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A brilliant read

The journey to the UK was made much more bearable because I had packed a copy of “The Baby Catcher” to read during the trip. This book, by midwife Peggy Vincent, describes her journey through midwifery, from her beginnings as a nurse back in the early 70s through midwifery school in the 80s, the setting up of the first Birth Centre in Berkeley, California and her thousands of home births.

It is one of the best books I have read - and one I would like all midwives to read, for inspiration, insight and just plain enjoyment. As the stories of the births rolled off the pages, Peggy’s beautifully written accounts brought every scene to life, and I feel as if I have witnessed a vast variety of women’s labours, some long and hard, others easy, many with special twists and turns and lots of humourous touches. I won’t easily forget Zelda, tramping up and down on a hospital bed, or Rosie the tarantula, or the birth in a leaky yacht as the seven year drought in California broke with tumultuous storms. It is full of vivid tales and is a real treat!

Many pregnant women would also find comfort from reading about birth from this midwife’s perspective - it would increase their confidence, provide insight and perhaps put many of their fears into perspective. If some of these women could give birth, then women everywhere can do it too.

Put this one on your “must read” list and think about giving it to your pregnant friend/midwife colleague or even the local obstetrician. Insights like these are special and need sharing. I am sure you will find is as rivetting and entertaining as I did on the long flight over.

You can order it here:

http://www.birthinternational.com/product/book/bk788.html

Posted by andrea at June 01, 2004 10:01 PM

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