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Birthing From Within
by Pam England, CNM, & Rob Horowitz, Ph.D. (Partera Press, 1998)
Many of you have probably already discovered this book and may have already attended a Birthing From Within workshop. From the comments I am hearing from professionals and mothers, this book is striking a chord. Birthing From Within represents a new approach to childbirth preparation. While some of the book does address the physiological process of birth as well as methods of pain relief, the thrust of the book is psychological preparation. This is a guide to self-discovery for women and men; the exercises and rituals suggested in this book provide a structure for engaging in the rite of passage to parenthood. One of my favorite parts of the book is at the beginning of the first chapter entitled "Finding Your Question" in which the authors suggest that each woman ask herself the following question: "What is it I need to know to give birth?" This marks the beginning of a woman's journey into her soul, into her innermost place from which she will birth, thus Birthing From Within. While the authors include a wide range of activities to include in childbirth preparation, I recommend using the bits and pieces that speak to you, that match your skills as a facilitator, and that feel practical given your relationship with the women and families that you serve. For all of us, regardless of our particular positions in the childbirth field, this book can elicit new thoughts and ideas about the structure and focus of prenatal care, preparation classes, and postpartum follow-up.
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