Here is your guide to the fastest-growing trend in childbirth&#8212;a tradition as old as motherhood itself. <i>Doulas, </i>or professional labor assistants, have led thousands of expectant women through the birthing process in a way that&#8217;s safe and meaningful, and that creates the birth and postbirth experience all mothers long for.<br><b><br></b>What exactly do<i> </i>doulas do?<br><br>How to find one that suits <i>you.<br><br></i>What are the &#8220;trade secrets&#8221; only doulas know but every woman should be aware of (even if you <i>don&#8217;t </i>have a doula)?<br><br>In <b>The Doula Guide to Birth</b><i>, </i>senior-level doula Ananda Lowe and award-winning health reporter Rachel Zimmerman have written a most comprehensive book that draws on the wisdom of these skilled experts, whose experience with doctors, midwives, nurses, and hospitals makes them invaluable advocates before, during, and after birth. <br><br>* Labor techniques anyone can use<br>* Pain medication: do you, don&#8217;t you&#8212;and when?<br>* What dads and loved ones need and can do best<br>* When should you <i>really</i> go to the hospital in labor?<br>* How to prepare for unexpected medical procedures, including cesareans and epidural<br>* Postpartum&#8212;what it&#8217;s really like <br>* A clip-out chart of labor techniques, birth plan worksheets, and much more <br><br>Combining science, wit, warmth, and support, as well as the inspirational stories of dozens of mothers and their partners, you&#8217;ll find the &#8220;doula viewpoint&#8221; on every major pregnancy and delivery issue, making this one of the most important childbirth books you&#8217;ll ever read and recommend.