Labor Day

Give birth to a child and you give birth to a story. Stories of drama, humor, sweat, accomplishment, and, ultimately, of a joy. Each is unique, each worth the telling and hearing - especially for mothers-to-be, who are anxiously wondering about the outcome of their own birthing story.

A writer who believes in the power of positive storytelling, Ann-Marie Giglio conceived and edited Labor Day, a collection of 32 personal and affirmative accounts of labor and delivery. Written for pregnant women, for fathers, for all mothers who want to share and remember, Labor Day tells the story of Rebekah, born in a frenzy at home in Arizona; of Ryan, delivered three weeks early in a full breech position; of Lucas, whose natural birth was so uncommon in the Tennessee hospital where he was delivered that many of the staff came to watch; of Sage, born underwater in a special birthing tub to candlelight music. There are C-sections, successful battles with preeclampsia, births of twins, and several fathers' sides of story. Each tale is compellingly readable, the details ringing true, the emotions high, with facts that are practical, too. In addition, the book includes a birthing wish list, suggestions for taking those first photos, and space to write in your own story. There's also a ribbon marker.

Manuals and how-to's tell what to expect. Labor Day tells what actually happens, in the words of the people it's happened to.