Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I just finished this book, reading it for myself as I am pregnant with my 3rd child. I'm also a doula and childbirth educator, and thought it would be a great time to catch up on some of the newer titles that are available. This is the first one I picked up.
I found some of the information to be helpful - the biggest help to me (as there wasn't really any 'new' information presented) was the resources for maternity clothing for plus size women.
Also helpful was discussion about the supplies you might encounter while in the hospital - how to get a gown that fits, the importance of the correct size blood pressure cuff, abdominal support garments for after a cesarean, tips in dealing with hospital staff, etc.
The things I found least helpful:
* Anecdotes by plus sized moms tend to run on the negative side. "I was afraid this bad thing would happen, but I got through it." "She blamed it on my weight, but I pretended not to hear." The negative stories FAR outweighed (haha, punny) the positive ones and after reading them I would feel discouraged, not supported.
* The medical advice, I have to say, is frighteningly lacking. The bulk of this book is spent telling large moms why they shouldn't feel bad about their weight. There are some truisms but they are lost in the patronizing tone. I felt like I was constantly being reassured that I am not 'less than' because I'm fat. No duh!!!!
* Worst of all... I collected a few tidbits from the book that were absolutely enraging to read as a pregnant woman, and as a doula.
-- More time was spent telling me how much more likely I am to have a cesarean than to tell me how I can best avoid one.
-- Continuous monitoring assures the mother and doctor that all is well. This is not common practice, at least not where I live. Intermittent monitoring in women who are not ill, or on medication that indicates continuous monitoring, is the protocol. Studies have shown that continuous monitoring lead to more cesareans, and NO improvement in outcomes. This means that more women have cesareans for no good reason when continuous monitoring is used. Continuous monitoring also severely limits the mobility of the laboring mother, restricting her largely to bed - therefore making her more likely to have a cesarean for failure to progress. No wonder they spend so much time talking about how likely large moms are to have cesarean births!
-- This is a direct quote from the opening paragraph on cesareans: "If your doctor says the best way to get there (birth) is to have a c-section, then do it happily. No, it's not fun, but it's not unbearable either. It's something you can definitely get through if it means a healthy baby." Every time I read this I wonder if I am reading a book out of the 1950's. Do it happily? Are they serious?
-- They quote (as of 2005) the national cesarean rate to be at 25% and it was much higher in 2005 - closer to 30%.
-- VBAC is discouraged out of hand. The first few paragraphs discussing VBAC report it as more dangerous than repeat cesarean section. Where did they get this data?
-- Balanced information about epidural anesthesia is not offered; it is simply promotional material. After all of the information about the wonders of epidural are presented, they state that 'some' women want to experience unmedicated birth and that it 'is possible!' How encouraging, how empowering! Not.
-- Call me biased but doulas are a common part of the pregnancy and birth experience. Most books that have been written in the last probably 10 years include at least a mention. This book uses comments from a doula but never covers how a doula could be useful to a plus sized mother giving birth, or how postpartum doulas might be useful after a cesarean birth, etc.
-- No discussion at all about water birth, home birth or birthing with midwives.
I did not find this book to be balanced in its presentation of different things like cesareans, medical pain relief, unmedicated birth, or breastfeeding. It was a lot of risks and scary language, and then "but you can try!" sort of tone, when it wasn't "submit to the doctor, they are looking out for you!"
As a large mom, and a pregnant mother, and a birth professional, I just found the overall tone of this book to be condesending and patronizing. I am disappointed because I had high hopes, a book like this is desperately needed.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Your Plus-Size Pregnancy: The Ultimate Guide for the Full-Figured Expectant Mom
This groundbreaking book is the first to offer encouragement, information, and resources to the millions of plus-size moms who are in the midst of adding to their families. Written in a friendly and supportive tone, this book takes a rational (and non-hysterical) look at what the studies about weight and pregnancy really mean, and offers practical advice. The book is officially endorsed by the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. This Book includes: - How to gain the right amount of weight (because plus-size moms should gain weight during pregnancy)- Ways to feel good about yourself and celebrate your pregnancy - How to find a health care provider who will support you and help you feel good about yourself - Where to find maternity clothes and how to choose flattering styles - Nursing as a plus-sized mom - Vaginal birth versus C-section for plus-size moms- Feeling good about yourself after the birth and how to lose weight after you've had the baby- The impact of conditions such as PCOS and diabetes on pregnancy - Understanding medical terms and how to interpret studies about weight and pregnancy - Keeping your partner involved in your pregnancy - Finding childbirth classes where you are comfortable Each chapter contains quotes from real plus-size moms about their personal experiences with every aspect of pregnancy, nursing, and postpartum care. Written by experts, Your Plus-Size Pregnancy is the result of a collaboration between a plus-size mom of two who is a pregnancy and parenting writer and a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist who is experienced in working with plus-size moms.
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