• I read this while pregnant with my first and I felt like it really helped with my expectations on labor. Oct 01, 2019

  • I LOVE Ina May’s view of childbirth. Reading this book erased my fear of the birthing experience! I was empowered, knowing my body was created for this! I recommend even if you’re getting an epidural. Sep 17, 2019

  • Excellent, empowering book for anyone hoping for a natural childbirth experience. Some of the book was overly “crunchy” for me, but I was able to use many concepts for unmedicated hospital birth. Aug 28, 2019

  • After taking the Bradley Method Classes, this came highly recommended. This book was inspirational, calming, and helped me feel prepared for birth. Great read for mothers-to-be. Jun 24, 2019

  • I have loved this book throughout my entire pregnancy! As someone who had no idea what I was getting into, the first part of this book gave me hope & inspiration to carry through with the birth I want Jun 07, 2019

  • I seriously love this book! It has empowered me to feel strong and ready to give birth. Apr 09, 2019

  • Seriously a fantastic read for anyone thinking about a natural birth. And it sounds absurd, but the “horse lips” technique is seriously awesome during labor. Apr 03, 2019

  • Great book for birthing parents. I recommend this to my doula client regularly. Mar 29, 2019

  • I loved reading this book before having my first. We had her at home and more than any other book it provided me with the insight I needed to move forward without fear of what I was created to do! Mar 20, 2019

  • I love Ina May! Great book if you're planning a natural birth. Mar 08, 2019

  • This book made me feel so empowered and strong. It was so honest and full of great facts. Feb 06, 2019

  • Loved, loved, loved this book. It was very insightful and it really helped me prepare and get in the mind set of what to expect. I loved that they even shared stories of real people. Jan 31, 2019

  • This book gave me the confidence to go for a non-medicated birth. Read it while pregnant with my first and reading it again as I prepare for the birth of my second. Jan 25, 2019

    • Zoe S.
    • Apex, North Carolina

    Great book. Only complaint...things they say are so important to avoid in the hospital were no longer policies at our hospital...a little outdated? Also skipped a lot of the stories at beginning. Jan 04, 2019

  • This book kind of took the fear of childbirth away from me - just reading so many stories from real women made it feel like a normal, everyday thing and not some huge scary thing Oct 21, 2018

  • Even if you want all the drugs, this is a great read. Very helpful to know how your body works during labor. Really enjoyed the birth stories as well. If you want a drug free birth - this is a must. Jul 28, 2018

  • I've enjoyed reading this book many times over. I recommend it to anyone interested in a natural birth! Jul 03, 2018

  • Read some sections as a first time mom. Would probably not be very helpful for a second time mom. Had good information in an easy to understand format. May 31, 2018

    • Toni H.
    • Madison, Mississippi

    Ina May's book does an excellent job of expelling the sense of fear that so often surrounds pregnancy and birth. I have given this book as a gift to multiple expecting mommas. It's a must read! Mar 29, 2018

  • Love the positive, empowering birth stories! Mar 18, 2018

  • Even if you have no intention of having a natural childbirth, this book is full of incredible birth stories that will make every pregnant woman feel strong and empowered to give birth without fear. Feb 06, 2018

  • I loved reading all the positive birth stories while pregnant! Feb 04, 2018

  • Ina May is a wonderful midwife, but the first half of the book, featuring stories of “the farm”, felt a little too much like a cult for my liking. I liked the second half with advice however. Jan 25, 2018

  • I bought this book because it had amazing reviews and it has so much useful information. I am glad I bought it. Jan 15, 2018

  • This is the ultimate for a natural childbirth. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is informative and empowering. Highly recommend. Dec 04, 2017

  • This book is really helpful in preparing for a natural birth. Nov 03, 2017

    • J E.
    • New Orleans, Louisiana

    Lots of useful information, but also a whole lot of personal stories, possibly too many? Sometimes I'd rather just have the information, and then have the option of reading personal accounts after. Oct 28, 2017

    • Kara F.
    • Oak Park, California

    This was the book I needed! The definitive birthing handbook! Oct 25, 2017

  • It wasn't that helpful that I felt motivated to finish the book. Oct 24, 2017

    • Laura B.
    • Eastover, North Carolina

    The birth stories are inspiring! I have found the information about natural childbirth very helpful while putting together my birth plan. Oct 24, 2017

  • Loved reading this and specifically remember using techniques from it during labor. I spot read it Oct 21, 2017

  • Enjoyed this book immensely. Has great tidbits that made giving birth feel less scary to me. Don't need to fully subscribe to an unmedicated birth for this book to be worthwhile. Oct 19, 2017

  • If you want to have a natural child birth this is encouraging. I will say it is very "crunchy" and has some strange stories, but I'm so glad I read them and got to learn more about all those women. Oct 18, 2017

  • A must read for anyone that is going to have a baby! Excellent blend of personal stories and research information. Oct 11, 2017

  • Every expecting mama should read this! Oct 08, 2017

    • Emma L.
    • United States of America

    This book actually made me think I could survive childbirth. I have a lot of fears heading into labor, reading this gave me strength. Husband also read and got a lot out of it. women power Oct 06, 2017

  • I loved reading all the stories in preparation for my birth. Oct 04, 2017

  • I am currently pregnant and reading through this book, it's actually making me look forward to giving birth (a little bit) Oct 03, 2017

  • I Loved this book. It leans heavily towards natural birth but has wonderful positive birth stories and covers what happens during labor in a fear free way. Apr 20, 2017

    • Bree O.
    • United States of America

    Ina May is amazing Apr 01, 2017

  • This book was an incredible guide to childbirth. I didn't end up having the crunchy granola vaginal birth I wanted, but this book actually helped me come to terms with all of that by helping me prep. Mar 31, 2017

  • Great advice from the reknowned midwife. A staple in my baby book collection. Mar 18, 2017

  • Absolutely love this book! Empowering and gives ideas on how to use your body in the best possible ways to achieve a natural birth :) Mar 16, 2017

  • This book is a classic. It's chock full of empowering stories of women giving birth, with some great tips and reaffirming messages sprinkled throughout. Jan 04, 2017

  • REQUIRED READING! This changed everything. I was too far along in my pregnancy to change our arrangements but felt very empowered in what was a very traditional environment. Dec 06, 2016

  • I loved this book as I was getting ready to have my first and then my second. It was really calming and reassuring to read the birth stories of the women in this book. Also, it had so much good info. Oct 06, 2016

  • So educational! I was able to make informed decisions to have the birth I wanted because of this book! I recommend it to everyone I know! Oct 05, 2016

  • A must read if you a pursuing a natural birth -home birthing mom of 4 and counting and apprentice midwife. Sep 14, 2016

  • I ended up not having a natural birth but this book helped me wrapped my head around the idea. Sep 13, 2016

  • Great birth stories and a lot of helpful information for expectant parents. Aug 16, 2016