Childbirth without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth

by Grantly Dick-Read, Ina May Gaskin (Foreword by)

Overview

In an age when normal birth can still be overtaken by obstetrics, Grantly Dick-Read's philosophy is still as fresh and relevant as it was when he originally wrote this book. He unpicks the root causes of women's fears and anxiety about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding with overwhelming heart and empathy. As one of the most influential birthing books of all time, Childbirth Without Fear is essential reading for all parents-to-be, childbirth educators, midwives and obstetricians!

This definitive reissue includes the full text of the fourth edition, the last completed by Grantly Dick-Read before his death in 1959, and The Autobiography of Grantly Dick-Read, compiled from his writings.

With a foreword by Ina May Gaskin.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780660554
Publisher:	Global Book Sales
Publication date:	03/26/2013
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	684,169
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Grantly Dick-Read (1890-1959) studied at Cambridge and at the London Hospital. The publication of Childbirth without Fearcaused widespread controversy but, encouraged by many women who had given birth using the 'Dick-Read method', he dedicated his life to promoting natural childbirth."

Table of Contents

Foreword Ina May Gaskin vii

Preface to the First Edition Grantly Dick-Read xii

Preface to the Fourth Edition Grantly Dick-Read xv

Childbirth Without Fear

Introduction Grantly Dick-Read 1

1 The Science of Obstetrics 3

2 Motherhood from Many Points of View 7

3 A Philosophy of Childbirth 15

4 Anatomy and Physiology 24

5 The Pain of Labour 32

6 Factors Predisposing to Low Threshold of Pain Interpretation 41

7 Fear 47

8 Imagery and the Conditioning of the Mind 58

9 The Fear of Childbirth 65

10 The Retreat of Fear 84

11 Diet in Pregnancy 102

12 The Phenomena of Labour 112

13 The Relief of Pain in Labour 130

14 Hypnosis m Childbirth as a Means of Pain Relief 151

15 The Conduct of Labour 156

16 Childbirth in Emergency 179

17 Breast-feeding and Rooming-in 185

18 The Husband and Childbirth 205

19 Antenatal Education 217

20 Preparation for Labour 238

21 Antenatal Schools of Instruction and Their Organisation 258

22 In Conclusion 263

Appendix: The Autobiography of Grantly Dick-Read 277

Index 334

What People are Saying About This

Michel Odent

A 21st century edition of this historic - even legendary - book must be warmly welcomed.
—obstetrician and author

Andrea Robertson

A fascinating insight into normal birth at a time when endorphins were not known, modern midwifery did not exist and women had already learned to fear labour. Dick-Read, possibly the world's first childbirth activist, celebrates women's innate capacity for safe and easy birth in a challenging book that will excite, amaze, infuriate and uplift its readers.
—independent childbirth educator & author

Janet Balaskas

When I was heavily pregnant with my first child 25 years ago this book fell into my hands. That was the start of my belief in natural childbirth which eventually led to four great births of my own and the founding of my life's work in the Active Birth Movement. Grantly Dick-Read's message is inspirational and even more relevant today than when this book was first published. Every pregnant mother should read it.
—Author of New Active Birth

Sheila Kitzinger

Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how birth education started as well as the vision that stimulated the birth movement. Dick-Read remains an inspiration for the humanisation of childbirth.
—author

Editorial Reviews

The most influential birthing book of the last 100 years.'

Fit Pregnancy

"Dr Grantly Dick-Read has always been an inspiration to me. His humanity, love and above all faith in women and their innate mothering skills is truly remarkable. In an age where birth has often been overtaken by obstetrics Dr Dick-Read's philosophy is still as fresh as it was when he originally wrote this book. I highly recommend it."
—obstetrician and author

Yehudi Gordon