For spouses, partners, relatives, and friends-and also for doulas and other care professionals-this is a convenient and indispensable abridged version of the classic bestseller The Birth Partner, for facts on the fly during the ultra-busy period before, during, and after labor and birth. An added planner keeps your plans and to-dos in one place. Generations of spouses and partners have relied on Penny Simkins warm and wise guidance in caring for the new mother, from the last trimester through the early postpartum period. Her book The Birth Partner is the definitive guide to helping a woman through labor and birth. This new book, The Birth Partners Quick Reference Guide and Planner, is a shorter version of the original, for time-pressed parents and partners. For those who have the original book, it adds a planner component, for hospital or at-home birth plans and for other essential to-dos. It is full of reliable and up-to-date information on: Preparing for labor and for the new baby Ways to help a woman through each stage of labor and birth Pain-relief measures, including epidurals and medications as well as natural techniques Ways to induce or speed up labor Cesarean birth and complications that may require it Breastfeeding and newborn care and much more For the partner who wishes to be truly helpful in the birthing room, this is the essential book to have on hand.