Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation

"I credit this book with my enormously positive birth experience. It led me from terrified first time pregnant girl to empowered birth giving woman. I picked it up first when 4 months pregnant and dumped it again thinking it was far too way out- it was the belly cast party that put me off! But picked it up again nearer to the birth and created some birth art that means so much to me and used it to prepare psychologically and emotionally for the birth, something which we have so little help in doing in our medicalised birth culture. I give it to every friend I know who is pregnant- it is passionate, inspiring and real. I am so grateful that someone was capable of writing a book that truly acknowledges all aspects of the birthing process and counteracts the fear which surrounds it."
~ Written on 2007-01-04

"I've accumulated quite a library in trying to understand what I might expect in having my first child. I've read quite a range, but still felt like I wasn't clear on what actually happens - it all felt very medically explained, but didn't tell me what I might feel emotionally and physically, nor did I feel confident that I was getting to whole story. This book was easy to read, and is orientated from the point of view of how the mother giving birth (and her birth partner) may experience labour and birth. Hence, birthing from within. I feel that I have a realistic, but not fearful expectation of what is likely to happen, and importantly, the tips, preparation and information given in this book help you to understand how to build your own way of dealing with and having the best possible birth experience for you. Highly recommended."
~ Written on 2006-12-12

"This book touches on the areas that expectant mothers are often to afraid to discuss, as well as light-hearted instruction on creative projects (e.g. making a pregnant belly cast!). It gives outstanding advice on dealing with empowerment, pain control, self expression and many others subjects that fans of natural birth will encounter. This book is worth it's weight in gold just for the chapter on pain-management alone."
~ Written on 2002-05-04

"I have been a CNM for twenty years and read every childbirth book ever published. In all that time I never found a book that reflected my philosophy and encouraged women, although Kitzinger came close. Finally, after all this time, Pam England has done it.

If for no other reason than the chapter, Stand and Deliver, every birthing woman should read this book. England is realistic-no promises of virtually painless birth if you follow her directions-and positive about the formidable powers of birthing women.

Read, enjoy the feelings that this affirmation of powers envokes, and birth wisely."
~ Written on 1998-11-09

"After reading this book in one sitting, I'm convinced that England and Horowitz will replace the outdated, male-created birth methods of Lamazze and Bradley. Written by a midwife and her husband, a psychologist, these two take you into a powerful new way giving birth. Through art therapy, creative visualization and a focus on Zen, these two give birthing back to women. Their method is not only inspiring, but empowering. I highly recommend this book to not only pregnant women, their partners, but also to OB/GYNs, midwives and doulas who want to connect in a deeer, more satisfying way with their pregnant patients. A thousand hurrahs to England and Horowitz for finally allowing women and their partners to experience childbirth preparation as an exciting, fascinating, thrilling and soul-searching experience."
~ Written on 1998-07-24