Birthing Human: A New Birth Story

A Revolutionary Approach to Childbirth

In Birthing Human: A New Birth Story, authors Daphne Rattner and Belkis Trench challenge the conventional wisdom about childbirth, offering a revolutionary approach that is both empowering and transformative. Drawing on their extensive experience as midwives and childbirth educators, Rattner and Trench argue that birth is not a medical event, but a natural process that should be treated as such. They provide a wealth of evidence to support their claims, including research showing that women who give birth in a natural setting have shorter labors, fewer complications, and are more likely to have a positive birth experience.

The Medicalization of Childbirth

Rattner and Trench begin by tracing the history of childbirth, showing how it has been increasingly medicalized over the past century. This medicalization has led to a number of problems, including:

• Increased rates of intervention: The use of medical interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, and cesarean section has skyrocketed in recent years. These interventions can be necessary in some cases, but they can also lead to complications and unnecessary trauma.
• Loss of autonomy: Women are often treated as passive recipients of care during childbirth, with little say in the decisions that are made about their bodies. This can lead to feelings of disempowerment and dissatisfaction.
• Fear and anxiety: The medicalization of childbirth has created a culture of fear and anxiety around birth. This can make it difficult for women to relax and trust their bodies, which can lead to a negative birth experience.

A New Birth Story

Rattner and Trench offer a new vision of childbirth, one that is based on the principles of natural birth. They argue that birth is a normal, healthy process that should be allowed to unfold naturally, without unnecessary intervention. They provide a wealth of practical advice on how to achieve a natural birth, including:

• Choosing a supportive care provider: It is important to find a care provider who is experienced in natural birth and who will support your choices.
• Creating a positive birth environment: The environment in which you give birth can have a significant impact on your experience. Make sure to choose a place where you feel safe and comfortable.
• Preparing your body for birth: There are a number of things you can do to prepare your body for birth, such as exercise, yoga, and massage.
• Trusting your body: The most important thing is to trust your body and your instincts. Your body knows how to give birth, and you are capable of having a positive birth experience.

A Must-Read for All Pregnant Women

Birthing Human: A New Birth Story is a must-read for all pregnant women. It is a powerful and inspiring book that will change the way you think about childbirth. If you are looking for a natural, empowering, and transformative birth experience, this book is for you.

Praise for Birthing Human

"Birthing Human is a groundbreaking book that challenges the conventional wisdom about childbirth. Rattner and Trench offer a compelling case for a more natural approach to birth, and they provide a wealth of practical advice on how to achieve a positive birth experience. This book is a must-read for all pregnant women." —Ina May Gaskin, author of Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

"Birthing Human is a powerful and inspiring book that will change the way you think about childbirth. Rattner and Trench offer a unique perspective on birth, and they provide a wealth of evidence to support their claims. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in having a natural, empowering, and transformative birth experience." —Michel Odent, author of Birth Reborn

"Birthing Human is a beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will challenge your assumptions about childbirth. Rattner and Trench offer a compelling vision of a more natural and humane approach to birth, and they provide a wealth of practical advice on how to achieve it. This book is a must-read for all pregnant women, their partners, and anyone else who is interested in childbirth." —Sarah Buckley, author of Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering