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Book Review: Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage By Rachel Reed

Book Review: Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage By Rachel Reed

Review By Abbie Tomson, Midwife, Project Lead for All4Birth and Yoga Teacher
Published: 2021
Publisher: Word Witch
Pages: 358
RRP: £10.99 (paperback) £6.49 (Kindle)
Paperback
ISBN 978-0645002508

BOOK REVIEW

Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed is a transformative guide that re-examines childbirth through the lens of physiology and nature. Reed, a respected midwife and academic, delves into childbirth’s history and cultural significance, advocating for a return to natural birthing practices. The book empowers women to trust their bodies and the birthing process, offering evidence-based insights and practical advice to optimise the birth experience.

Reed delves into the history of childbirth, exploring how past practices have influenced modern maternity care. She advocates for a return to viewing childbirth as a powerful, natural process where women are the central figures, not merely patients of a medical system. The book meticulously explains the physiological stages of childbirth—Preparation, Separation, Liminality, Emergence, and Integration—contrasting them with the medicalised stages commonly referred to in modern obstetrics. Reed emphasises the importance of women reclaiming their power and knowledge about childbirth. Women can approach birth with confidence and authority by understanding the natural processes and the potential for medical intervention when necessary.

This book is a call to action for changing the culture of childbirth. It encourages women to trust their bodies and the natural process of birth, supported by up-to-date research and rich historical context. For healthcare providers, it serves as a reminder of the importance of centring care around the birthing mother and respecting the natural rhythms of childbirth.

Why You Should Read “Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage By Rachel Reed”:

“Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage” by Rachel Reed is a transformative read that calls for a revolution in how we perceive and manage childbirth. This book is essential for parents, healthcare providers, educators, and anyone involved in the birthing process. Rachel Reed weaves together ancient wisdom and modern knowledge, providing a holistic, evidence-based framework that respects and supports the natural physiology of birth.

Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage” is not just a book but a manifesto for change. It’s a must-read for anyone involved in childbirth—whether you’re a parent-to-be, a midwife, a doula, or a medical professional. By embracing the wisdom and practices that honour the natural process of birth, we can transform the experience of childbirth into a truly empowering rite of passage.

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