Preparation for Labor and Delivery

"Both first time moms and experienced moms will appreciate reading Cherishing Childbirth! It is packed with birthing prep ideas and a solid overview of what happens physically when mothers go through the process of bringing a precious new soul to these earthly shores." —Miriam Wengerd

"I enjoyed reading the short, easily absorbed chapters of this book. It is encouraging to moms, and has much good information as well as helpful tips. I would recommend it for my moms to read." —Freida Miller, CPM

"A well-written, comprehensive book on birth from a Christian perspective. A must-read for all expectant women and hope-to-be moms." —Mary Troyer, midwife

Table of Contents

• Dedication
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction

• Get Ready Emotionally
• Get Ready Nutritionally
• Get Ready Physically
• Get Set
• Is the Baby Set?
• When You're Set... and Set... and Set
• Go!
• First-Stage Labor Defined
• Assessments in Labor
• Pacing Yourself in Early Labor
• Wait a Minute
• Something for Pain?
• Managing Discomfort
• Water Works Well
• The Beginning of the End
• Second-Stage Labor Defined
• Obstetrical Interventions in Second-Stage Labor
• How to Push
• Positions for Pushing
• A Child Is Born
• A Time of Wonder
• The Third Labor Stage
• Now Thank We All Our God
• Nothing to Boast of—Much to Be Grateful For
• Recommended Reading
• Resources and Books of Interest