What To Expect When You're Expecting - The "Fear Factor" - The Medical Model Approach - Best Odds Diet & Lack of Sensitivity - Inaccurate Information About Breastfeeding I wholeheartedly and actively discourage women from reading the so-called "pregnancy bible", otherwise known as What to Expect When You're Expecting. As a mother, a childbirth educator, labor doula and postpartum doula, I have many reasons for feeling this way: the "Fear Factor", the deeply entrenched medical model approach, the dreaded WTEWYE "Best odds diet", lack of compassion for childbearing losses, and inaccuracies about breastfeeding. I realize that this book came out with a new revised edition in May 2002. However, many women receive tattered copies of the earlier edition from well-meaning friends. As such, I will reference both editions and any differences between them as needed. The "Fear Factor" I have worked with many women who have told me that this book has made them nervous, even neurotic! My responses are, "Well then, why read it?", "Why do you think it makes you feel that way?", and "If it makes you feel like that, why don't you find another book to satisfy your yearning for knowledge on this fascinating time in your life?" There are SO many other wonderful resources for women & their birth partners to get real information in a non-condescending manner. You can see my fantastic list of recommended books for a good starting point. Or, if you are my student or doula client, you are welcome to peruse my lending library for even more fabulous books. I feel it is very important to only absorb positive images and messages about pregnancy, birth, your body and parenting your children - this book does none of the above! In the earlier edition, the book jumps into "problems" starting with CHAPTER 2 - "NOW THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT". Topics of various problems covered include fibroids, incompetent cervix, VBAC's (vaginal birth after cesarean), mother's and father's age, obesity of the mother, and sexually transmitted diseases. Also, this introductory chapter also discusses ultrasound and amniocentesis and other options are if there is something wrong, such as abortion, prenatal treatment, and carrying to term and donating the organs in event of fetal or neonatal loss. (*** Note: many of these "problems" are relegated to the back of the newer edition, with an admonition not to read there unless you have good reason. ***) Constantly this book advises its readers to "ask your doctor" (of course, never the advice to ask a midwife, or "care provider"). Never does it advise you to use your own common sense, intuition, or to do independent research on a topic. In a subtle way, the word and language choices are another more insidious ways that this book promotes a fear-based paranoia. For example, in the first chapter there is a discussion on protecting yourself from malpractice. It advises, "Don't reject necessary x-rays, tests, or medications unless you have an authoritative second opinion that backs up your opinion." You always have a right to reject any tests or medications, that is part of informed consent. And I'd love to know their operative definition of "necessary." Another example of fear-mongering that is rampant in this book is the annoying claims made about episiotomy and how it may be necessary because the fetal head is "battering against the perineum" and as so it may be damaged. The reality is that pregnancy and birth are normal, natural, physiological processes. Complications are rare. There is a famous quote that "Birth is as safe as life gets." Faith & trust in the process goes a long way! Keep Reading: The Medical Model Approach Return: Recommended Reading