How is this book different from the first edition?
It's now a normal-sized paperback. Full academic references are provided to support the recommendations made. Notes are provided in the many cases where there is controversy on a particular issue, or when research is either inconclusive or impossible. Photos and layout have been improved. Many additional birth stories have been included to illustrate extra points. Reflective questions are included at key points to facilitate useful reflection on problems and possibilities. Extra texts have been included, in response to requests from people who reviewed the 1st edition. The week-by-week section (to pregnancy) has been adapted so it's convenient to use with pregnant women. All in all, this is a much more comprehensive book, including more material to stimulate creativity in the quest for optimality in birth for mothers, babies and caregivers, in terms of both safety and experience. Rebecca Wright (a doula, singing the praises of her midwives) and Soo Downe (Professor of Midwifery at UCLAN) have provided forewords. The style is still upbeat, so it should be a relaxing read!

684 pages (1st edition was 132 pages) - Paperback

Feedback from a UK midwife: "I was very impressed with the contents. The way you have written the subject is very easy for the reader to understand. It was easy reading with sound facts. I will be asking the student midwives to buy this book as it will give them some in-depth guidance when giving care to pregnant women."

Comment from a student midwife: "I was really upset when I finished the last page - I just wished it would go on! Really enjoyed it and found it so useful. Thank you!"