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STAND & DELIVER
And Other Brilliant
Ways to Give Birth
Emma Mahony
For my mother,
who was there from the very beginning
Sorry you can’t define me, sorry I break the mould, Sorry that I speak my mind, sorry don’t do what I’m told, Sorry if I don’t fake it, sorry I curse for real, I will never hide what I really feel.
Christina Aguilera, Stripped, 2003
The great thing about childbirth is that it is the last time you can behave appallingly, swear, lay down the law, shriek, groan and bash your husband in the chest, and be forgiven. You are the star, the primadonna; make the most of it. Once the new star arrives, to the sound of your last furious swearword, you will have to behave again, and be gentle and self-sacrificing. Enjoy your last fling.
Libby Purves, How Not to Be a Perfect Mother, 2004
Contents
FIRST STAGE - LET’S START AT THE VERY BEGINNING …
Chapter 1 … A Very Good Place to Start
Chapter 2 Let’s Talk about Sex, Baby
Chapter 4 Free Your Mind (and Your Ass Will Follow)
Chapter 6 Away with the Fairies
SECOND STAGE - BIRTH STORIES: BRILLIANT WAYS TO GIVE BIRTH
Chapter 7 Introduction: Water, Water Everywhere
Chapter 8 Water Birth in Hospital
Chapter 13 Hoot Hoot Hout Birth
Chapter 20 Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (VBAC)
Chapter 21 Helping Hands: Useful Contacts
THIRD STAGE - EIGHT WEEKS TO GO
Week 32: Where Do I Want to Give Birth?
Week 34: Know Your Birth Rights
Week 35: Write Your Birth Plan
Week 37: Glossary of Big Words Doctors Use around Birth
Week 40: Physical Signs of Early Labour