Preparation for Birth or Forgetting Whose We Are

Preparation for Birth: The Complete Guide to the Lamaze Method

Author: Beverly Savag

The first complete guide for couples to the most popular method of natural childbirth. Destined to become the standard book on Lamaze, covering everything from the moment of pregnancy to the difficulties of adjusting to parenthood.

Library Journal

, Beverly & Diana Simkin. Preparation for Birth: the completeguide to the Lamaze method. Ballantine. 1987. c.384p. photogs. by Mary M. Kennedy. illus. by Mary Motley. index. LC 85-90884. ISBN 0-345-31230-9. pap. $10.95. med These two guides advocate different methods of reaching the same goalnatural childbirth. Jones discusses the use of mental imagery to reduce the fear and tension which make childbirth more difficult. He includes ``imagery exercises'' designed to help women at each stage of their labor. Jones downplays the role of the commonly accepted Lamaze method and displays skepticism about conventional medical practice. His new technique sounds good but is not yet time-tested. The book by Savage and Simkin is an excellent, comprehensive guide to the Lamaze method. While strongly advocating natural childbirth, this book is aimed at a wide audience. Even those who opt for or require medical intervention will benefit from it. ``Birth reports'' and quotes from hundreds of parents depict a wide range of experiences. Among the topics covered are Lamaze breathing techniques, the physical process of labor, choosing a doctor or midwife, exercise and relaxation, medication, the role of the partner, postpartum, and the second baby. Preparation for Birth is an essential guide and should be in all public libraries. Jones's book is recommended as a supplement for those committed to a natural birth. Barbara Carroll, M.L.S., Eau Claire, Wis.

Books about: Around the Table or Annie and Margrit

Forgetting Whose We Are: Alzheimer's Disease and the Love of God

Author: David Keck

Alzheimer's disease - a degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized especially by premature mental deterioration - is the most publicly visible and widely discussed form of a range of disorders known as senile dementia. The nature of Alzheimer's disease, especially its progressive debilitation of the memory, raises key theological issues. What does it mean to be truly human? Does our ability to remember define who we are as persons? When the mind loses its ability to remember, what happens to the life of the soul? When we forget God, does God still remember us? Forgetting Whose We Are offers a Christian understanding of and response to the difficult theological, spiritual, and pastoral problems raised by Alzheimer's disease. Filling an important gap in existing literature by directly confronting the theological challenges of Alzheimer's disease to victims, caregivers, and their communities, the book affirms the classic Christian doctrines that witness to the reality of grace and the promises of salvation even for those who can no longer remember themselves, their families, or their relationship with God.