Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin (1990, Paperback)

Ina May Gaskin is the leading authority on creating peaceful, gentle, beautiful births. Though dated and culturally isolated (hippies, anyone?), Spiritual Midwifery is a collection of lovely birthing stories -- some tragic, some scary, but most as beautiful as the birthing process itself. Older versions of this book really date themselves, but newer versions are being constantly published and refreshed with newer stories. Based on stories from The Farm, a former hippy colony turned birthing facility, Gaskin incorporates real-life experiences with valuable advice for expecting mothers.

There is no greater literary resource for expecting mothers (and fathers) than this. Both the good and bad, the ups and downs of childbirth are presented in matter-of-fact, no-holds-barred storytelling. If the "What to Expect" series is the definitive literature for pregnancy, Spiritual Midwifery must be the definitive literature for the birthing process. A must read.

This book has many inspiring birth stories and includes information about pregnancy that every woman should know.

AWESOME!! Makes you want to run away and join Ina May and her unique "family". They treat all birth with such reverence, all children are a joy. What a great way to LIVE.