The Birth Book

Essential, empowering medical information and advice to help you prepare for your labor and delivery journey—from a leading OB-GYN and social media educator.

“Your most pressing, and often unspoken, questions about birth, finally answered by a doctor who listens.”—Jen Hamilton, BSN, RN, CEN, RNC-OB, author of Birth Vibes

“The Birth Book covers everything you really need to know about labor and delivery—including all the details you might need on your big day. Read it to ensure you feel more satisfied with your experience.”—Ari Brown, MD, author of Baby 411

Birth is a transformative, remarkable process, but it can also be incredibly daunting and traumatic—especially if you don’t have the medically-sound information you need to advocate for yourself. With misinformation rampant on social media and a dearth of trusted medical resources on the birth process, pregnant people feel left behind in a system that is failing them. Thirty-six percent of counties in America are labeled “maternity care deserts” where there is no or limited access to obstetric care—and it’s only getting worse. We need a concise and comprehensive primer on the birth experience, whether that means a low-intervention birth or a complicated emergency c-section.

In The Birth Book, OB-GYN hospitalist and educator Dr. Jennifer Lincoln delivers exactly that. Dr. Lincoln answers all your questions, big and small, about labor and delivery, providing crucial insight and understanding. Questions like:

• What is “normal” labor?
• What can I say no to?
• What are my options if baby is breech?
• How long does an induction take?
• And many, many more.

Backed by research and personal experience and including enlightening illustrations, The Birth Book gives you agency over your pregnancy and birth, along with context for the many choices you’ll need to make. With Dr. Lincoln’s help, readers will have an evidence-based resource at their fingertips for a better, safer, more informed birth.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs