Overview

This page-turning and jaw-dropping history of childbirth is 'a wonder of a book... a must read for anyone who's ever been born' (Mary Roach). The engaging and eye-opening story of how we and our ancestors entered the world. Through the frigid, blurry January weeks after George was born, I found myself suddenly housebound with time to ruminate - though not time to cook or take a shower. When George was peaceful, my mind returned to that nagging question- why is birth so hit and miss after all this time? I needed to put into perspective my own experience. I needed to know what other women, in other cultures, in other times had done. Birth is a book that will open the eyes of even the most informed experts on the subject. Cassidy looks at every aspect of childbirth - from fathers and mothers to doctors and widwives across the centuries - with admirable objectivity in a work that is utterly gripping, occasionally shocking and essential reading for the human race.

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9780701181192

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Reviews

Finally, a literate and well-informed history of childbirth... A liberating look at how assumptions have changed of what a good childbirth is supposed to be -- Naomi Wolf Wonderful... Packed full of information, a brilliant mixture of ancient wisdom and modern science -- Kate Mosse Cassidy is determined to wipe the Vaseline from the lens... There is a collective, willful amnesia about birth that has been begging for her clear-headed dissipation New York Times Book Review A lively, engaging and often witty read; a quirky, eye-opening account of one of life's most elemental experiences Boston Globe Fantastic... a darkly witty guide through the birthing hut New York Magazine

Finally, a literate and well-informed history of childbirth... A liberating look at how assumptions have changed of what a good childbirth is supposed to be -- Naomi Wolf Wonderful... Packed full of information, a brilliant mixture of ancient wisdom and modern science -- Kate Mosse Cassidy is determined to wipe the Vaseline from the lens... There is a collective, willful amnesia about birth that has been begging for her clear-headed dissipation * New York Times Book Review * A lively, engaging and often witty read; a quirky, eye-opening account of one of life's most elemental experiences * Boston Globe * Fantastic... a darkly witty guide through the birthing hut * New York Magazine *

Finally, a literate and well-informed history of childbirth... A liberating look at how assumptions have changed of what a good childbirth is supposed to be Naomi Wolf Wonderful... Packed full of information, a brilliant mixture of ancient wisdom and modern science Kate Mosse Cassidy is determined to wipe the Vaseline from the lens... There is a collective, wilful amnesia about birth that has been begging for her clear-headed dissipation New York Times Book Review A lively, engaging and often witty read; a quirky, eye-opening account of one of life's most elemental experiences Boston Globe Fantastic... a darkly witty guide through the birthing hut New York Magazine

The history of birth, as Cassidy deftly tells it, might well be summed up as What No One Ever Expected When They're Expecting: Crank-and-pulley birthing systems and fish-bladder vacuum extractors. Man-midwives in drag and obstetricians trained on 'mock mothers.' With wit and aplomb, Cassidy covers the ongoing march of birthing fads, from the surreal horrors of the Twilight Sleep to Lamaze, doulas, and the current craze for elective C-sections. -- MARY ROACH, AUTHOR OF STIFF: THE CURIOUS LIVES OF HUMAN CADAVERS AND SPOOK: SCIENCE TACKLES THE AFTE

Author Information

Tina Cassidy has been a journalist for more than fifteen years, covering subjects as diverse as politics, sports, business and fashion. She lives in Boston with her husband and their two sons.

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