Immaculate Deception: A New Look at Women and Childbirth in America

by Suzanne Arms

A groundbreaking book on childbirth practices that will challenge the medical profession and help American women reclaim responsibility for their own right to birth.

Genres: Womens, Nonfiction, Parenting, Health

398 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 1977

Reviews

[Penny O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew my mind! It helped lead me to the path of home birth and natural birth. After I read it, I decided I did NOT want to be cut. Thus it began.

One might think this book is irrelevant now-a-days with all the birth centers, etc. but it is totally current. Hospitals have their agendas & reputations...do some research on your hospital and your OB/GYN before you choose.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

i only read the first chapter of this book. it seems a passionate, clear, and compelling apology for our being misled into fearing childbirth. i want it to be. wouldn't it be nice to not fear childbirth?!

it's historical and political, but in being so seems quite practical to the purpose of dispelling useless and/or destructive fears.

[JoMama · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books I read years ago in my childbirth studies. Not an easy read, but oh so interesting. Times have changed in many ways, but also reverted in many ways too. The over medicalization of childbirth and treating women as sick patients still exists.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was pretty awedsome...it came out in the late 70's when women were looking for a change in choice in childbirth....a classic supporting midwives and homebirth

[Deena Scintilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evidence-based book which is hard to read without an emotional response. (anger)

[Scottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the original book in the late 70s and have skimmed the newer edition and love them both!

[Mamagingi Corazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

the truth about birth in america. way before the movie- business of being born

[Tivoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow everyone should read this book but especially all women thinking of having a baby. I'm not sure if I want to have children, but after reading this book, I would a million percent want a home birth over a hospital birth. I've always felt disturbed by the thought of delivering a baby in a hospital and this book helped me understand that this fear is present only because of the way man and technology has perverted, interfered, and pathologized this natural process. I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Judy Zingher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first edition in hardback when I was expecting my first child and it upset me terribly. My husband's reaction was "Burn the book!" As a librarian, I didn't cotton to that idea, but whatever its virtues, this was not the book for a pregnant lady!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This classic looks into the birthing industry and the ways in politics and the medical model play into the decisions that are made during birth. Even though the information wasn't new, this book made me so mad that I couldn't finish it.

[Lei · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book but had to return it to the library. I want to finish the Saramago book I'm currently reading.