Rating: 
Summary: Excellent, but for real birth drama there's something better
Review: As an aspiring nurse-midwife, I picked up this book primarily because it was relevant to my own career goals. The author was somewhat of a rarity when she was in private practice, for very few certified nurse midwives actually attend homebirths. I really enjoyed Juliana's revelation that midwifery was her true calling (something that I could relate to) and marvelled at how she was able to so diligently achieve her goals (a great inspiration for future CNMs). Van Olphen-Fehr's tale is a mixture of birth stories, politics, and her own struggle to be the kind of midwife she wanted to be. I really appreciated the political perspective that she was able to provide, but I thought the birth stories left something to be desired. They lack depth, and to me it felt as though she failed to convey the experience's effect on her patients. To experience real birth drama, I recommend "Baby Catcher" by Peggy Vincent (incidentally, Vincent wrote an earlier review of this book). But to understand the political climate in America regarding midwifery care, this is an excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, but for real birth drama there's something better
Review: As an aspiring nurse-midwife, I picked up this book primarily because it was relevant to my own career goals. The author was somewhat of a rarity when she was in private practice, for very few certified nurse midwives actually attend homebirths. I really enjoyed Juliana's revelation that midwifery was her true calling (something that I could relate to) and marvelled at how she was able to so diligently achieve her goals (a great inspiration for future CNMs). Van Olphen-Fehr's tale is a mixture of birth stories, politics, and her own struggle to be the kind of midwife she wanted to be. I really appreciated the political perspective that she was able to provide, but I thought the birth stories left something to be desired. They lack depth, and to me it felt as though she failed to convey the experience's effect on her patients. To experience real birth drama, I recommend "Baby Catcher" by Peggy Vincent (incidentally, Vincent wrote an earlier review of this book). But to understand the political climate in America regarding midwifery care, this is an excellent read.
Rating: 
Summary: An Inspiring and Absorbing Read
Review: As an aspiring nurse-midwifery student, this book kept me captivated from the instant I began to read it. Less than 24 hours later, I am (sadly) done, and I am full of renewed excitement about the field I plan to enter. I would call this book an excellent and entertaining source of information for midwifes, those considering a career in midwifery, and expectant mothers who are weighing their birthing options. What I did not expect, and was pleased to read, were the author's accounts of the political aspects of being a midwife in the frequently hostile environment of the US health care system. As I read, my face registered giddy smiles, tears, and a creased forehead. It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster, but I have five women I know who I am absolutely going to force to read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: A word of caution before you buy
Review: First, let me say that I don't think this is a bad book. In fact, it is probably a very important book about the way women and babies were treated in the late 1970's through the 1980's. Although I found the more technical and political passages a little dry, they are mixed in with stories from the authors own experience as a nurse and midwife. This is where I had a problem. Truthfully, I could not finish the book, not because it was poorly written, but because it upset me too much. Since I had my son (now two years old), I cannot stand to read or hear about anything that involves children being injured, killed or abused. The author offers up story after story of doctor's, nurses and hospitals cruelties to laboring mothers and their newborn babies. Yes, these actions and attitudes need to be brought to light, and I applaud the author for her work to improve conditions for women and children. As for the details, I will have to take her word, because emotionally I cannot stand to read about it. Just a word of caution for any over-emotional mamas like me out there.
Rating:
Summary: The most beautiful book on birth I've ever read
Review: I read this book straight through while traveling recently, unable to put it down except for meal breaks! I cried through the stories of difficult hospital births, laughed through the many inspiring accounts of incredible home births and finally put the book down with a feeling of great joy and inspiration. _Diary of a Midwife_ is a keeper and worth giving to every woman you know. Juliana's insights into women's health and particularly into the "birthrights" that women have lost in the past few decades are revealing and thought-provoking. If you are already a midwifery advocate, this book will serve to cement your beliefs. If you have doubts about the safety of home birth, this book will challenge your thinking. If you'd like to try "natural" birthing, but are a little worried, Diary of a Midwife will encourage you to find the strength you already possess and experience the true joy in giving birth. On a personal note, I called Juliana in 1996 when I found out I was expecting my first child. Although she was shutting down her midwifery practice to start the new school at Shenandoah University, she took the time to talk to me about my options and refer me to some other midwives in the area. Her book only served to reinforce my positive impression of her and midwives in general, and I have now had two midwife-attended births--one in a center and one at home--both incredible, happy experiences. _Diary of a Midwife_ is empowering, motivating and beautiful. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: I was looking into Midwifery when I came to know of this book. I read it and knew, I will become a midwife! Now, I have the great and awesome priviledge of being HER student. She defines midwifery. Women every where are lucky to have her teaching the midwives of tomorrow.
Rating: 
Summary: Subject is good, book is not
Review: I will be going to a midwife for our first pregnacy and wanted to read more about the profession. This book is VERY dry, with little structure to engage the reader... I stopped about 1/2 way thru and skimmed the rest. The book starts with horror stories of hospital births, then skims thru her midwife education years, then gives clinical descriptions of the interesting births that she has attended and trouble that she ran into with the people (doctors) who saw her as a threat. Very little descriptive language- and I had a really hard time "bonding" with the main character. I'm sure she is very loving, but it didn't come thru in her writing AT ALL. So, I put this down and picked up "Babycatcher" and it is a really fun read! So far, it is light on the scary horror stories and heavy on the emotion and feelings of the moments. I think other reviewers give this book such high marks since they agree with the subject matter... so they want to "vote" for it. A boring book is a boring book.
Rating:
Summary: Great, but depressing
Review: Juliana has written an excellent book on the midwifery situation in US from the 80s to today. Quite sad shape the medical profession is in the States. Thankfully I live in Canada! However, I don't really know how our situation compares concerning pre-natal care. Though, I do know we are definitely further along in our acceptace of midwives. I had a midwife and truly loved the experience.
This is a great book for every aspiring midwife. And, of course, every pregnant woman wanting to control her own birthing destiny.
Rating:
Summary: Subject is good, book is not
Review: This book fascinated me. I am really amazed at Juliana Van Olphen-Fehr's seemingly neverending strength and energy in becoming a mid-wife in the first place, and afterward all she has done to help mothers and their babies and give them the best care possible. I was shocked at what hurdles she had to take when it came to physicians, who not only didn't support her but evened threatened her existence as a midwife. There is definitely a lot wrong with healthcare in America. Money is what counts, and not really the people's needs. I think this is pretty scary! How refreshing it was to read Mrs. Fehr's story, whose love for the mothers and babies she cared for show between each line!
Rating:
Summary: An Inspiring and Absorbing Read
Review: This book totally opened my eyes to many of the ills of modern obstetrics from ethics, to drug and positions. Juliana made her book so personal that I felt like I knew her. Going through nursing school myself, I feel the beginning of her struggle. She and people like her need to be thanked for being the voices of midwives and natural birthing. This was an excellent book and is highly recommended to midwives and aspiring midwives. This is a MUST for any pregnant women or women even thinking about having children. Think twice about "traditional" American medicine!
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