The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

Since the original publication of The Birth Partner, new mothers' partners, friends, and relatives and doulas (professional birth assistants) have relied on Penny Simkin's guidance in caring for the new mother from the last few weeks of pregnancy through the early postpartum period. Fully revised in its fourth edition, The Birth Partner remains the definitive guide for preparing to help a woman through childbirth and the essential manual to have at hand during the event.

This completely updated edition includes thorough information on: Preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun; Normal labor and how to help the woman every step of the way; Epidurals and other medications for labor; Non-drug techniques for easing labor pain; Cesarean birth and complications that may require it; Breastfeeding and newborn care; And much more.For the partner who wishes to be truly helpful in the birthing room, this book is indispensable.

Penny Simkin, P.T., is a physical therapist who also works as a doula, a childbirth instructor, and a birth counselor. She is a nationally recognized expert in childbirth, having assisted 9,000 pregnant women and their birth partners in childbirth and accompanied hundreds of couples through the process. Simkin is a prolific author who serves on more than ten consulting and editorial boards, including the journal Birth: Problems in Perinatal Care, The International Childbirth Education Association, and The Seattle Midwifery School, where she also conducts doula training and talks. She has authored numerous books as well as journal and magazine pieces. She's also one of the co-founders of DONA International (previously Doulas of North America) and The Pacific Association for Labor Support.

Simkin travels frequently throughout the country, lecturing and presenting at conferences and workshops, in addition to offering birthing education, birth counseling, and labor support. Visit Simkin's website at pennysimkin.com for more information.