Natural Hospital Birth: The Best of Both Worlds

by Cynthia Gabriel
Natural Hospital Birth: The Best of Both Worlds cover
Good Books rating 4.63
Parenting and Relationships
Technical
  • ID: 4358
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781558327825
  • Publisher: Harvard Common Press
  • Published: 2011-03-17
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Natural Hospital Birth,' doula Cynthia Gabriel addresses the dilemma many mothers-to-be face: balancing the desire for a natural childbirth with the reassurance of medical technology available in hospitals. Gabriel argues that these two goals are not mutually exclusive and provides guidance on avoiding unnecessary interventions while preparing for a conscious, empowered birth experience. The book includes inspiring stories from women who have successfully had natural births in hospitals, offering real-life examples and motivation. With this comprehensive guide, expectant mothers can gain the knowledge and confidence to advocate for the birth they desire, ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2018-05-15
good 4.40

The book is appreciated for its no-nonsense approach to natural birth in a hospital setting. It is seen as a realistic guide that doesn't sugarcoat the experience.

This reviewer likes that the book doesn't shy away from the realities of hospital births. They appreciate the no-nonsense approach, which makes it a great resource for those who are wary of overly idealistic or 'woo-woo' recommendations. The book is seen as a realistic guide that provides practical advice for navigating the hospital setting while aiming for a natural birth. It's a straightforward, honest resource that helps expectant mothers prepare for the kind of birth they want, without the fluff. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to blend practical advice with a realistic perspective, making it a valuable tool for those seeking a natural hospital birth.

Quick quotes

    For those who are wary of woo-woo recommendations and starry-eyed visions of birth, this book is for you.

    Cynthia Gabriel doesn't sugarcoat it.

    This book is a realistic guide that provides practical advice for navigating the hospital setting while aiming for a natural birth.

Birth Story Doula · Birth Story Doula · 2018-02-04
excellent 5.00

The book is praised for its practical advice and balanced approach to natural birth in a hospital setting. It is well-organized and thorough, making it a favorite recommendation for expectant mothers.

This reviewer has a lot of love for this book, calling it their go-to recommendation for expectant mothers. They appreciate the practical, balanced advice it offers, which helps mothers navigate the hospital setting while aiming for a natural birth. The book is well-organized and thorough, providing clear instructions and great illustrations. It's seen as a comprehensive guide that helps mothers avoid unnecessary medical interventions and take control of their birth experience. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to blend the best of both worlds, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking a natural hospital birth.

Quick quotes

    My favorite book to recommend about childbirth is Natural Hospital Birth: The Best of Both Worlds by Cynthia Gabriel.

    The author is a wealth of knowledge and experience, and it shows in the practical, balanced advice she offers.

    It's well-organized, balanced, concise and thorough with great illustrations and instructions.

Barbie Lev · Barbie Lev · 2014-11-25
great 4.50

The book is commended for its well-written, non-repetitive content and focus on the type of birth the reviewer was seeking. It is seen as a favorite resource for childbirth preparation.

The reviewer found this book to be their favorite resource on childbirth, praising its well-written, non-repetitive content. They appreciate the book's focus on the specific type of birth they were seeking, making it a valuable and practical guide. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to provide clear, concise information that helps expectant mothers prepare for a natural hospital birth. They found the book to be thorough and well-organized, with great illustrations and instructions. The reviewer's overall sentiment is positive, making it a highly recommended resource for those seeking a natural hospital birth.

Quick quotes

    This was my favorite book I read about childbirth because it's well-written, non-repetitive, and focuses on exactly the type of birth I'm looking for.

    It's well-organized, balanced, concise and thorough with great illustrations and instructions.

    Natural Hospital Birth by Gabriel is a practical and valuable guide for expectant mothers seeking a natural hospital birth.

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