"One in three births is traumatic. It doesn't have to be that way. Like many first-time parents, Rebecca walked into labor and delivery as a healthy pregnant person and walked out as a statistic--as someone who had a traumatic birth. Rebecca planned to give birth at the hospital affiliated with her university, where she was an award-winning nurse researcher finishing her doctoral degree. But hospital practices and policies that were more than twenty years out of date left her with complications that seemed preventable. Worst for Rebecca, her healthy baby was whisked off to a nursery right away. She spent the first few hours after birth begging to see here own baby! A few years later and pregnant again, Rebecca put her research skills to work and examined the hard evidence on what went wrong with her first childbirth experience. She discovered shocking truths that not only impact millions of families every year, but would change the entire course of her life. Embark on a journey with Rebecca as she exposes the stark realities of institutional care during childbirth and reveals inspirational solutions for parents and professionals alike."--Jacket flap.

"This book is not meant to advocate for one way of giving birth. The definition of evidence based care includes a) having research-based information to help you make decisions; b) finding a health care provider who can help you interpret that research evidence; and c) considering your own values, goals, and preferences. Since all of us are unique, there is no one right decision for everyone. We each have our own birth story to tell. Some stories are empowering; others are traumatic; most are unforgettable. Some people feel that the hospital saved their lives. Others view themselves as victims of medical mistakes or unnecessary interventions. This book contains my story."--Author's Note page vii.