Henci Goer, a highly esteemed and renowned authority in the field of childbirth and maternity care, has dedicated her life to empowering women and families to make informed decisions about their birthing experiences. With her vast knowledge, extensive research, and thoughtful insights, Goer has become a fundamental figure in the world of obstetrics. As we delve into the depths of her expertise, we embark on a journey that promises to shatter myths, challenge conventional practices, and provide invaluable guidance to expecting families. Join us in this exclusive interview with Henci Goer, where she unfolds her wisdom and passion for ensuring that every birthing person receives the compassionate and evidence-based care they deserve.
Henci Goer is a renowned author, speaker, researcher, and birth advocate whose work has greatly influenced the field of childbirth. With a passion for evidence-based information and a commitment to empowering women, Goer is dedicated to helping expectant parents make informed decisions about their birth experiences.
Goer’s expertise lies in debunking common childbirth myths and challenging unnecessary interventions in the birthing process. Through her extensive research and writing, she has become a respected authority in the field, providing valuable insights into maternity care practices and their impact on women and babies.
As a prolific author, Goer has penned multiple groundbreaking books, including “The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth” and “Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities.” Her works have gained widespread acclaim for their thorough analysis of medical literature, clear explanations of complex topics, and empowering guidance for expectant parents.
In addition to her writing, Goer is a sought-after speaker who has presented at numerous professional conferences and childbirth education events. Her engaging style and expertise make her a popular choice for organizations seeking to update their knowledge and understanding of evidence-based childbirth practices.
Furthermore, Henci Goer’s advocacy work extends beyond writing and speaking engagements. She has actively collaborated with healthcare professionals, researchers, and policy-makers to promote positive change in maternity care. Her contributions have helped shape national and international guidelines, ensuring improved outcomes for mothers and babies alike.
In a field often fraught with misinformation and conflicting opinions, Henci Goer’s steadfast commitment to evidence-based information and respect for women’s choices make her an invaluable resource for expectant parents. Through her work, she aims to empower and educate, allowing women to make informed decisions about their childbirth experiences and advocating for the best possible care for all.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with Henci Goer
1. Can you provide ten The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer quotes to our readers?
The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth quotes as follows:
a. “A better birth starts with a better understanding of what is and isn’t in your control.”
b. “The best birth is one in which the mother can change her mind as necessary.”
c. “Remember, it’s not the technique that makes the difference; it’s the provider using it.”
d. “What is most predictable about birth is its unpredictability.”
e. “The greatest gift a woman can give herself and her baby is a calm, peaceful, and undisturbed birth.”
f. “Don’t let anyone, no matter how well intentioned, tell you how your birth should be.”
g. “Your body is not a lemon; it is capable of great things.”
h. “No one is immune to the power dynamics in maternity care; everyone is influenced by the culture they live in.”
i. “An informed opinion is worth its weight in gold.”
j. “The goal is not just a healthy baby, but also a healthy mother who feels empowered by her birth experience.”
2.What inspired you to write “The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth”? Can you share the story behind the book and explain why you felt it was important to provide women with comprehensive information on childbirth choices?
“The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth” was inspired by my own experiences as a childbirth educator and advocate for evidence-based maternity care. Witnessing countless women being uninformed or coerced into medical interventions during childbirth motivated me to provide comprehensive information on childbirth choices. I felt a deep sense of responsibility to empower women with the knowledge they needed to make informed decisions about their own bodies and births.
The story behind the book stems from the realization that there existed a significant lack of accurate, unbiased information on childbirth available to women. Mainstream sources often portrayed a one-size-fits-all approach to maternity care, ignoring the importance of individualized care and informed decision-making.
I wanted to bridge this information gap by offering women a well-researched, evidence-based guide that would encompass the full spectrum of birth options, including both medical and non-medical interventions. By providing this comprehensive information, I aimed to enable women to confidently navigate the childbirth process, advocate for themselves, and achieve the best possible birth outcomes for themselves and their babies.
Ultimately, I felt it was crucial for women to have access to this information to ensure they could make decisions based on their own values, desires, and the most up-to-date research.
3.Your book provides evidence-based information to help women make informed decisions about childbirth. Can you discuss some of the key considerations and options you present to readers?
In my book, I aim to empower women with evidence-based information to help them in making informed decisions about childbirth. There are several key considerations and options that I present to readers.
Firstly, I emphasize the importance of choosing a healthcare provider who supports a woman’s desired birth plan and is open to discussions and shared decision-making. This ensures that women feel respected and have their choices honored throughout the birth process.
Secondly, I provide information on various birth settings, including home birth, birth centers, and hospitals, highlighting the benefits and risks associated with each option. This enables women to select the setting that aligns best with their preferences and values.
Moreover, I delve into the multitude of interventions and procedures commonly offered during childbirth, such as induction, epidurals, and cesarean sections. By presenting evidence regarding their benefits, risks, and potential alternatives, I enable women to make informed choices about these interventions based on their individual circumstances.
Lastly, I address the role of support during labor, discussing the pros and cons of different types of support personnel, including doulas and birthing partners.
By covering these key considerations and options, my book equips women with the necessary knowledge to advocate for their own desires and make informed decisions during the childbirth experience.
4.”The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth” addresses the medicalization of childbirth. How can women advocate for their preferences and rights during the birthing process, as discussed in your book?
In “The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth,” I address the issue of medicalization of childbirth by providing evidence-based information and empowering women to advocate for their preferences and rights during the birthing process. The book guides women in making informed decisions about their care and encourages them to take an active role in the decision-making process.
To advocate for their preferences and rights, I emphasize the importance of thorough research and education beforehand. Women should familiarize themselves with different birth options, procedures, and interventions, and understand the potential risks and benefits associated with each. Armed with this knowledge, they can effectively communicate their preferences to their healthcare providers and actively participate in shared decision-making.
Additionally, building a birth support team can greatly enhance a woman’s ability to advocate for her preferences. This team can include her partner, doula, or other supportive individuals who are knowledgeable about birth and can help to communicate her desires to the medical staff.
By being well-informed, assertive, and surrounded by supportive individuals, women can successfully navigate the birthing process and ensure that their preferences and rights are respected and honored.
5.Can you elaborate on the role of medical interventions and their potential risks and benefits in childbirth, as presented in your book?
In my book, I aim to provide a balanced and evidence-based evaluation of medical interventions in childbirth, highlighting their potential risks and benefits. I emphasize that while medical interventions have undoubtedly saved lives and improved outcomes in specific situations, their routine use during childbirth is not always supported by robust scientific evidence.
For example, I discuss the benefits of interventions such as epidurals for pain relief or cesarean sections when medically necessary. However, I also explore the potential risks associated with these interventions, including increased likelihood of medical complications, longer recovery times, and potential impact on breastfeeding and bonding.
Additionally, I shed light on commonly used interventions that have shown limited or no benefit, such as routine episiotomies or continuous electronic fetal monitoring. These interventions may actually introduce unnecessary risks without clear evidence of improved outcomes.
By presenting the evidence and discussing the potential risks and benefits of medical interventions, I strive to empower women and their families to make informed decisions about their childbirth experience while being mindful of the need for individualized care and shared decision-making between the healthcare provider and the pregnant person.
6.Your work emphasizes the importance of communication with healthcare providers. How can women effectively communicate their birth preferences and concerns to ensure a positive birthing experience?
Effective communication between a woman and her healthcare providers is crucial for ensuring a positive birthing experience. To effectively communicate birth preferences and concerns, women can follow a few key strategies.
Firstly, it is important for women to educate themselves about their options during pregnancy and birth. This allows them to make informed decisions and clearly articulate their preferences. They should also familiarize themselves with the policies and practices of their healthcare provider or birth setting.
Secondly, establishing a positive relationship with healthcare providers early in pregnancy can greatly enhance communication. Women should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns openly. Regular prenatal visits provide opportunities to build this relationship and discuss birth preferences thoroughly.
Additionally, creating a birth plan can help women clearly communicate their wishes. This document should include preferences for pain management, interventions, and continuous support. Women should share this plan with their healthcare provider, ensuring that they understand and support the choices outlined.
Lastly, during labor, women should advocate for themselves by speaking up and involving their support person. Open communication is key to ensure that their preferences and concerns are heard and respected.
By utilizing these strategies, women can effectively communicate their birth preferences and concerns, leading to a positive birthing experience.
7.In your book, you discuss the impact of birth setting and support on childbirth outcomes. How can women choose the most suitable birthing environment and support team for their needs and desires?
In my book, “The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth,” I delve into the impact of birth setting and support on childbirth outcomes. When it comes to choosing the most suitable birthing environment and support team, there are a few key factors to consider.
Firstly, identifying your needs and desires is crucial. Reflect on your birth preferences, pain management options, and level of medical intervention you are comfortable with. This will help you determine the type of birth setting that aligns with your wishes, such as a hospital, birth center, or home birth.
Secondly, gather information and research different birthing environments and their associated policies and practices. Look into their statistics on interventions, cesarean rates, and neonatal outcomes. Personal recommendations and experiences from other women who share similar birth philosophies can also be valuable.
Furthermore, consider the support team. Choose a care provider who respects your autonomy and is aligned with your birth philosophy. This can be an obstetrician, midwife, or family physician. Additionally, seek out a doula, a trained labor support person, who can help advocate for your wishes during labor and provide emotional and physical support.
Lastly, trust your instincts and find a setting and support team that makes you feel safe, supported, and respected. Each woman’s needs and desires are unique; hence, it’s vital to choose a birthing environment and support team that aligns with your individual beliefs and goals for childbirth.
8.The book touches on the emotional and psychological aspects of childbirth. How can women address and prepare for the emotional journey of giving birth, as highlighted in your book?
In my book, I emphasize the significant emotional and psychological aspects of childbirth and provide insights on how women can address and prepare for this transformative journey. First and foremost, it is crucial for women to recognize that childbirth is not merely a physical event but also an emotional and psychological one. Understanding and accepting the unpredictability and intensity of emotions that may arise is the starting point.
Preparing for this emotional journey involves several key steps. Women can educate themselves about the physiological and emotional processes of birth, as well as the range of possible emotions they may experience. Developing a birth plan that includes emotional support measures, such as having a trusted partner or doula present, can provide comfort and reassurance.
Furthermore, engaging in relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and attending childbirth education classes that specifically address emotional preparation can be beneficial. Surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people, and seeking out online or in-person communities of women with similar experiences, can also provide invaluable emotional support.
By acknowledging the emotional and psychological aspects of childbirth and taking proactive steps to address and prepare for them, women can enhance their ability to navigate this transformative event with confidence, resilience, and empowerment.
9.How has your extensive research and advocacy in the field of childbirth influenced your own perspective on childbirth choices and women’s empowerment in the birthing process?
Throughout my extensive research and advocacy in the field of childbirth, my perspective on childbirth choices and women’s empowerment in the birthing process has been greatly influenced. As I delved deeper into the subject, I discovered a wide range of evidence that painted a clear picture of the benefits and risks associated with different childbirth options.
This research allowed me to recognize the importance of informed decision-making for pregnant women. It became evident that empowering women with knowledge about their options and supporting their autonomy in making choices is essential. Recognizing childbirth as a normal physiological process, I have come to appreciate the significance of providing women with a range of evidence-based options, including non-interventionist approaches, without overmedicalization.
Furthermore, my advocacy work has reinforced my belief in the importance of accessible and unbiased information for women and their families. It has highlighted the need for healthcare providers to support shared decision-making and to value and respect women’s individual preferences, desires, and circumstances.
This research and advocacy journey have solidified my passion for promoting women’s empowerment in the birthing process, ultimately aiming to create an environment where women feel confident and supported in making educated choices about their childbirth experiences.
10. Can you recommend more books like The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth?
a) “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin is a highly regarded book that empowers women by sharing positive birth stories and providing essential information on natural childbirth.
b) “Birthing From Within” by Pam England and Rob Horowitz offers a holistic approach to childbirth, focusing on self-discovery, emotional preparation, and the transformative experience of becoming a parent.
c) “The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin is a comprehensive guide designed for partners and support persons, providing practical advice and techniques to help them navigate the childbirth process and offer continuous support to the laboring woman.
d) “Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering” by Sarah J. Buckley explores the interconnectedness of childbirth and early motherhood, highlighting the importance of gentle and instinctive approaches to both processes.
e) “The Birth Book” by William Sears and Martha Sears is a comprehensive resource that covers various aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting, offering evidence-based information and practical tips for expectant parents.
Recommendation: I highly recommend these five books, including “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth,” “Birthing From Within,” “The Birth Partner,” “Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering,” and “The Birth Book.” Each of these books provides valuable insights, evidence-based information, and empowering perspectives on childbirth, making them excellent resources for women seeking a more informed and empowered birth experience.