Childbirth without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth [Paperback]

‘A fascinating insight into normal birth at a time when endorphins were not known, modern midwifery did not exist and women had already learned to fear labour. Dick-Read, possibly the world’s first childbirth activist, celebrates women’s innate capacity for safe and easy birth in a challenging book that will excite, amaze, infuriate and uplift its readers.'
Andrea Robertson - independent childbirth educator and author

'A 21st century edition of this historic - even legendary - book must be warmly welcomed.'
Michel Odent - obstetrician and author

'When I was heavily pregnant with my first child 25 years ago this book fell into my hands. That was the start of my belief in natural childbirth which eventually led to four great births of my own and the founding of my life's work in the Active Birth Movement. Grantly Dick-Read's message is inspirational and even more relevant today than when this book was first published. Every pregnant mother should read it.'
Janet Balaskas - Author of New Active Birth

'Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how birth education started as well as the vision that stimulated the birth movement. Dick-Read remains an inspiration for the humanisation of childbirth.'
Sheila Kitzinger - author

The publication of Childbirth without Fear caused widespread controversy, but, encouraged by many women who had given birth using the "Dick-Read method", Grantly Dick-Read dedicated his life to promoting natural childbirth.

His writings inspired advocators of natural childbirth such as Janet Balaskas, Yehudi Gordon, Michel Odent and Sheila Kitzinger, and seem even more relevant today than when they were first published.

In 1948 he emigrated to South Africa, where he continued practising and teaching. In 1954 he conducted an extensive tour investigating childbirth practices of African tribes, which he described in his book No Time for Fear.

Grantly Dick-Read died in 1959.