You kind of expect a book that is written by a group of OBGYNs to downplay midwifery as an option or even to discourage it. However, the doctors and moms behind this book explain how they were trained by midwives while attending their very first births. They go into detail about their respect for midwives and agree that midwifery care at home, in a birth center, or in the hospital can be a great choice for low-risk moms.
The trio behind this book – referred to as “The Mommy Docs” – consists of obstetricians Yvonne Bohn, Allison Hill, and Alane Park, who are also the stars of the hit television show Deliver Me.
Even though they recognize alternate childbirth settings and choices, it’s clear that this book is written primarily for women who plan to give birth in a hospital with an OBGYN. It’s full of information about common hospital procedures and practices.
A good portion of this book is dedicated to pregnancy complications and high risk pregnancy information, as well as what to expect in the weeks and months after you give birth, e.g. caring for your postpartum body, postpartum depression and emotions, and caring for your baby.
Though it remains a very mainstream pregnancy book, topics in this book are approached in a more personal manner than most, with all of the perspectives in the book stemming from a woman’s point of view. They include lots of real life examples and scenarios to give you an idea of the many ways in which women may experience pregnancy and birth.
The Mommy Docs attempt to bust some common myths about pregnancy and birth, such as what you should or should not eat and a few other old wives tales that may be floating around.
One gem, near the middle of this book, lends respect and encouragement for the use of a labor support person, for example a friend, family member, or professional doula. It’s encouraging to hear a pregnancy book talk about this important choice in childbirth.
The information in this book is a little scattered, but a comprehensive glossary and index located in the back of the book make it easy to find what you are looking for.
The Mommy Docs’ Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth takes the unknown out of fertility issues, hospital birth, high risk pregnancy, complications, and what you may experience in the weeks and months after your baby is born. If you are facing any of these situations or are looking for a general mainstream guide to pregnancy and birth, this will suffice. If you are giving birth with a midwife or in an alternative location, this book is not the most suitable for you.
The Mommy Docs’ Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth
**Note: I received this book as a free review copy and was not compensated in any way for the writing of this review.
Vanessa integrates EMDR, sandtray, and attachment-focused approaches in her work and is completing credentials toward Registered Play Therapist and EMDRIA certification. With a background as a certified birth doula and a passion for making healing accessible, she writes and teaches on the intersection of trauma, neurodevelopment, and story-based therapy.
