Spiritual Midwifery is considered by many to be the bible of the home birth movement. This classic book on natural childbirth introduced a whole generation of women to the possibility of home birth and breast feeding. At a time when higher levels of technology were the wave of the future, the home birth movement testified to the naturalness and normalcy of the birthing process-even the sacredness of it. Ina May Gaskin, the author, is a powerful

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"The Lamaze method is virtually synonymous with natural childbirth in America. In the 1970s, taking Lamaze classes was a common rite of passage to parenthood. The conscious relaxation and patterned breathing techniques touted as a natural and empowering path to the alleviation of pain in childbirth resonated with the feminist and countercultural values of the era. In Lamaze, historian Paula Michaels tells the surprising story of the Lamaze method...

"Roanna Rosewood wasn't afraid of birth. That was before her pregnancy ended in Caesarean, like one in three pregnancies do in America. On the operating table Roanna realized birth is more than the means to a baby: it's an ancient rite, one that she had just failed. Determined to birth naturally, Roanna disregards her doctor's orders for a repeat Cesarean and sets out to reclaim birth. From the obvious - writing a birth plan, exercising, and supplements...

"Childbirth is not something to be feared ; it is a natural expression of life. In this practical guide, HypnoBirthing founder Marie Mongan explodes the myth of pain as a natural accompaniment to birth"--P. [4] of cover.