Spiritual Midwifery: Fourth Edition

Great book, however more for US market, gives lot's of midwifery information, some very detailed towards end of the book. There are lot's of birth stories and information within it. The drawings are beautiful. Initially only got it as on Doula reading list, after having got into reading it, feel it contains a vast amount of information, much more than just required for being a birth companion , as it gives many medical procedures. Could be used as a reference book, as it contains vast amount of information in particular for those embarking on a home birth or free birth journey. Would definite recommend for midwifes to read or anyone interested in any kind of birth work, or those who wish to inform themselves in a more natural way of birthing.

Birth changing book highly recommended for mother to be, fathers to be, midwives, Doulas, everyone really haha. So so so good!

In an age where woman are taught to fear birth and distrust their bodies, Ina May is the shining light of empowerment! Yes, you do have to get past some of the hippy lingo but I have thoroughly enjoyed this book (and her birth preparation guide) and think it is a must read for any pregnant woman......especially those who want to avoid over medicalisation.

Spiritual midwifery is an amazing book for eveyone to read it's easy style and photoes are encouraging to all woman. There is also a midwifes section with clinical info which is of interest, to most people as it gives insight into the medical proffesions methods and how they may come to make decitions. This book blasts myths out of the water and shows how with true understanding of natural birth just about any woman can give birth vaginaly. I would recomend if you only buy one book about birth this would be at the top of the list of recomendations! I'll be investing in more of ina mays books as a result!

Really enjoying the book, so much information on childbirth.... and its giving me great courage! :) Fear is not part of my vocabulary anymore!

I have read this book through all three of my pregnancies and can credit it with my fear free, drug free, home birth experiences. It takes a while to wrap your head around the hippy references but throw yourself into it and it could fundamentally change the way you consider childbirth and parenthood. Once you realise its something you are doing instead of having done to you and enjoy the journey you can honestly have a positive labour and birth which will leave you feeling like Superwoman. I thoroughly recommend.

When I first read this I thought it was a bit hippyish, and wasn't sure I could relate to any of it, esp after having had a traumatic first labour a few years before, BUT parts of it came back to me during labour and it really got me through. I actually ended up having an amazing labour and birth - just like these women - with only a tens machine. It really is possible to enjoy giving birth and not be scared. Give it a go - what have you got to lose?!

I'm a HypnoBirthing practitioner and I can honestly recommend this amazing book to anyone who is interested in birthing or are on their own journey to give birth themselves. You will find Ina May inspiring, empowering, a voice of wisdom, and a true hearted lady who has given her life to ensuring women experience birth as nature intended. A must read for everyone.

Un libro fantástico y muy especial. Creo que Ina May trajo este libro al mundo con el mismo amor y respeto con el que ha traído a cada uno de los bebés a los que ha ayudado a nacer.

A bit hippyish- but great to get you in a positive birth mindset (especially the birth stories). Love Ina Mays books.

This book was originally written in 1972 by a midwife, who is a lifelong advocate for, and practitioner of natural childbirth. It contains dozens of birth stories, most are uplifting but a few are sad. The book also contains sections of helpful information for the parents as well as information and instructions geared towards the midwife including development of the baby, examining the pregnant mom, instructions for normal and difficult births, and lists for supplies. It is written in easy to understand plain English and profusely illustrated with photos, drawings and diagrams. The language and photos in the book are a product of its time - the early 70’s - and as such it uses fun “hippy” words and phrases throughout. As a new doula, I found the book to be inspirational because it is so totally different from the modern allopathic approach to pregnancy and birth in the hospital, and its use of pharmaceutical drugs and interventions. The more natural approach of keeping the parents, especially the mother, calm and in a loving state of mind makes the labour and delivery so much easier. The midwives in the book turn the pregnancy and birth experience into a wonderful and spiritual event by maintaining a loving supportive environment for women while giving birth by the use of simple techniques such as encouraging cuddling, “smooching” and loving during labour or the “rushes” as they call the contractions. The philosophies in this book are what I plan to use in my own practice as a doula. From qualities of love, acceptance and gentleness, to the more mechanical things to do to help the mother, such as encouraging her to keep her lips loose to help to loosen the lips of the vagina. And little phrasings to tell her such as, “things are progressing as they should”, “don’t worry, there is lots of room to stretch down there”. “Don’t think of it as pain, think of it as an interesting sensation that requires your complete attention.” I loved this book. I found it informative and inspiring in its illustrations of how wonderful an experience natural childbirth can be. ***This review is an excerpt from a project that I completed for my doula course***

A fantastique point of view which gives women the power and control over your birth and the choices associated with it

My whole pregnancy have changed thanks to Ina Mays expertise. Even if you are drawn to the modern medical interventions I highly suggest you to give it a go. Obviously you have to situate yourself in the year where the stories where happening. Very clear and easy to read. I recommended to every single parent !