Having a baby is one of the most natural, dignified and potentially fulfilling experiences life can offer, and yet for many women in Ireland it has become a time of anxiety and fear. "The Irish Better Birth Book" shows that there is a better way! The book takes the fear out of childbirth and shows that it is possible to have a stress-free and enjoyable childbirth experience, one that will benefit both mothers and babies. Right from the initial positive pregnancy test this highly useful guide takes expectant parents through the maze of information and choices available as they plan for one of the biggest events of their lives - the birth of their baby. More importantly, by asking the tough questions other pregnancy guidebooks avoid, "The Irish Better Birth Book" helps mothers understand the critical decisions they need to make in order to actively participate in their own healthcare. In addition to giving comprehensive guidance and advice on how to have a stress-free and enjoyable childbirth experience, this revised and updated edition also provides a wealth of data on the policies and outcomes at maternity hospitals in Ireland, the rates of caesareans, episiotomies and other invasive procedures, the growth in home births, water births and other alternative childbirth options and a comprehensive directory of midwives, birth assistants and other childbirth practitioners in Ireland. "The Irish Better Birth Book" was written to empower women in Ireland to take back control of their bodies and their births. It is not just about "what to expect when expecting" - it is about how to ensure the best for mothers and their babies.