Book recomendations - or other source of pragmatic information

[Kif]

I'm pregnant with my second baby - and thinking that I should be doing some birth preparation...

I'm looking for book recomendation that will give me greater understanding of the physiology of giving birth, to give me confidence know what is normal. I have no patience with yoga/visualisation/massage or any new age stuff. Don't like it in normal life, and last time when I was giving birth I just wanted to focus inwards, and found all that stuff distracting.

I'm a bit of a 'bookworm' and a 'nerd' - so I'm pretty confident that I understand the medical/technical side of things. I've not done antenatal classes (and don't have time or inclination).

Dd1 was an induction - went fine (normal delivery on gas and air) - but looking back, I'm not sure it was necessary to be interfered with as much as I was. I attended my SILs birth, and felt much the same about her experience. However, quite worried about 'opposing' medical advice when I'm not a doctor. I'd consider hiring a doula to act as a 'consultant on natural birth' - but I am afraid that I would find someone extra in the room an irritant, especially if they came armed with the aforementioned music/massage/oils. Anyone know someone suitably pragmatic in sussex? Or even a 'phone a friend' service...

My local libraries and book shops are quite thin on the subeject - I don't want to waste money on Amazon buying indiscriminantly.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[3andnomore]

I am a great fan of Sheila Kitzinger
link to her website

[skerriesmum]

Hmm, I'd like something similar as also expecting our second... Have you read Active Birth by Janet Balaskas?
If you do hire a doula, remember she's there for YOU, and if you don't like massage or music, then she won't force you to use them! The idea is she's like your best friend, but uniquely gifted to help you during labour with whatever you need. I wish I could get one actually but they're thin on the ground where I live.
Will be watching this thread with interest! Good luck!

[jofeb04]

skerriesmum,
where abouts do you live? I have recently trained, and know a few who were on the course with me.

Thanks

[pupuce]

Kif I know many doulas in Sussex,.... they are all different. If it is of any help to you - feel free to CAT me .

[Kif]

Thanks guys. I'll report back on what I find useful!

Pupuce - I haven't paid my subs, but may CAT you in due course. I'll have to sit down to do the finances to see how the money is looking - doula might be a luxury for Dc3! My husband has been giving me pep talks on how I'm allowed to have an opinion on my labour, and the hospital midwives won't let me make any 'stupid' decisions, and how we've done it once before, so should have confidence in the process second time around.