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Win a signed copy of Birth: A History

Enter our competition to win a signed copy of Tina Cassidy's fascinating new book Birth: A History.


Discuss win a signed copy of birth: a history on our forums, right now! Or, post a comment below.

Congratulations to our winners, Sue from Poole, Anna from Grosmont, Michelle from Odiham, Sarah from North Cornelly and Michelle from Chorlton, who will all receive a signed copy.

Entries should be made using the comments box below - you will need to be logged in to enter.

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All entries must be received before midnight on 10th June, 2007.

A winner will be chosen at random from those listed on AskBaby.com on 11th June, 2007.

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Written by Tina Cassidy, Birth: A History is an enlightening and fascinating study of childbirth that looks at the theories, fads, methods and controversies that have surrounded this natural process throughout the ages. From evolution to the epidural and beyond, Tina Cassidy presents a fascinating and impeccably researched history of how and why we are born the way we are.

Tina came to write Birth: A History after the difficult delivery of her second son, George, by emergency caesarean section. This led her to ask - Were the doctors right? Did she have to go through what she did? Her journalistic instinct urged her to set out on a quest to find some answers.

As a result in Birth: A History, Tina discusses everything from why birth can be so difficult and whether men should be allowed to be present at deliveries to the phenomenon of 'too posh to push', whether a home or hospital birth is safer and much more. Full of quirky details, humorous tales and startling facts, Birth : A History is a must-have for anyone starting a family.

To read excerpts of some of the more extreme birth stories included in Tina's fascinating book click here.

Your Comments

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I have had three sections - the first being an emergency and under a general. If I ever have another child I will still opt for a section but will only go to hospital when I feel ready - not simply to suit the hospital!
added by SAMANTHA789 [Mon 11th Jun 2007 @ 08:50:31]
every pregnancy/birth is different. never feel alone in how you're feeling. talk things through no matter how little or big you think your worries/ideas are. pregnancy/birth can be the most enthralling/thrilling/exillerating/happy/world changing/worthwhile experience that you may ever encounter. try to enjoy it and feel blessed.
added by mags451 [Fri 8th Jun 2007 @ 12:02:36]
I am trying to conceive again. Our last baby died in the womb at 20 weeks and because he was so far advanced I had to give birth to him naturally. This was a traumatic experience that I am not keen to repeat. I think a book like this is long overdue. When you are in a situation and in a lot of pain you aren't always able to think straight and question things. I think it is right to question the necessity of procedures. From other people's experience it would seem that it is not always what is best for mum and baby but for convenience.
added by Siouxsie [Mon 4th Jun 2007 @ 12:47:06]
Childbirth is a precious time, don't let the staff talk you out of your birth plan
added by twiglet333 [Wed 30th May 2007 @ 09:05:29]
I had a home birth. It was my first (and only) child Samuel. I am so glad I choose this route, even though they tried to get me to change my mind.
added by clairew137 [Wed 30th May 2007 @ 09:04:49]
I had a 27 hour labour ending in a failed forceps delivery so I had to have a caesarean. However, afterwards the doctors couldn't tell me why the forceps hadn't worked and why he hadn't come down naturally, so I'm left wondering whether the caesarean was really necessary and what would happen if I have a second.
added by hughese [Wed 30th May 2007 @ 09:03:59]
The last few weeks of pregnancy have definately been the hardest. Not being able to get comfortable no matter how you sit/lie, spending hours thinking about the impending labour (and thinking this is it at every little twinge!), and for some reason thiking 'what would I do if my waters broke now......' every time I leave the house!
added by littlemiss [Wed 30th May 2007 @ 09:02:19]
i was two weeks one day over my due date to get started off. the midwife come in and excamined me she then said i just need my waters broke. i was sick of my life as i found it hardad to get around. then it was another 6 hours before i got my waters broke. then when my waters broke i ended up in alot of pain so i had a epidural and half way through my epidual me and my baby distress so i had to have an emencery ceasarean. 24 hours later to when i got started off i give birth to a baby boy but the worst thing was he was not breathing for 4 mins. this was the best and worst day of my life i thought my baby was going to die. add by jen jen 1986
added by babyjen1986 [Wed 30th May 2007 @ 09:02:02]
I can't wait to read this book, after having an emergency c-section and a natural delivery (VBAC), both 7 -8 weeks early/premature! I'll find this a very interesting read. Its a subject that I care a lot about and I think it'll be a joy to read! Something that I'll treasure for future births!
added by annahelm [Wed 30th May 2007 @ 09:01:37]
I am about to start trying for my second and am particularly nervous as I had a terrible birth last time. So I am going to try and really be clued up on everything I can do to make my birth as easy as possible this time.
added by Bubbles17 [Fri 25th May 2007 @ 15:15:56]
I am a little nervous now my due date is so close! Every little twinge in my belly and I think it's the onset of labour!!! My poor partner doesn't know whether I am coming or going! I just want to get to the day and be pumped full of drugs!
added by madbadger [Wed 23rd May 2007 @ 08:43:08]
just dont take no for an answer is my advice, any concerns at whatever stage in your pregnancy seek the medical help and advice we so rightly deserve.
added by sugar [Tue 22nd May 2007 @ 10:37:48]
A birth plan is a great idea but don't get fixated with it... my main request was to be able to move around but I ended up fixed to a monitor for the whole of a very long labour and unable to move. Plus I didn't want an epidural - but I didn't have a choice in the end... So, whilst the birth plan is a great way of visualising the birth and preparing yourself mentally and emotionally, also keep an element of flexibility aside in case things don't go according to plan. I had a beautiful baby girl after a very long labour :)
added by msdennell [Wed 16th May 2007 @ 15:45:17]





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