The busy woman's guide to taking control of pregnancy and birth. Pregnancy titles have never been thicker on the ground, and women have supposedly more choices in childbirth than ever before. So why do 6 out of 10 women feel their antenatal classes completely failed to prepare them for birth? And 7 out of 10 say that they did not get the birth they wanted, and regretted it deeply? Blooming Birth is a hands-on, focused guide to taking control of your pregnancy and birth, helping you prepare your body and brain for childbirth in the real world. It does not, like many pregnancy books, assume that all pregnant women have to do is sit around in sunny kitchens drinking orange juice. It is also a book for thinking women - both first time mums and those having second or subsequent babies who simply want it to be better this time. Each chapter contains crib sheets and bullet points for when you've only got a few minutes to spare. In succinct, highly engaging language, in chapters from Birthing for Beginners to Frozen Peas and Pyjamas, it takes you through the realities of pregnancy and birth - from stretchmarks to guilt - and the decisions to be made, so that you can be confident of having a manageable, happy experience - whatever happens on the day. Contents / Pregnancy for busy women / Birthing for Beginners / Second Time Around / Preconceptions / The Unexpected / Surgical Birth / Your Options / Your Support Team / Your Partner / Frozen Peas and Pyjamas - the keys to post-childbirth success