Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth is a really inspirational book. Ina May Gaskin and the midwives in her practice on a Summertown, Tenn. commune known as “The Farm,” have attended over 2,200 natural births. Gaskin, who learned the rudiments of her gentle birthing technique from the Mayans in Guatemala, has helped bring attention to the method’s remarkably low rate of morbidity and medical intervention. Couples considering natural childbirth will get inspirational coaxing from more than a dozen first-person narratives shared by the author’s clients. Gaskin decries what she sees as Western medicine’s focus on pain during birth, arguing that natural birthing can not only be euphoric and blissful but also orgasmic (a survey of 150 natural birthing women “found thirty-two who reported experiencing at least one orgasmic birth”). While most of us may not actually experience orgasm during childbirth, Ina May’s encouragement, experience,  and genuine desire to support women through this extremely empowering moment in their lives makes this a “must have” book for all expectant mothers.

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June 13th, 2007 | Permalink