The Natural Science of Childbirth

Leading childbirth activist and campaigner Margaret Jowitt's new book explores the biological science of pregnancy and childbirth - as opposed to the clinical science of medicalised childbirth.The book addresses many aspects of the birth experience, from the specifically human difficulties giving birth that arise from our bodies being made for upright walking, to the effects on our psychology of the hormones of stress, pregnancy and childbirth. The book considers both the physical and psychological effects of birth, and the biomechanics that can be employed to make birth easier. The concluding chapters offer a model for creating the optimum physical and psychosocial environment for birth. Authoritatively written, thoroughly researched and illustrated in detail, this is crucial reading for student midwives, NCT teachers, childbirth educators and women preparing for childbirth.