Preparing for a Gentle Birth: The Pelvis in Pregnancy

It is a technical but important book in understanding the correlation between the pelvis, uterus and muscles within to know how is going on at birth.

I got this book as part of my doula training to better understand the mechanics of the pelvis during labor. It’s clear, detailed, and easy to follow, with helpful illustrations that make complex anatomy understandable. The book explains how the pelvis works during birth and offers practical tips for positions and movements to make labor easier and gentler. I especially appreciated the focus on hands-on techniques that I can use with clients. Overall, it’s a must-have for anyone studying childbirth or preparing for a natural birth.

Prictal book

This book helped with my first delivery so much, and I have since begun buying it for friends. Very well-written and researched!

I have read Calais-Germain's other books on anatomy and movement, and thought them practical. As a midwife, I must understand how the pelvis works and how to work with the pelvis to facilitate birth. This book provides more information than I have found before. The author's perspective, that the pelvis is a dynamic region and moves, leads to a deep and complex understanding. Most texts seem to be tacitly based on a view that the pelvis is static and immobile; Kegel-types of exercises are often the only activity mentioned. I recommend this to students and senior practitioners. Midwives, L&D nurses, doctors, and doulas would benefit from this increased understanding of this region so critical to pregnancy and birth.

I enjoyed the book thoroughly. Very useful information to how the pelvis works during labor and delivery. Highly recommend the book to anyone who is pregnant or works with pregnant women.

The content is completely different from other books on midwifery and obstetrics. This is the first book to address what can be done in pregnancy and labor to avoid cephalopelvic disproportion. It describes the pelvis as a somewhat flexible structure rather than one that is cast in stone.

Excellent for understanding the anatomy of the pelvis and how to prepare for a natural birth. This is a real anatomy book- so if you are not interested in or get overwhelmed by anatomy, this book is not for you. There are great pictures and diagrams, making the anatomy easy to digest and understand.

Lovely book, really recommend it

For anyone working with pregnant women and women during labour and birth, this book is a game changer. The detailed explanations of the physiology, anatomy and mobility of the pelvis during pregnancy and labour are complimented by "find it on yourself' instructions that further awareness for a careprovider, nurse or doula. Great illustrations. I would highly recommend this book be added to your library.

A very useful book, which allowed me to be confident about my choices during labour. I had one child and then twins. In both cases had to give birth in the hospital with strong monitoring. But both times had very fast labour (4 hours), no painkillers other than gas and vaginal delivery. And if the midwifes had it there way I would lay still on the bed. But after reading this book I knew the birth was a movement, and a different one depending on the stage. So it gave me confidence to trust what my body tells me to do, to switch off the mind and move. I was on my knees, I was standing, I was sitting in different positions, which made the midwives quite upset, but it all helped me enormously. I am so grateful to the authors for their hard work.

Excellent book to explain and demonstrate the pelvis. Graphics really good and clearly illustrated. As a midwife I would highly recommend it

My student midwife daughter loves this book, very informative