Labor Pain What's Your Best Strategy Henci Goer

Take Charge of Your Birth Series

Labor Induction

Why, When, and How?

Book Summary

Focusing on precautionary reasons for induction—suspected big baby, release of membranes, impending postterm, and routine induction at 39 weeks—Labor Induction: Why, When, and How? gives you the data you need to decide what’s right for you. In addition, you’ll learn strategies to implement your choice, whether it be care practices that promote safe, healthy birth if you choose to await labor, guidance on techniques for bringing on labor, or, should induction be medically indicated or simply your choice, what practices the research establishes as best promoting an induction that’s problem free.

Labor Pain What's Your Best Strategy Henci Goer
quote

“whether your aim is to include medical interventions or avoid them, having a plan based on the data enables you to take charge of your birth. notice i didn’t say ‘control.’ you can’t control the birth—or, really, anything in life. you can, though, take charge by knowing what you want and why, then planning how best to achieve it.

by knowing what you want, you’ll be able to select care providers who are in alignment with you and whose judgment you can trust.”

Henci G.

Purchase Options

Now available for purchase online at the following retailers and through your local bookstore.

Amazon.com

Also on Audiobook and eBook!

Buy the Book

Barnes & Noble

Buy the Book

Powells.com

Buy the Book

Bookshop.org

Buy the Book

What People Are Saying

Insightful, practical, and concise, Henci’s book strikes the perfect balance between “essential information” and “nonjudgmental openness.” It is clear through every page that her intention is to ensure all readers have successful, positive birthing experiences. Though she advocates for a (scientifically-backed) physiologic approach to birthing, she engages the discussion with openness and an acknowledgment that every pregnant person’s preferences may be influenced by their own goals and life circumstances.

I have found no better resource to empower birthing people to “take charge of their birth” when it comes to this essential and underexplored topic within pregnancy and birthing resources. You won’t regret adding it to your list!

WHITNEY BAK

Henci has once again delivered an incredible resource for expecting mothers and birth professionals. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to take charge of their birth experience and feel truly informed, prepared, and empowered every step of the way.

NINA SPEARS
The Baby Chick®
Founder and CEO of Baby Chick
Pregnancy & Birth Expert 

I have long appreciated Henci’s meticulously-researched and logical approach to laying out the pros, cons, and alternatives to intervention. She cuts through the noise to present clear facts based on the evidence, and analysis of how and why the evidence doesn’t always say what people may think it does. This book really will help you take charge of your birth, and I’m delighted to recommend it.

DR. SARA WICKHAM, PhD
Author, Speaker, and Researcher 
Author of Plus Size Pregnancy: What the Evidence Really Says about Higher BMI and Birth

From the very first page, Henci makes it clear that her goal is simple and generous: “to put you in a position to make up your mind what is best for you after hearing both sides of the story.” Reading this book feels like sitting down with a wise, compassionate friend—someone who lays out a beautiful buffet of choices, not to sway you one way or another, but to make sure you feel informed, confident, and deeply supported. Every parent, provider and doula will find this book invaluable!

ALICIA FISHBEIN
Birth Doula, Board Certified Patient Advocate, Co-founder Intentional Birth

Labor Induction—Why, When, and How? is an informative resource for anyone seeking clarity and confidence when facing decisions about labor induction. This book translates complex medical evidence into clear, actionable insights, helping birthing people advocate for themselves. Whether you’re navigating your own birth journey or supporting others through theirs, this book is an indispensable guide to making informed, empowered choices.

JOYCE K EDMONDS, PhD, MPH, RN
Editor in Chief of JOGNN

With clarity, depth, and unwavering commitment to evidence-based care, Henci Goer empowers birthing people to make informed choices about labor induction. This book is an indispensable resource for those who want to take charge of their birth experience with knowledge and confidence.

NEEL SHAH, MD
Cheif Medical Officer, Maven Clinic

A must-have for every pregnant person navigating birth in today’s world.

In Labor Induction: Why, When, and How?, Henci once again delivers exactly what pregnant people deserve but so often don’t receive—clear, compassionate, evidence-based information. With her signature clarity and fierce dedication to informed choice, Henci breaks down the complex topic of labor induction in a way that is accessible, respectful, and truly empowering.

This book is more than a guide—it’s a trusted companion through the decision-making process. Henci doesn’t just present the facts—she builds trust, invites reflection, and centers the birthing person every step of the way.

ROBIN ELISE WEISS, PhD, MPH, AdvCD (DONA), LLCE, FACCE