A complete guide, this book is ideal for all labor companions—from dad to doula to friend—who will be helping and supporting a woman in the last weeks of pregnancy, during labor, and through the early postpartum period.  Author Penny Simkin includes thorough information on preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun, epidurals and other medications for labor, non-drug techniques for easing labor pain, cesarean births, and breastfeeding and newborn care.  For the birth partner who wishes to be as helpful as possible to the expecting mom, this book is indispensable.