While I haven't read this book, I am currently reading _The Childbirth Challenge: Commonsense versus "Natural" Methods_, which Dr. Fielding co-authored with Lois Benjamin. This man is so skewed in his beliefs it is almost not to be believed. While I realize that one must consider the social climate of the times (the book was published in 1962), I cannot help but wonder WHY Dr. Fielding is so adamently opposed to natural childbirth. He seems incapable of considering that childbirth may not be the greatest accomplishment of a woman's life, nor that a obstetrician might be (horror upon horrors) a WOMAN. His belief is that women who choose a birth plan with as little medical interference as possible are suffering from psychotic disturbances and that doctors or birth attendants who support these choices are asking for disaster, in the form of long-term psychiatric illness, particularly depression. My advice to readers, whether you be pregnant, have a friend or family member who is expecting, or are curious about the birthing process: buy a book written in the last ten years. This man has nothing to offer except misogynistic commentary that is no longer (if it ever was) applicable to women in this country.

I'd love to find a copy of Waldo Fielding's book, "The Best State of the Union." This is a "must read" for pregnant moms ~ truthful and funny! I worked for Dr. Fielding as his medical secretary in his Ob/Gyn office on Dartmouth Street in Boston during the early '60's ~ what a wonderful man and wonderful doctor! I have such fond memories of him and his expertise as an obstetrician/gynecologist, and now that my own two daughter's are pregnant with their first babies ~ and our two first grandbabies, I'd love to give each a copy of Dr. Fielding's book! Sheila Young Heap...

I read this book when I was pregnant with my daughter, Amanda. Now that she's married and thinking of having children in the future, I want to buy it for her. As I remember it, the book was humurous and informative all in one. I loaned it to a friend and have never seen it again... Hope it is as great as I remember it!