The Birth Space: A Doula's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

by Gabrielle Nancarrow

"In The Birth Space … you will find the information and support that will take you from conception through matrescence, with deeper calm, confidence and power." Aviva Romm, MD

The Birth Space is a doula's guide to conception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum that highlights choice and rights in the perinatal space.

In this beautiful book, trained and experienced doula Gabrielle Nancarrow offers comprehensive information about the birthing landscape that will empower you to choose the right birth for you – whether that be an obstetric, midwife or home birth. The Birth Space shows us how to prepare our minds and bodies for pregnancy and labor, from conscious conception through to postpartum and into matrescence. Gabrielle helps us understand what to expect during this period and translates the medical terminology so we are informed. She also provides remedies for common ailments, shares insights from other birth specialists, and is a constant spiritual guide from conception and beyond…talk about continuity of care!

Filled with moving photography by Ilsa Wynne-Hoelscher Kidd (@ilsa_whk), Lisa Sorgini @lisa.sorgini, and Hayden Trace (@feelinghomeagain) as well as intimate real-life stories from contributors covering pregnancy loss, IVF, same-sex conception, home births, caesareans and more, The Birth Space is the essential companion for anyone who is seeking guidance as they enter this new chapter of their life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Self Help, Family

272 pages, Hardcover

Published November 9, 2021

Reviews

[Sharolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully designed, balanced and informative book. Love that she started with pre-conception and finished with talking about matrescence. An easy to read guide that I'd be happy to recommend for a big picture perspective on so many important things.

As a mum to 4 (aged 6 months to 9) not much was particularly new to me but I bought this book because I am passionate about birth. I have had empowering experiences and I want others to have the same. I want to be able to loan the book and share it with friends. The real life stories interspersed throughout are wonderful to read - to be honest - stories always feel more powerful than mere facts.

I loved the holistic approach. Something that stood out to me which I'm so glad she touched on was the way the vulnerability of pregnancy, birth and new motherhood can bring up past hurts/pain/trauma. It actually made me realise how important it is to process what we're going through (at any point in life!) - the good and the bad, the hard and the joyful. I feel compelled to write down and process my own birth stories in more detail.

[Erika Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible and beautifully written collection of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum stories from women of various backgrounds. Reading from the perspective of a practicing labor and postpartum nurse, this book helped me see the women and families I care for in a new light. Everyone comes into this space of birth with different expectations and burdens. How beautiful it is to know no one is alone in their challenges. Birth expands the women into something she never knew she could be, she takes on a whole new capacity caring for the precious gift of life— this book captures all of this so well.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical, and organized impeccably. I got it from the library, and will be adding it to my bookshelf eventually, as more of a resource for my doula clients than anything more than likely. Before I return it to the library, I'm going to add some notes to my master doc of info simply for how much easier certain info will be to retain based on the author's organizational skills I had mentioned. While not the most in depth book, it is very well written and covers a variety of topics. Glad the book exists : )

[Jodie Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this gorgeous book! To prepare for my third birth, I wanted a book to get myself back in the right headspace.
With the right amount of Gabrielle's experience sprinkled within the chapters, it was easy to read but also informative.
Having had babies previously, I appreciate that matrescence and postnatal preparation is covered as it's not only extremely important but often missed by many women when preparing for birth.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone preparing for birth.

[Kate McCready · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really informative and balanced book about pregnancy, birth and becoming a mother. I loved that it was both nurturing and matter of fact at the same time.

I find there are many opinions around birth. What a women ‘should it shouldn’t’ be doing, considering etc. This book manages to present information without taking a side or becoming dry and dull.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A constant and beautiful source of comfort on the journey to baby and beyond plus hugely valuable information about navigating it all. My go to through conception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum - I still pick it up every now and again to read back. A true unbiased source that’s so hard to come by. I’ve gifted it to so many friends as well.

[Syd Soames · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful read. I’ve read it and now that I’ve finished it, I know I’ll read it again with my partner when we are getting ready to conceive. A heartfelt, helpful book that inherently praises all women for their strength and innate magic.

[Renita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and practical information.
Doesn’t lean too hard one way or the other which I loved, and felt like she was able to do a good job of sharing practical advice.
Would hand out to new mothers.

I should buy and reread as well.

[Megan King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the real life experience stories. A lovely book that guides you through various stages of emotional and physical changes and normalises these changes/experiences.

[Emilia Morelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, practical insight into all things pregnancy, birth and post-partum.

[emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every birthing person should read this book! Incredible.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I would have read this before trying to conceive and before other birthing related books.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covers the key parts of pregnancy, birthing and postpartum. Includes brief medical information but mainly focuses on the social and psychological areas.

[Sanja · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF half way through - the birth stories in this book were beautiful and diverse but none spoke to my experience so I didn’t find it relevant. Beautiful design.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libby: Audible

The author is a doula and gives overall advice and opinions; if you’ve read other medical and doula books then this will read like an overview. Perhaps good to read before diving in depth on other topics?

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read on pregnancy and birth and turned out to be my favourite of all I’ve read since. I started reading it when I was about 8 weeks pregnant and I believe it set me on course with a positive mindset towards all that comes with pregnancy and has carried through as I now prepare for birth. This book instills not only great self compassion but confidence in one’s ability to make informed decisions at a time that can feel very overwhelming. I’m only sad that I borrowed it from the library and didn’t buy a copy of my own as I would gladly revisit it now and potential future pregnancies.