Ancient Map for Modern Birth: Preparation, Passage, and Personal Growth During Your Childbearing Year

by Pam England, Virginia Bobro

The integrative model of childbirth described in this book will provide women with the information needed to prepare for birth, how to think and feel about labor, and how to tell their story. During their childbearing year, women traverse two paths at once: an inner path of psychological and spiritual awareness and an outer path of practical approaches to birth in modern-day culture. The book combines scientific research with meditation, ceremony, art, and mythic stories, which not only prepares childbearing women to go beyond their edge into uncharted territory but to find their way home again. The underlying message throughout is not to strive for a perfect birth but to be mindful of the mythic journey, of all the mothers who have come before—an awareness that leads not only to the birth of a child but to the birth of a new self.

Genres: Parenting, Childrens, Nonfiction

335 pages, Paperback

Published April 13, 2017

About the author

In March 1999 in Austin, Texas, Pam began presenting and teaching birth professionals the philosophy and processes of BIRTHING FROM WITHIN. Since then, thousands of experienced and aspiring childbirth teachers, doulas, nurses, midwives, natural health practitioners, mothers and therapists all over the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the world, who are enthusiastic about the dynamic, life-changing BIRTHING FROM WITHIN approach are taking an active part in creating a paradigm shift. Many are actively pursuing Certification in our Mentor Training Program. Today, BIRTHING FROM WITHIN is a growing organization. We are growing Mentors, doulas, and developing new programs to prevent and heal Birth Trauma and raise awareness around Cesarean Birth.

Pam currently leads workshops and speaks at conferences all over the world, on topics such as birth trauma, cesarean birth, storytelling, visualizations & hypnosis, and many other aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In addition to working on a number of manuscripts (including ones on prenatal nutrition, birth trauma, and cesarean birth), she also continues to teach childbirth classes to parents and is a prolific artist. She and her dog Gracie hold down the fort at the BIRTHING FROM WITHIN office in Albuquerque.

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the structure of this book, the idea that the birth year is a process of passage, and that by engaging with that women can have a profound experience of personal growth throughout the process. I also like that Pam England aims to balance her crunchy granola-y advice with advice that's found more commonly in more mainstream approaches. She supports natural childbirth, but makes a huge effort to say that women who don't birth naturally need not feel like failures. This approach actually got me to read the chapter on cesarians, something that England reminds her readers won't not happen simply because you've opted not to learn about it. And, in all of this, there's a lot of focus here on mindfulness and self-compassion, and I really appreciate that.

What I don't appreciate about this book is the culturally appropriative tendency to draw on the 'wisdom of other cultures' (often colonized), cultures that are often referred to so broadly that you can't even trace the custom or idea back to a real place, rather than one that is simply a product of western imagination. That's too bad, as our world is full of diverse and fabulous customs and ideas around birth and seeing some well-researched advice drawing on these ideas would be pretty interesting. Along those lines, although the book is full of citations, a lot of them go to single studies, conference presentations or other not exactly definitive sources. That can give the impression that there is scientific consensus (such as the argument that ultrasounds are linked to autism), which in fact is far from the case. If you took out the cultural appropriation and bad science, the book would probably be half as long, and that would be great.

[Charlene Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pregnancy & birth book that finally looks at the forgotten side of birth- the inner self, and the journey a birthing person takes from first hearing the "Call" of pregnancy, to the "Return" of postpartum.

The *only* quibble I have with this book is the 'ultrasounds & autism' portion- I think it needlessly stokes autism fears, and while there is some research on ultrasound's relationship to autism, it slips around the "Correlation is not Causation" detail. It detracts from the impact and import of the rest of the book's message.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Maiden to Mother, this book of ancient wisdom spirals through a labyrinth with goddess as she transitions through the trimesters of her initiations, into the descent of her labor and emerges as the mother warrioress she is!
A creative masterpiece of heARt that brings together ancient wisdom of the ceremonial Rites of passage of the Goddess with the modern mama-to-be seeking a holistic way of being.
Ancient Map of Modern Birth is a guide that weaves you through the many facets, frameworks and rituals of pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond- providing the reader with wild insights, warrioress stories, the science behind, the innate wisdom within.
This book is The answer to your call- as you navigate the childbearing terrain as the Huntress, journey across the threshold as Inanna and descend through the seven gates of labour before returning home, as mother with her new baby.

[Charmed89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from all the topics that any good pregnancy book has, this book compassionately prepares women for the inner (psychological) changes that comes with the transition to motherhood. The author uses stories of rituals and myths from different cultures to illustrate these changes, to encourage and to bring confidence. Even though it obviously has a holistic approach, it does not show a preference for a specific type of birth. So regardless of the choices you make, this book honors all women as birth warriors.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I have savored this book. Everything I loved about Birthing From Within, revised, expanded, and broadened. The breadth of topics presented with Pam England's signature combination of information, story, anecdote, inspiration, and art makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read for the parent-to-be or the experienced birth professional.

[Katieloowho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book and cannot say enough good about it. It made me dig deep and really expanded my view. I have been a doula for awhile now, and this book tops all the other birth books i have read. READ IT!

[Kassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really preferred the first book.

[Anisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for any woman seeking an informed and empowering approach to preparing for childbirth and the childbearing year