Customer Reviews

Sisters on a Journey: Portraits of American Midwives

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As a woman who knew almost nothing about the practice of midwifery, I found this a very interesting and quick read. Short chapters devoted to one midwife describe why they wanted to become a midwife, what type of midwife they are, their views and sometimes about the politics or legal issues of midwifery. Despite having read magazine articles on midwifery, I learned things from this book that I've not seen elsewhere. It is also full of affirmations that birth is normal and that women's bodies are designed for a drug free birth--something not seen written about too often. I have one child who was born in a hospital and had a heavy medical intervention birth which was not the outcome that I had hoped for. I thought I had planned well to avoid medical interventions. The knowledge I gained from this book prompted me to seek midwifery care for my current pregnancy. I wanted to learn more about midwifery in general and this was a fun and sometimes disturbing read. It helped me form some of my own opinions and reaffirmed that my decision to receive different care for my second pregnancy. For me it was a jumping off point to then go read other books which delve more in-depth into the topic of receiving midwifery for prenatal care and birth. I recommend this to anyone who doesn't know much about midwifery and likes to read stories of peoples lives. I especially liked the appendix where a full explanation of the differences between accredition were explained and the mission statements of the midwifery organizations were stated. The short chapters are also easily read in bits and pieces which is necessary when one has a toddler running about. I can't speak as to how experienced midwives or those that already know a lot about the subject would like the book.

I was astounded at the diversity within the midwife community. As someone who has had one doctor-assisted hospital childbirth experience (and not a pleasant one at that) I came to this book knowing little of midwives, their craft or their history. This book included stories from midwives in many arenas - home births, hospital births, lay midwives, nurse-midwives, those practicing legally and illegally. While it touched lightly on the politics of midwifery in America and the rivalry between its factions, this book's most telling feature is its focus on the women who choose this field. Chester truly lets them speak their hearts. In all cases their love for bringing life into the world is evident despite their sometimes forthright, pesimistic or negative statements. Each story is accompanied by a beautiful photographic portrait - done by Chester's sister- which displays the subject in her own element and gives visual insight into her personality and situation.

I couldn't believe the first story in the book. The writing was awful and the commentary extremely negative and selfish. As an aspiring midwife, I searched between the lines for the inspiration I was looking for. While some of the stories were touching...many were negative and disorganized. I enjoyed Diary of a Midwife a lot more.

I love this book. I read a library copy first and, when I couldn't hold out any longer, I bought my own copy. Reading it again has made me aware of opportunities in midwifery that I hadn't envisioned before. It is a book that will nourish and sustain you, whether you're drawn to midwifery as your own path, or as a means to a healthy birth and healthy life. The women in this book are inspiring, and their stories are truly wonderful.