I. Amazing Birth Tales -- II. To the Parents -- III. Instructions to Midwives: 1. The essential anatomy of the mother; 2. The baby and its life-support system; 3. Prenatal care; 4. Determining the relation of the baby to the mother's pelvis; 5. The physiology and management of normal labor at home; 6. Tending to the baby; 7. Follow-up care of the mother and newborn; 8. Injuries and repairs of the pelvic floor; 9. Asphyxia in the newborn; 10. Breech presentation and delivery; 11. Unusual presentations and positions; 12. Multiple pregnancy and birth; 13. Complications of pregnancy; 14. Diseases that may complicate pregnancy; 15. Complications of labor; 16. Birth injuries; 17. Congenital abnormalities; 18. Tidbits on energy and attitude; 19. Necessary nursing skills; 20. Equipment and supplies; 21. Self-care for women; 22. The mother-friendly childbirth initiative; 23. Especially for doctors -- IV. Appendices: A. Statistics for 2,028 pregnancies from 1970 to 2000; B. Further reading; C. Resources
Summary
Shares the birthing stories of women who chose to have their babies at home with the help of a midwife, provides information about the safety of techniques used in the hospital before and after birth,discusses postpartum depression and maternal death, and includes resources for doulas, birth centers, and other organizations
