"Enjoy your Labor" by Gilbert Grant is GREAT!

[Rouge]

THIS is propaganda and no doubt the line that has caused the most offense and upset here...

The message is - if you want one, do NOT be scared off by the propaganda. And hey if you don't want one, just go your merry way but DON'T spread lies and deceit.

You are quite happy to sit there and sprout how we are all liars but then look at your own words. A woman who enjoys her birth without drugs is not lying. Nor is a woman who has a multitude of intervention due to an epidural.

So whilst this might be your point of view, which you are of course entitled to, you do not need to come here and put women down as a result of that opinion. Just because there are others who do not necessarily agree with this author's work doesn't make them wrong.

My advice to you would be if you wish to promote this book on pregnancy forums, perhaps be gentler in your approach and choose your words carefully because right here right now you have offended more than you have helped your cause.

I honestly don't think you've done this guy any favours, moreso illustrated the lack of credibility of his work.

[Kailani]

I think I'd feel more confident making such decisions by listening to someone who has had both a drug free birth and one with an epidural - who better to ask! Not someone who administers epidurals for a living...

But I agree with you that the book and author shouldn't be criticised unless the book has been read...

[fatmama]

LOL *he* doesn't need the promotion, he doesn't get paid any more as stated.
If women are so anti-epidural they won't read the book and they won't have one. If they are only not having one because they are scared off then they may read it and be reassured. So actually, I did exactly what I wanted to do. I was never trying to convince those soooooo against it they can't see the other side.

Once again, respect goes both ways. My original very respectful post was shown none. Interesting.

[Rouge]

Calling people liars is hardly respectful... And yes it is interesting that you see it the way you do

[suse]

Once again, respect goes both ways. My original very respectful post was shown none.

Fatmama, it cannot be said much more plainly that your original post was not written in a way that was respectful (whether you intended it to be disrespectful or not). Without exception, you have accused those who advocate for or choose natural birth of spreading lies and deceit, and by referring to the risks of an epidural as mumbo jumbo and propaganda you suggest that those who choose not to have an epidural for whatever reason are credulous and incapable of reasoned decision making.

I do question the assertion that Dr Gilbert gains nothing from writing this book or does not benefit from the promotion of it - my credulity does not stretch to think that he did not receive payment for writing it and will continue to receive royalties or other benefits from its sales.

[Toomanytoomany]

I'm puzzled as to why you think people here are "anti-epidural". I don't want one because I've never needed one. I enjoy drug free labour just fine. I'm not going to buy a book I don't need about a procedure I will in all likelihood never use. I'm happy to read the research (independently of Dr Grant's interpretation) should you care to cite it.

But then I'm a liar who spreads deceit and propaganda, so what would I know, right?

[2CheekyMonkeys]

i think this is just going to go on and on if we all keep responding.

[Toomanytoomany]

i think this is just going to go on and on if we all keep responding.

You're probably right.