sjcdavidson 's review for:

The Basic Needs of a Woman in Labour by Michel Odent, Ruth Ehrhardt

2.0

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A serviceable summary of most modern birth guides. My problem with it, as with most modern birth guides, is that it is very prescriptive. The example birth plan includes ‘listen to my baby’s heartbeat as little as possible’. Yes, to some women this may disturb them, but to the majority, knowing their baby is well makes them feel safe and reassured. And after the birth - ‘no one should talk’ ‘no one should take photos’. How does a partner admiring their beautiful new baby with the mother in any way ruin the oxytocin levels? Or taking photos? Both can be peaceful, loving, bonding activities, and telling women they mustn’t do them is ridiculous. The ‘one size fits all’ approach is really inadequate.