Pre-publication peer reviews

Reviewer 1

Proactive Support of Labor is a 21st century rehabilitation of the classic Active Management of Labor. It is a re-think: re-stating, providing evidence for, and updating of the concept. Plus, it provides the natural scientific basis of this approach and some important new ideas. This book is written as a mission to convert the obstetric and midwifery world to the way the authors think. And by and large, they are not only right, but they argue their case effectively and with use of references. It reeks of commonsense, takes no prisoners, and is utterly certain of itself. It is an absolutely super book. For instance: emblazoned across page 72: 'The greatest impediment to understanding labor is recognizing its start.' Utterly true. The world of pregnancy care needs this. I strongly recommend publication. This book has the potential to become a real classic, with a re-birth of the principles they promote. Publish it and you will be doing pregnant women a huge favor.

Reviewer 2

This book would seem likely to provoke a lively debate among the obstetric/midwifery community. There may be a number of policies promoted which could prove controversial and I see no harm whatsoever in that.  I think the past couple of decades have seen a procession of rather conservative traditional textbooks, most of which have been simply re-badging of practices that are widely accepted and most of which are rather dull. My guess is that this eloquent text will stimulate quite a bit of interest and will probably have a lively market and, on the face of it, I would be quite keen to see it published.

Reviewer 3

This is an interesting and challenging book that has a proven success record in the Netherlands. To sell 6000 copies in a previous Dutch edition is very impressive and suggests wide acceptance or at least lively debate in that country. The cross-appeal to both obstetricians and midwives, the relative brevity and low cost are all factors in its favor. I think the likelihood of a successful English edition is good. The American market is tough, though. It can be quite parochial.

Reviewer 4

This is a provocative and thought-provoking book. I am not aware of competing books. The authors are correct about the book by O'Driscoll and Meagher ("the active management of labor") on which Proactive Support of Labor is based. It was a classic, but very much the "Dublin experience" and without literature review. In contrast, "Proactive Support of Labor" is strongly supported by clinical evidence from numerous international studies. It should be required reading matter for all birth professionals, obstetricians, midwives and labor room nurses alike.

Post-publication peer reviews

This brave and commendable book is not for the faint-hearted and requires each and every one of us involved in caring for women in childbirth to re-examine and re-define our practices for the future of normal birth not only for now, but for the next generation. 
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2009;29(6):569-69
  See pdf-file (25kB).

This book is very well written and offers an easy and enjoyable introduction to the field of obstetrics. It covers every aspect of delivery and advocates the practicing of timely care in the labor room. It is hard to disagree with any of the descibed practices. It is quite clear that the authors are very dedicated and enthusiastic and that the balanced conclusions are based on their clinical experience.
Acta Obstet et Gynecol Scand 2009;88(12):1420-20 
See pdf-file (47kB)

The revealing mirror and clear view in this book may show all birth care providers, but particularly those who feel all is well in current childbirth practices, that the new insights and innovative approaches are desperately needed.
Ned. Tijdsch. Obstet & Gyn 2009;22(7): 222-3 (in Dutch).
 See pdf-file (101kB).

Readers' reviews

This will promote dialogue and discussion among healthcare providers caring for intrapartal families. It suggests a new look at the evidence in our delivery of care to promote a more natural delivery with less technological intervention by providers. It also emphasizes a team approach to the delivery of care. Inclusion of these aspects of care will increase the new family's satisfaction with the childbirth experience.
--Doody's Review Service

There is a reason why the Caesarean rate in The Netherlands is still amongst the lowest in Europe. There is also a reason why The Dutch government distributed the original Dutch version of this book for free to all professionals in O&G. This book is a relatively light read and easy to understand for anyone. It provides a clear insight into most common problems one will encounter in the labour ward on the transition of when physiology threatens to become pathology. This insight will help to make decisions at an early stage that will give many women the chance to get that vaginal delivery after all. In those women where physiology turned pathology already, trying to modify its course is not about medicalising labour; rather, withholding timely intervention where it is clearly indicated is what makes women end up with Caesareans. I read the original Dutch book already some 8 years ago, but what I learned from it, I still use on a daily basis during my labour ward shifts, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the book. That's why I'm ordering it for all the midwives and HO's in our unit to read. Customer review www.amazon.co.uk