The role of birth partner is a tough one. A birth partner may be expected to help a laboring woman make decisions and help her get through the pain and discomfort of childbirth. During this high-intensity time, the birth partner--whether father, partner, or friend--needs a book that can give thorough information for studying ahead of time, yet can be easily referenced in an emergency or for quick answers during labor and delivery. The Birth Partner fills both needs.

Penny Simkin, P.T. (Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn) has written a clear, informative guide that includes a thorough description of everything a birth partner can expect. For a quick brush-up, or for sudden emergency situations where a birth partner is thrust into the role unprepared, the book also provides vital information and emergency tips that are clearly marked on pages with darkened edges. Every section includes a description of a stage of labor or circumstance, a description of what the caregiver (doctor, nurse or midwife) might do, and suggestions about what the birth partner's role should be.

The different sections include preparing for the birth, helping labor begin (in certain situations this is necessary), early labor , the stages of labor, strategies for special situations, the medical side of childbirth, and ways to assist after the birth. Of special note is a clear chart describing various drugs, their desired effects and secondary reactions, and the stages of labor in which each of them may be appropriate.


From Publishers Weekly
To give the birth partner a clear understanding of the process of bearing a baby, and the role that he or she is to play, Simkin thoroughly examines parturition, from essential supplies for mother and baby to how to handle an emergency delivery. She writes knowledgeably and in a readable style, but has an unfortunate habit of tendering gratuitous advice (she notes that the partner can help the mother during the "birth phase" by staying "close by"). She also fails to explain certain suggestions (why does the birth partner need a swimsuit to shower with the mother?). At her best, Simkin makes the birth partner aware of medical decisions that may lie ahead and of the importance of indulging the mother with constant tender loving care and encouragement during labor and delivery. But those who have attended a competently taught childbirth preparation class will find much of the text familiar. Simkin, herself an instructor, wrote Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: A Complete Guide for Expectant Parents. Illustrations not seen by PW. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Simkin, author, childbirth educator, and assitant at hundreds of births, has written a wonderfully supportive book for birth partners. She includes detailed information on length and stages of labor and delivery, and describes medical procedures. Medical terms are well defined. Other topics include types of pain medication and their effects; suggestions for comfort measures during labor and delivery; and what to expect in an emergency birth, Cesarean section, or stillbirth. Especially useful is the book's "tab" system for easy identification of pages with "on-the-spot" information. This is a more detailed source than The Birth Partner by Carl Jones with Jan Jones ( LJ 5/1/89). Recommended.- Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic FoundationCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

ANNOTATION

Simkin prepares birth partners for their role before, during, and after labor. She also recommends supplies which should be taken to the hospital, or should be present during home birth. 40 illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Birth Partner is the definitive guide for preparing to help a woman through childbirth and the essential manual to have at hand during the event. Since the book's original publication in 1989, fathers-to-be, new mothers' friends and relatives, and professional doulas (labor assistants) alike have relied on Penny Simkin's guidance in caring for the new mother from the last few weeks of pregnancy through the early postpartum period.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

To give the birth partner a clear understanding of the process of bearing a baby, and the role that he or she is to play, Simkin thoroughly examines parturition, from essential supplies for mother and baby to how to handle an emergency delivery. She writes knowledgeably and in a readable style, but has an unfortunate habit of tendering gratuitous advice (she notes that the partner can help the mother during the "birth phase'' by staying "close by''). She also fails to explain certain suggestions (why does the birth partner need a swimsuit to shower with the mother?). At her best, Simkin makes the birth partner aware of medical decisions that may lie ahead and of the importance of indulging the mother with constant tender loving care and encouragement during labor and delivery. But those who have attended a competently taught childbirth preparation class will find much of the text familiar. Simkin, herself an instructor, wrote Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: A Complete Guide for Expectant Parents. Illustrations not seen by PW. (July)

Library Journal