For almost two decades, The Birth Partner has been the definitive guide for husbands, partners, relatives, friends, and doulas (labor assistants) who wish to help a woman have a positive childbirth experience. The expanded third edition provides the most up-to-date information about techniques and medications for easing labor pain; tests and treatments of the fetus and newborn; strategies to help labor progress; medical procedures; and how to best help the mother during the early postpartum period.
 
Author Penny Simpkin, Harvard Common Press, 2008