Book Review-Fathers At Birth

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Fathers At Birth-Your Role in Bringing Your Child into the World
By Rose St. John

It wasn’t that long ago that men were not allowed in the delivery room-they were denied the experience of watching their children take their first breath, they were not permitted to be present with their partners or to witness the life altering process of childbirth.  These days men are not only encouraged to accompany their partners through this process they are also expected to take an active role as a coach or birth partner.  And rightfully so-but for some men this role can be a bit overwhelming. 

Fathers At Birth by Rose St. John is an excellent resource for those who are committed to working with a woman or women in labor.  This book is a great tool for not only fathers but also anyone working in the childbirth profession-doulas, midwives, nurses and doctors.  It is right up there with Penny Simkin’s Birth Partner.  In fact while reading Fathers At Birth I could not help but wish I had stumbled upon this book a year ago when I was pregnant and gathering books for my husband to read. 

St. John covers the basics-birth preparation, the ins and outs of labor and birth, postpartum, and of course quick tips for comfort measures, breathing exercises, and other techniques but she also adds another dimension, which I found invaluable as a labor professional.  She discusses the process that the father goes through-so many books tackle the woman’s journey, her spiritual process, her evolution but St. John utilizing her years of experience encourages men to go inward and discover how to become an involved and informed father.  She encourages partners to “get out of their own way,” she gives tips and techniques for finding ones center and ways to stay balanced, and how to hold a “birth vigil.”  St. John creates memorable analogies-envisioning oneself as a mountain-not being there to fix things or do anything other than helping mom get through.  Being calm, stable and holding a space of support-priceless advice for any one attending a mother in labor.  St. John skillfully relieves undo pressure while giving tips and advice on how to be helpful. 

Communication between a pregnant woman and her “birth team” are key but St. John also addresses how to communicate with a laboring woman, which is also essential and not often addressed.  She uses the actual experience and words of different men and women she has worked with in her career that adds an element one can connect to. 

One of the many handouts I provide pregnant couples with is a list of books I recommend they pick up.  Some of which I would make mandatory if I could-needless to say Fathers At Birth has made its way to the top of that list.  As a doula and childbirth educator I am always eager to learn more-to accumulate tips and techniques that will allow me to assist couples to the best of my ability.  Thank you Ms. St. John for putting your years of experience at my finger tips. 

For more information about the book or upcoming workshops please visit:  www.fathersatbirth.com or the ICEA bookstore

Even more good news for those of you that are planning on attending the ICEA/Lamaze Mega Conference this year-Rose St. John will be attending so SAVE THE DATE!!

http://icea.org/sites/default/files/megaconference.pdf

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