Table of Contents

Foreword by Nancy Wainer Cohen Introduction by Michel Odent Great Expectations by Andrea Frank Henkart On the Cutting Edge by Andrea Frank Henkart Ritual in the Hospital: Giving Birth the American Way by Robbie E. Davis-Floyd Preparing for Labor and Delivery by Andrea Frank Henkart Accept the Process: A Commentary on Childbirth Education by Gina Maria Alibrandi Visualization Techniques for Relaxation by Andrea Frank Henkart Body Wisdom: The Forgotten Information in Childbirth by Donna Germano When Push Comes to Shove: What to Do If You Have a Cesarean by Andrea Frank Henkart Healing Cesarean Section Trauma: A Transformational Ritual by Jeannine Parvati Baker One Birth at a Time by Andrea Frank Henkart The Husband's Role in Pregnancy by John Gray Birth Stories from around the World by Andrea Frank Henkart A Balinese Cesarean Story by Robin Lim Parenting the Precious Newborn by Andrea Frank Henkart Circumcision: A Question of Protecting Body Rights by Marilyn Fayre Milos A Womb of Love by Andrea Frank Henkart Appendix A: Questions to Ask Your Care Provider Appendix B: Ideas for Your Birth Plan Appendix C: Affirmations for Childbirth Preparation Appendix D: Things You Can Do to Avoid Unnecessary Cesareans Appendix E: Sources of Further Information Bibliography Index

Promotional Information

Henkart and her collaborators inform women about the current realities of childbirth and offer viable alternatives. Includes chapter by Dr. John Gray, author of Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus.

About the Author

ANDREA FRANK HENKART has an M.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University. She is a holistic health educator, a certified childbirth educator, a certified professional childbirth assistant, and the cofounder and past president of the Marin County chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network. As an international public speaker and seminar leader, Henkart has over 18 years of teaching experience in the fields of health, childbirth, parenting, and personal growth. She is the author of The Cesarean Challenge.

Reviews

," . . an unflinching examination of the technological paradigm that erroneously defines birth as a biological event only."-Elizabeth Davis, B.A., C.M. author of Heart & Hands: A Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

"This book has both an authoritative feel and a comfortable, personal style. It's written from the trenches and will be a good resource for parents-to-be, educators, and health workers."-Suzanne Arms consumer advocate and author/photographer of Immaculate Deception II