Water, Birth and Sexuality

Michel Odent was one of the pioneers of water births, and has done similar work around the perinatal period and its fundamental influence on the rest of life. With a new introduction mentioning developments since the original 1990 edition, the text remains unchanged but he does draw on the aquatic ape hypothesis to reinforce his original argument. Some chapters are practical about how to use water during labour, while others discuss the erotic power of water (I remember him talking about this in 1993 in relation to advertising), the role of water in religion and therapy, chapter on man and dolphin. The reissue of this classic work can only be welcomed so that it can be read by a new generation who may well be more open to its important message.