Birth Day: A Pediatrician Explore the Science, the History and the Wonder of ChildbirthBy Mark Sloan
Ballantine Books, 2009. 370 pages. Nonfiction
Although the author, Mark Sloan, practices pediatrics, not obstetrics, he writes about childbirth with wonderful insight and compassion. Dr. Sloan has helped deliver more than 3,000 babies. In addition, he is an assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco. It is easy to believe because the book is written in the informative, easy going manner of a favorite college professor. The book is divided into several sections that cover: being born, pain and politics, significant others, and looking at babies. The author approaches the possibly offensive path of writing about childbirth from a man’s perspective with an easy, self-defacing humor. He often cites experiences with patients or his wife Elizabeth. Often authors fall into the trap of being either too clinical or maudlin when describing the intricacies of birth, but Sloan does an excellent job of capturing its wonders. He writes from both a scientific point of view and a personal one. I especially enjoyed the section on the first precarious five minutes of life - when baby transforms from fetus to an air breathing human.
Although I've delivered three children I still learned from this book. This is a wonderful resource for both men and women to read. It might be especially applicable before an impending birth. I agree with the authors advice on preparing for labor. You have to be flexible and prepared for different options and put people you love near you to help out.
ALC
1 comment:
I read this during my first pregnancy and it helped me to understand a lot about the birth process that I didn't know. It was really an enjoyable read.
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