Book #64: Birthing From Within

Title: Birthing From Within


Authors: Pam England and Rob Horowitz


I learned several things while reading this book: 1) I am not very crunchy, despite my determination to have a drug-free birth this time around; and 2) sometimes it can be helpful to examine the crunchy, touchy-feely side, because England and Horowitz had some good ideas (like drawing pictures of how you envision your birth) which seem hokey but are actually very helpful.


If you're thinking of giving birth without drugs ("normally" as England calls it), then I'd recommend this book. England teaches classes on "Birthing From Within" that involve things like making birth objects (sculptures) and chanting like wolves, but she also gives tons of pretty mainstream advice, and I loved the anecdotal stories from the women she has helped.


The book strengthened my resolve to have a drug-free birth, but also made me feel even more like I want a doula or a community of women to help bring Maren into the world. It also made me feel free to scream and yell and even swear a little bit while I'm doing it.


--originally published 9/7/06