Different Doorway: Adventures of a Caesarean Born [Paperback]

Jane B. English (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1985

This book is a record of the author's ten years of actively exploring the personal, social and spiritual implications of having herself been born non-labor caesarean. With nearly 20% of the babies in the U.S. being born caesarean, we all need to be aware of the differences between caesarean born and vaginally born people.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"(The author) points out that the dominant culture has been designed for vaginally born individuals, so it is no surprise that caesareans may often feel 'out of sync' with their environment. She also observes that caesarean births are only 'different', not 'abnormal'; as such, the caesarean born may have unique perspectives on life to share with other people." -- Stanley Krippner, Institute of Noetic Sciences Newsletter, Fall 1986

"Until now, birth as experienced by the child has been represented (in books by Stanislav Grof, MD, PhD) only from the viewpoint of those vaginally born. Since approximately 20% of all individuals in North America now enter through this 'Different Doorway' this book is relevant to all of us who are involved in birth education, support, exploration, and process. Through heightened awareness, perhaps sensitivities towards the newborn can be enhanced during and following a cesarean. With Jane Butterfield English's map to enhance the journey, perhaps the route will be eased for those involved in their own journey of self-discovery." -- Pre and Perinatal Psychology Journal, Spring 1987

From the Author

My newest book, Fingers Pointing to the Moon (Earth Heart, 1999), has in it a chapter that is a good update on how my thinking about cesarean birth has evolved since Different Doorway was published in 1985.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 143 pages
• Publisher: Earth Heart (October 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0934747393
• ISBN-13: 978-0934747394
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,072,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a confirmation of my life!, September 17, 2000

By 

Carol McClelland, Ph.D. Author of The Seasons... (Menlo Park, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Different Doorway: Adventures of a Caesarean Born (Paperback)

As a non-labor Caesarian born myself, I completely resonated with Jane Butterfield English's experiences. I've read the book three times so far. (The first time when I purchased the book in the early 90's and twice this summer.) I find the words she uses in the journal section that describes her journey of discovery to be supportive, enlightening and helpful in providing a map of the issues that have haunted me throughout my life.

Since we live in a world where most of those around us were born vaginally, it's really helpful to hear a different view. Just becoming aware of this Different Doorway has helped me reframe some of my experiences around boundaries, difficult relationships, my craving for touch, the pain I experience when separating from others, my determination.

If you are non-labor Cesarian born, I think you'll learn alot about yourself through this book. I've also found in talking about the book that a number of my friends are also Cesarian born and they fully understand the issues I've been dealing with.