In the Spirit of Homebirth: Modern Women, An Ancient Choice

by Bronwyn Preece (editor)

The collection gives voice to those often overlooked in birthing books, including stories from indigenous families, and families from diverse socio-economic classes, religions, and urban and rural lifestyles. Also unique are the additional stories from witnesses to partners describe their awe, children write sweetly of siblings' arrivals and midwives and doulas recount their experiences aiding women in their journeys. Included as landmarks amongst the stories are testaments to birth traditions such as blessingways and umbilical cord and placenta practices.From days of labor, to babies born so quickly support did not make it in time; from waterbirths at home, to transfers to the hospital; from planned pregnancies to unexpected ones; from tales of tears to tales of euphoria--the eclectic stories brought together here share one they capture an intent to birth at home that comes out of a deep love for and belief in the human body and spirit. These amazing voices rise to a clarion call--women of all descents reclaiming a to give birth, and to be birthed, as they choose. It is an ancient choice made now by modern women. These stories, delightful and empowering, find the new within the old.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2015

Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful collection of stories of real women's tales of their home births. Great read, very inspiring for those women having home births.

[Ness · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous, diverse, heart-warming anthology of birth stories from British Colombia. I loved reading it and cherished every unique story. I appreciated the realness with which the authors told their stories. Would highly recommend.

[Devi Garner]

I really enjoyed this book. The curated voices that were shared felt universal though they were diverse. Easy to read and fun to learn from.