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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 362
EAN: 9780520256330
ISBN: 0520256336
Label: University of California Press
Manufacturer: University of California Press
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 312
Publication Date: May 21, 2008
Publisher: University of California Press
Sales Rank: 27119
Studio: University of California Press
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
In this rare, behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in hospitals across the country, a longtime medical insider and international authority on childbirth assesses the flawed American maternity care system, powerfully demonstrating how it fails to deliver safe, effective care for both mothers and babies. Written for mothers and fathers, obstetricians, nurses, midwives, scientists, insurance professionals, and anyone contemplating having a child, this passionate exposé documents how, in the most expensive maternity care system in the world, women have lost control over childbirth and what the disturbing results of this phenomenon have been. Born in the USA examines issues including midwifery and the safety of out-of-hospital birth, how the process of becoming a doctor can adversely affect both practitioners and their patients, and why there has been a rise in the use of risky but doctor-friendly interventions, including the use of Cytotec, a drug that has not been approved by the FDA for pregnant women. Most importantly, this gripping investigation, supported by many troubling personal stories, explores how women can reclaim the childbirth experience for the betterment of themselves and their children.
Born in the USA tells:
* Why women are 70% more likely to die in childbirth in America than in Europe
* What motivates obstetricians to use dangerous and unnecessary drugs and procedures
* How the present malpractice crisis has been aggravated by the fear of accountability
* Why procedures such as cesarean section and birth inductions are so readily used
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Really enjoyed this book
I believe Dr. Wagner is extremely fair in his criticisms about what works and what doesn't in American maternity practices. This book is well written and effective.
Rating: - MUST READ for anyone who cares about birth in the US
This is the best book I have read on the US maternity care system. It should be read by all expecting parents, and everyone who cares about childbirth.
Rating: - A real eye opener and must read!
I was well aware of much of the information in this book already, however, the way Marsden Wagner presents it and sites EVERYTHING with factual information, sources and statistic is just amazing! I had to actually stop reading it half way through because I was so upset. The stories that are retold here mimic many stories my own friends and family have endured, and it's enraging!
However, this book is such an important book to read as America is greatly regressing in birth. We are failing. We are failing women. We are failing babies and this book will tell you WHY.
One warning and that is that Marsden Wagner sort "rambles" in this book. It appears as if he's trying to make sure he's being extremely clear, and therefore spends a lot of time explaining what he's saying. At least, that's how I felt while reading it. Other than that, and amazing book and must buy!!
"Hiring a highly trained obstetrician to attend a normal birth is analogous to having a pediatric surgeon babysit a healthy toddler".
Rating: - Should Be Standard Issue
I wish that moms could get this in their hands before they are of childbearing age. The more women understand why things happen in hospitals (meaning, the parts that have so little to do with their care and everything to do with protecting the interests of the care providers), all the better to make changes, to vote with their feet as they say, etc. This book is a wakeup call to hospitals, doctors and parents-to-be. The time has come to make some changes, but it won't happen until it is demanded.
Rating: - A MUST READ! Even if your are skeptical.
I loved this book! It's filled with great information that all women should consider. Knowledge is such a powerful thing. So many of us just "accept" traditional medical childbirth as the only way to have a safe birth. Few women realize that for normal, healthy pregnancies, a mid-wife assisted birth (even at home) is JUST AS SAFE as being in the hospital. (but, thank goodness we have hospitals and obstetricians for the complicated and high risk births!). We live in a wonderful time when women have CHOICES. But, when it comes to childbirth, many women don't understand the options out there. I wish all women could read this and gain a better perspective on childbirth in this country and how brainwashed the general public has become.
OK...OK.., so I'm a little biased. I chose to have a mid-wife assisted home birth. At first, I didn't know any different, and just assumed that I would give birth in the hospital - with a Dr. and all of the usual drugs and pain meds. But, after doing lots of research and talking to several women, I chose to have my little one in the comfort, privacy (and safety!) of my own home. It was a wonderful! I would do it again in a heart beat. I had a great pregnancy (my first) and my 9 lb. baby girl was born healthy - without a problem - while I maintained my personal dignity in the privacy and comfort of my home with only my husband and my amazing midwives. It's a wonderful thing to view childbirth as a natural body process - and let nature do it's work! ... Read More
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