Birth Without Violence

by Leboyer, Frederick

• ISBN13: 9780892819836
• ISBN10: 0892819839
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-04-01
• Publisher: INNER TRADITIONS INTERNATIONAL

Summary

The classic guide to gentle birth that revolutionized the way we welcome our children into the world.

• The first book to express what mothers have always known: babies are born complete human beings with the ability to experience a full range of emotions.

• Shows how gentle lighting, a quiet atmosphere, and a warm bath allow a newborn to ease the transition from womb to world without trauma or fear.

• New translation overseen by the author himself; also includes a new author preface.

Birth without Violence revolutionized the way we perceive the process of birth, urging us to consider birth from the infant's point of view. Why must a child emerge from the quiet darkness of the womb into a blaze of blinding light and loud voices? Why must an infant take its first breath in terror, hanging upside down as its vulnerable spine is jerked straight? Why must the infant be separated from its mother after spending nine months inside her nourishing body?
Examining alternatives to technocentric approaches to childbirth, this classic text shows us how we can create an environment of tranquillity in which to welcome our children: a relaxed mother, gentle lighting, soothing atmosphere, and a warm bath that mirrors the child's prenatal surroundings. Dr. Leboyer's simple techniques show us how a birth without violence has far-reaching implications for improving the quality of human life physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Author Biography

<p>From pages 130 and 131: <p>Afterword <p>Young women, this book has been written for you.&nbsp; So that you get back you courage.&nbsp; And take the great challenge. <br>Childbirth is&nbsp; the Secret Garden of Women. <br>You have to protect it. <br>You'll have to make sure that no one enters it having in mind to rob you, to take away from you what is your most precious birthright, your greatest treasure: <br>a fully conscious, enlightened delivery. <p><i>Birth without Violence</i> is telling a story.&nbsp; Stories are very important.&nbsp; As important as dreams.&nbsp; Without which, as we all know, life becomes impossible. <br>A story.&nbsp; A love story.&nbsp; The one love story behind all love stories.&nbsp; <i>Birth without Violence</i> is a literary text, a book of poetry.&nbsp; <br>So allow me to conclude with one more touch of poetry. <br>As a farewell. <br>As a blessing, as well. <p>"When we are born, we cry <br>That we are come <br>To this great stage of fools." <p>Shakespeare <p>"Divine Waters, All Mighty Sea <br>all life is born <br>out of thee&nbsp; <br>only to&nbsp; <br>die <p>and who am I to&nbsp; <br>ask you <br>why! <p>all life and&nbsp; <br>I must&nbsp; <br>die <p>at times you're very hard <br>and yet I know that&nbsp; <br>you love me <p>far more, far more <br>than I can ever <br>thank you&nbsp; <br>for <p>therefore to Thee I'll bow <br>with love and <br>awe <p>Divine Waters, All Mighty Sea <br>Divine Mother, All Mighty <p>Thee" <br>&nbsp;