Collection of fifty stories about unassisted homebirth (birth without a doctor or midwife). Couples explain why they chose to birth this way, how they prepared for birth, and shared their joyous birth experiences. Stories include previous C-sections, including one woman who had a C-section in 1946 and had subsequent do-it-yourself births. Parents describe the liberating feelings during labor and birth: no hospital staff telling them what position to give birth in or what to eat or drink. Families share their previous birth failures, frustrations and fears.
Some women who were studying to become midwives chose a do-it-yourself birth. They discussed their dilemma and feelings of hypocrisy - on the one hand, they wanted to help other couples by participating in their births, but by being a midwife, they knew they were intruding on a couples' private space. They wondered how they could (or if they should) encourage couples to bypass the desire for a midwife.
Couples describe the medical and social opposition they often receive, how they increased their confidence to the final point of triumph - a level that medical birthers seldom describe. Twenty-three photos from North American couples show the reader the diversity of people who choose unassisted birth.
From the Publisher
Happy Birth Days proves that there is a stark contrast between modern, medicalized birth in the hospital and birth that includes the dimensions of sexuality, emotion, and autonomy. The birth stories take the reader on a journey of awe, respect, curiosity and finally, the idea that maybe this type of birthing is attainable for almost everyone.
For years, women have been frightened into thinking that birth is painful and an emergency. The dozens of stories in Happy Birth Days are proof that these are myths. Women show that it is important to pay attention to their inner needs rather than look towards experts who will define and determine birth.
The mainstream may be puzzled at the simplicity of intimate birthing, but a new awareness needs to be raised if we are to progress beyond traditional birthing. We cannot count on the medical or midwifery professions to encourage dignified, loving births, so the only hope of true change will be for couples to admit that childbirth is a major life experience that is a primary expression of sexuality. Many couples described the inhibitions when third parties were present.
Fifty stories show the reader the recipe for success in unassisted birthing: Start by gaining knowledge about the birth process. Add healthy prenatal habits. Mix in a little commonsense that birth is a natural event. Slowly add confidence and trust. Gather the birth supplies you think you will need, along with preparations for difficulties. The final result: a special birth! Happy Birth Days makes great reading for expectant couples.
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