Spiritual Midwifery

I agree with the reviewer that wrote that the language of the book distracts from its stories. All of the hippy language and ideas makes natural childbirth and home birth seem dated, flighty, and irresponsible. It's sad that a good message gets lost in the outdated language. <br /> <br />It's an interesting read, but I certainly wouldn't share it with anyone who wasn't already "converted to the cause." The Farm community's irresponsible and slap-dash approach to the first births makes this seem like a compelling argument that only hippies and idiots would give birth outside a hospital. <br /> <br />As a strong supporter of midwives and home births, this book is so far making me cringe. I guess it goes to show that babies for the most part can be born in negligent conditions, but it's a poor reflection of home birth, since the majority of women in this country that choose to give birth at home today do so with a qualified midwife with plenty of emergency equipment and a phone and hospital nearby if necessary. <br /> <br />Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is a MUCH better read for anyone looking for positive and responsible tales of natural childbirth.

I was hoping to find a variety of birth experiences represented and positive birth stories to accustom myself to the wide range of "normal", and found just that! <br />I think this is a great book to prepare for your own birth. It opens your eyes to the fact that labor does not follow a text book pattern and is different for each woman and each labor. <br />It doesn't matter your faith or how you define "Spiritual", there is something to be gained for everyone by reading these amazing birth stories!

this classic is a must-read for pregnant women- especially those who, like me and most pregnant women, hear lots of birth horror stories and find themselves in need of positive accounts. ina may gaskin in known throughout the world for her impressive midwifery skills and for her superb outcomes over the years in helping women give birth on her commmune in tennessee.

This book is an important book for all expecting mothers to read not only because it presents important practical information about natural childbirth options but also because it conveys a different feeling than most books do about pregnancy and birthing. <br /> <br />The women and their birth stories in this book do not fall into the average pop-culture, schedule-a-c-section type of group. In fact, these stories reflect on birth as a privilege for women. In Spiritual Midwifery, birth becomes a right of passage that enables a woman and her partner (and even other family members) to come face to face with some of their darkest challenges and lightest memories. <br /> <br />The language used in this book, such as "rushes" and "psychedelic", may turn off a good many of you who consider yourselves more polished than the hippy culture. However, it may also be a great way to stretch your posh imagination a little and gain the flexibility and open mindedness that is necessary to prepare for a wonderful birthing experience. <br /> <br />Being pregnant and giving birth can be more than just a life detour or a pain in the rear; it can be a powerful journey and a life lesson learned.