AprilBolding.Com

Now available, the completely revised and updated 4th edition of Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simkin PT, Janet Whalley RN, Ann Keppler RN, Janelle Durham MSW, and April Bolding PT was released in August 2010.  The official launch of this book was September 16th, 2010.

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn presents the latest medical information, including an updated discussion on nutrition and fitness during pregnancy, new information on complementary medicine approaches, updated research-based information on interventions during childbirth, revised statistics and discussion on cesarean birth and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), an extensive discussion on informed decision-making, plus much more.  Every section of the book has been revised, updated and expanded.  We've even added the PCNGuide companion website.

It covers all aspects of childbearing, from conception through early infancy.  It tells you what to expect during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, and how you can work with you caregiver to make childbirth an enjoyable and healthy experience.

Here are some of the reviews:

"Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn is the ultimate guide to all aspects of birthing.  This book is a must for all pregnant women and those who love them!"
Christiane Northrup, MD, Author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause

"Women can only make informed choices when they are able to get comprehensive information on the many decisions that come up during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period.  This book provides such information.  I heartily recommend it to all pregnant women!"
Ina May Gaskin, Author of Spiritual Midwifery and Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

This is childbirth book is written by a collective of women for women. April contributed to two chapters: Preparing for Childbirth and Coping with Labor Pain. An excerpt from Coping with Labor pain chapter is here. On page 3 of the book, you can find a list of Informed Choice questions that April and Great Starts contributed to the book.

On April 27, 2008, Judy Norsigian, executive director of OBOS, joined Seattle-area childbirth advocates and birth book contributors at the University Bookstore in Seattle to celebrate the release of Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth.

Seattle contributors are (left to right): Toni Weschler, April Bolding, Judy Norsigian, Penny Simkin, Janelle Taylor, Christine Morton. Other contributors not present: Heidi Raykeil, Caitlin Rothermel and Ann Keppler.

Update on Nonpharmacologic Approaches to Relieve Labor Pain and Prevent Suffering
Penny Simkin, PT and April Bolding, PT
Journal of Midwifery Womens Health 49(6):489-504, 2004.

Abstract
The control of labor pain and prevention of suffering are major concerns of clinicians and their clients. Nonpharmacologic approaches toward these goals are consistent with midwifery management and the choices of many women. We undertook a literature search of scientific articles cataloged in CINAHL, PUBMED, the Cochrane Library, and AMED databases relating to the effectiveness of 13 non-pharmacologic methods used to relieve pain and reduce suffering in labor. Suffering, which is different from pain, is not an outcome that is usually measured after childbirth. We assumed that suffering is unlikely if indicators of satisfaction were positive after childbirth. Adequate evidence of benefit in reducing pain exists for continuous labor support, baths, intradermal water blocks, and maternal movement and positioning. Acupuncture, massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and hypnosis are promising, but they require further study. The effectiveness of childbirth education, relaxation and breathing, heat and cold, acupressure, hypnosis, aromatherapy, music, and audioanalgesia are either inadequately studied or findings are too variable to draw conclusions on effectiveness. All the methods studied had evidence of widespread satisfaction among a majority of users.

Supporting the Laboring Woman without Injuring Oneself and How the Childbirth Educator can Help
April Bolding and Penny Simkin
International Journal of Childbirth Education (ICEA journal), January 2008

Abstract

This is an excellent consumer guide to help you choose the birthplace and care provider that's best for you.

This 24 page magazine includes articles on types of care providers and birth places, survey results comparing the policies and intervention rates of local providers, and recommendations on what type of care you should expect and ask for.

The emphasis throughout the Guide is on informed choice. There is no one perfect place for all women to birth. Finding the best place for you depends on your values, priorities, and medical needs. The more information you have about your options, the better job you can do of finding the caregivers that will help you have the best possible birth experience.

The Education Committee at Great Starts Birth and Family Education published this. It is available for to download here.