Natural Birth

Having witnessed the natural birth process of our own children, and I can recognise the wisdom distilled in this timely book which summarises all that has been learned over the last 50 years, along with insights gleaned from the author's own experience of childbirth. The bibliography contains a number of esoteric references, one of which is introduced early in the text, namely the need to get beyond opposing dualities by using a trinity or triad. This is the synthesis arising from the dialectic. There is an interesting discussion of the relationship between physical and spiritual birth, illustrated with a number of traditional symbols and an understanding of the positive use of our mind. Overall, the book encourages new mothers to take an active role in the birth process, becoming participants rather than simply consumers of a health service.