Home Birth

Nicky Wesson has a long-standing interest in childbirth, both current and historical. She has been an antenatal outreach teacher, chair of her local Maternity Services Liason Committee and founded the West London Homebirth support group almost 20 years ago. She has attended many births - both at home and in hospital - and has six children. She has written six books on pregnancy, childbirth and alternative therapies including Alternative Maternity, Home Birth, Morning Sickness, Labour Pain and Alternative Infertility Treatments. Nicky is a medical herbalist living and practising near Hampton Court. She has an especial interest in working with fertility, pregnancy and childbirth and children.

• Preface to the fourth edition Acknowledgements Preface Introduction History Why women want their babies at home Safety Deciding to have your baby at home Obtaining a home birth The high-risk pregnancy Complications of pregnancy The birth Do-it-yourself delivery Problems in labour Problems after birth Death at birth Rest after birth References Further reading Useful addresses Index