Rediscovering Birth
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Amazon.co.uk Review
If there is one name synonymous with birth and everything associated with it, from pregnancy to motherhood, it is that of social anthropologist Sheila Kitzinger. Her 40 years of experience in this field come together masterfully in her latest offering. Rediscovering Childbirth presents a fascinating account of pregnancy and birth garnered from every corner of the earth, and beginning from the earliest ancient recordings. As if Kitzinger's account does not make for compelling reading, stunning visuals are practically worthy of a book in their own right.
Kitzinger has been a controversial spokesperson on the subject of medical versus natural birth, arguing that birth is now reduced to a medical event: "The modern medical system brought care out of the bedroom and into the clinic. Care was no longer part of the intimate relationship between a woman and her midwife, but a series of repeated investigations administered by the medical system that often took place in public".
While this might seem like an extreme, dogmatic argument, it is in fact a thought-provoking cross-cultural account. Kitzinger's greatest skill lies in steering the reader through her encyclopaedic knowledge, essentially probing us to ask questions and ponder whether we might learn from other cultures. Essential reading for absolutely every woman. --Lorna V.
Review
'As Britain's premier earth mother she, more than anyone, has been responsible for a more natural approach to childbirth' - MAIL ON SUNDAY 'What is so good about Sheila Kitzinger's books is not just her easy style and elegant use of words, but also the freshness of her approach. Open-minded, unshockable, non-judgemental, solid as a rock in her own integrity' - NEW GENERATION (the National Childbirth Trust)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Before reading this book, I had not even considered possibilities other than giving birth in a hospital- it has been so indoctrinated into me! Having discussed with my husband, we are both now very keen on having a home birth, the way we want it, not with lots of unnecessary medical interventions.
Contrary to what other reviewers have said, the book does not recommend 'third world' births for everyone- it just says that in low risk pregnancies you are actually safer at home as there is less chance of infection.
Read this book- even if you aren't pregnant!
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A must for any woman, especially a pregnant one. Designed to give you the confidence in your body to break ranks and give birth without all the medical intervention that has become the norm. Shelia Kitzinger is a heroine of mine, she has pioneered amazing work on behalf of pregnant women and is a well respected authority on pregnancy and birth. After reading this book, I really started to question the way that most western pregnant women allow themselves to be herded into a hospital to give birth, which rarely ends with the mother feeling it was a good experience. She has inspired me to look at all the alternatives for my next birth and to challenge the usual medical practice that is inflicted on modern pregnant women.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have to disagree with Ros Ellis' review above in particular her assertion that birth in it's natural state is a dangerous affair. Yes, in the UK women did die in the early part of the last century and yes, in Africa, there is a higher rate of infant and maternal mortality. However, the reason for this is NOT to do with increased use in obstetrics, rather lack of hygience, sanitation, education, good nutrition and education and countless other factors (liek the fact that in the west, we tend to abort babies with congenital defects who would otherwise die shortly after birth). To draw a link between decrease in death in the UK with the increase in medical intervention is to make a quantum leap of the imagination.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Classic Work
Sheila Kitzinger's perspective as a social anthropologist is a refreshing direction from which to approach birth in our society. Read more
Published 5 months ago by A Reader
Fascinating observations but lacking in practical ideas
This book compares the experience of giving birth in industrialized cultures (such as in the UK) with that in various other non-industrialized cultures (everything from ancient... Read more
Published on 20 Feb 2001 by ros@ellis-thiro.demon.co.uk
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