It seems like there are a lot of “I’ve had a traumatic birth” stories floating around. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a magnet for the stories now that I can empathize or if it’s because mainstream American birth culture is one in serious need of repair. It’s probably both.

From my email:

I am expecting our 3rd child sometime in the next month and a half. (Due date is Nov. 17th) and am wondering what books you would recommend as a believing woman that have been an encouragement as you prepare for labor/delivery. I had a traumatic (but medically unnecessary C-Section) with my first child, a V-Bac with my second (with a doula attending and a doctor who believes that birth is a natural process, not a medical event) and now I am delivering with a group of midwives.

I have been praying lots and seeking the Lord’s peace as I try to prepare for this birth. All of the books I’ve been told to read are so hokey…”believe in your power as a woman” etc. One would think there would be shelves full of books from believing woman on labor and delivery as it is truly one of the most spiritual experiences, in terms of complete surrender to the One Who Is, that there is. Any suggestions? I know you are due soon, too!!

I know that as soon as I get on some Natural Childbirth bandwagon, I’ll see that the wheels are headed right into the C-section room. It’s just the way things go for me. If you want to be ready, though, reading Natural Childbirth literature is the best way to educate yourself for birth. Skip Baby magazine’s 10 Top Labor Tips– because think about it– drug and formula companies pay their bills.

In hindsight now, I’ve learned that the complications from each of my five deliveries were iatrogenic, meaning physician-induced, and that it’s really my choice whether set myself up for them again. Medicine is a means of God’s common grace, and so, there is a good place for it in birth, and yet, its overuse is a misuse.

That said, I believe the best book I’ve read so far on the subject is Dr. Sears’ The Birth Book. It is the book I wish I’d read ten years ago. Since it is popular, I mistakenly assumed it was fluffy and mainstream. It describes God’s natural design wonderfully, yet without an arrogant overtone of “hospitals are evil,” which is what you find in many natural-type books. Many books written by midwives, as well, take particular risks I wouldn’t necessarily take myself (think: breech).

Now, The Birth Book isn’t the thing I need for this birth (Dr. Grantly Dick-Read’s original work, Childbirth Without Fear, is), but it will be what I recommend from now on. I’m open to other suggestions, however, as I obviously haven’t read every book on the subject. Leave some link love in the comment boxes if you want!

This trimester, I’ve read Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way, Spiritual Midwifery, Childbirth Without Fear, Lord of the Birth, Christ Centered Childbirth, The Birth Book, and Heart and Hands. The weakness of the Christian literature is that they’re somewhat medically lightweight. This might be preferable to some women, however, as it’s a lot to digest if you’re not “into” the subject. I can’t say that I’ve read any particular Christian work that stands out to me, though.

November 8th is the day I can look forward to being nausea-free. It is also my due date. Thinking about all of you, too!