit,” including flexible straws (easier to drink from during labor), a heating pad, and lots and lot of towels. Taking to heart the idea that a picture is worth a thousand words, they tuck in photos of women giving birth at home. Their calm, commonsense advice should make all pregnant women feel comforted and well prepared.“–Karen Springen “Booklist “

Jane E. Drichta and Jodilyn Owen have attended a combined total of more than one thousand births in more than eleven years as doulas, midwives and birth educators. Based in Seattle, they are passionate birth advocates and educators both internationally and in the United States. Their writing has appeared in a number of publications, including the trade journals Midwifery Today and Squat, as well as numerous non-birth related publications.

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