Bronwyn Preece – författare

In the Spirit of Homebirth collects stories that celebrate the beauty and power of giving birth. Here are women from indigenous communities, of diverse socioeconomic classes and religions, in urban and rural settings, and the stories as well of family members and friends who witness and share the experience of homebirth with them. Partners describe the awe of watching a loved one bring new life into the world, children write sweetly about getting a baby brother or sister, and midwives and doulas tell us what it is like to aid women on their journeys.             In the Spirit of Homebirth presents birth as a physical action as well as a sacred act, an expression of deep love and of belief in the power of the human spirit. Homebirth is a choice, and In the Spirit of Homebirth tells us why women from all walks of life and their families make this choice today when they have the right to give birth as they wish. In the Spirit of Homebirth presents homebirth, not as an archaic practice but as a remarkably contemporary expression of a long tradition and a profoundly empowering and joyous event.

The collection gives voice to those often overlooked in birthing books, including stories from indigenous families, and families from diverse socio-economic classes, religions, and urban and rural lifestyles. Also unique are the additional stories from witnesses to birth: partners describe their awe, children write sweetly of siblings'' arrivals and midwives and doulas recount their experiences aiding women in their journeys. Included as landmarks amongst the stories are testaments to birth traditions such as blessingways and umbilical cord and placenta practices.From days of labor, to babies born so quickly support did not make it in time; from waterbirths at home, to transfers to the hospital; from planned pregnancies to unexpected ones; from tales of tears to tales of euphoria--the eclectic stories brought together here share one theme: they capture an intent to birth at home that comes out of a deep love for and belief in the human body and spirit. These amazing voices rise to a clarion call--women of all descents reclaiming a birthright: to give birth, and to be birthed, as they choose. It is an ancient choice made now by modern women. These stories, delightful and empowering, find the new within the old.