Customer Reviews

Giving Birth

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Giving Birth is one of the most beautiful books on childbirth that I've ever seen. The use of soft lighting and a "homelike" setting, make you feel as if you are witnessing the wonder of birth yourself. Having two boys, ages 5 and 10, I never had a chance to have pictures taken during either delivery, so seeing these pictures gives me a new prospective of the wonder of the whole childbirth experince. I would recomend this book to any expectant family. I believe that this book is an excellent way to share the childbirth experince with your children in a positive and beautiful way. Seeing a child nuzzling at it's mother's breast is not at all pornographic in nature. Overall, this book is excellent!

Giving Birth provides a graphic but loving view of a cross-section of couples deeply involved in the process of bringing new life into the world.I'm sure the pictures could be somewhat disturbing to the uninitiated, but to the women who have had an unmedicated birth and can remember both the pain, wonder and pleasure involved,these pictures bring back exqusitite memories. The text is lovely and touching. It adds a great deal to the overall experiance of this outstanding book.

In addition to being incredibly moved by the photos in this book, I was overwhelmed with the excitement of owning another wonderful visual-aid for teaching natural birth. In this age of High-Tech labor and frenetic media portrayals of childbirth, a beautiful, intense and frank portrayal of women birthing without oxygen masks or IVs is a gift. The soulful images of dads, siblings and the amazing newborns are also magnificent.

I was so moved by the realness of each and every picture. They were expressive and inspirational. This book is unlike any that I have ever seen. It truly captures the feelings and emotions of each and every person. It tells a story, over and over again of the beauty and integrity of birth...It really makes you feel like you have shared in the experience itself...that you were there to share in all that came about...This book could be a wonderful addition to any family, and could be used for many things, including giving pregnant families the opportunity to see the beauty and peacefulness of birth, a model of which to explore, enjoy and remember there own birth experiences. This book is also an opportunity to show all people including children that having a baby and recording the memory of your own birth experience can be something to keep forever. I loved it and will treasure it forever. TRUST IN BIRTH

The black and white photographs in this book draw you deep into the intimacy of Birth, but it never feels intrusive. This book truly captures the emotions, especially the wonder and joy of birth. The sparse text "dots the i". I will definitely recommend Giving Birth.

As someone planning to have a child soon, this book gave amazing images as to the REAL goings on during pregnancy and childbirth. It's hard to believe that something so beautiful and astounding was considered 'shocking' when it was first published in 1982. I'm certainly glad that we've come a long way and this book has been released again. Mary Motley Kalergis has a keen eye for the real emotion of such a glorious event. If you know someone who is expecting or just had a baby, get them this book; it will become a treasured item.

As a lifelong photographer, I was excited to see how the author depicted the most fundamental and emotional event in human existence. My children were born during the "dark ages" when the father was considered the least important person in the birth process. This book goes a long way toward showing that, indeed, the father, as well as other family members can play a vital role in helping the mother bring forth a new life.

I gave the book to my 18 year old daughter who is pregnant with her first child. She had been reading many books on the process that touched on what to expect physically but after seeing "Giving Birth", she began to fully appreciate the experience that she is soon to go through. Reading the excerpts of the feelings that the mothers and dads spoke about, she began to be more relaxed and her fears were lessened.

I highly recommend this book to anyone about to experience the birth of a child, personally or in a helping role.

I loved the choice of black and white photography as it allowed you to focas on the intensity of the moment. The comments by the participants added a personal and reflective dimension. As a midwife, it is a book I would recommend to all my expectant families to review. Children are very visual and it will help them to understand the process of birthing espeicially if they choose to be present.

While light on words, this book gives the clear message taht birth beautiful. From the glowing faces of the new babes, to the striking forms of the pregnant body, the smiling faces of the new dads, and the glorious birth photos, this is a remarkable book.

This book does not have many words, but says more than words could! Since reading the book, I find myself more anxious for the day to come that my husband and I can experience just what the people in the book have. It is a beautiful book which vividly, but NOT distastefully, depicts the miracle of life. I highly recommend it to anyone!