The narrator perhaps does not know her subject?

I'm a student midwife and this is one of my texts for a course I am taking from the author. I thought I would make some studying easier on myself by listening to this book as each chapter is assigned. I do also have the paper back book. I'm not sure I will be able to stand listening to this recording as the narrator pronounces 'episiotomy' with an extra 't' so as to say 'eh-piss-tee-ah-tuh-mee.' Now, I personally do get a little pissed when I hear a woman has been subjected to an episiotomy, but there is not a 't' there. Hearing the narrator say that is jarring, but I thought I could deal (though I KNOW this word is going to come up a lot in this book....maybe at some point somebody clued the narrator in? Maybe? I hope.) However, in finishing the intro, she adds the word 'not' in a sentence and changes the meaning. The text reads, "How do we define "orgasmic birth"? Our definition is broad enough to include those who describe birth as ecstatic and specific enough to give voice to those...." The narrator reads, "How do we define "orgasmic birth"? Our definition is 'not' broad enough....." I listened to that section three times before I went and found the book to check. Seriously? I can understand throwing in an extra 'the' at times, but adding a 'not'? That changes the meaning completely.

This is a great book that thoroughly covers a difficult subject and the author is absolutely an expert in the material. It's unfortunate the narrator has done a sloppy job reading it. I hope anyone who listens to this on audible also has the book available to double check what is actually written.

6 people found this helpful

Good birth stories

I've read a lot of natural birthing books, this was not the most informative and for me it didn't speak to ne the way other books have. However the last two hours or more is nothing but inspiring uplifting and supportive birthing stories from real people and I really enjoyed that.

1 person found this helpful

Preparing for first child

Following in my mom/cousins footsteps I want to have a natural-true-to-instinct birth with a midwife (we'll see how it actually goes!). Unfortunately everyone else in my life (friends/colleagues) have gone the root of epidurals, "feeling-less", laying down births lead by ob-gyns so I was after positive birth stories that reflect what I'm after. This book delivered! It paints a beautiful image to aim for and manifest but also covers the reality that birth rarely goes to plan.
It provides reasons and purposes behind each phase of labour, each pain, and how each work together when we don't fight the process. It doesn't promise pain free unrealistic expectations but doesn't help to alter the mindset around the sensations.

Expecting to actually orgasm in birth after reading this? This I find unlikely but an optimistic goal (reach for the stars to land in the clouds right?) nonetheless.

1 person found this helpful

A must-read!

This is the first book that was truly empowering and honoring of what women's bodies are meant to do: bear a child. It challenges our current ideas that medical interventions are the only safe way to give birth. It also shares beautiful, powerful birth stories. His book has shifted me, from being very afraid of giving birth to my first child, to now feeling positive anticipation as to the powerful possibilities that lie ahead with my labor. From every story I heard, a woman is completely and utterly transformed in the journey of birthing. I am amazed to say that I am now looking forward to it, thanks to this book.

Also, the performance was one of the very best on Audible!

1 person found this helpful

best birthing book ever

After having my first birth hijacked by the hospital this book has given me the confidence to go in childbirth understanding my past downfalls and ready to take the rains of my next birth.

Empowering and Uplifting

Great way to look at your birth as a primal natural experience. Women get back in touch with the blood mystery that is your power.

Mainly birth stories with minimal instruction.

Was expecting more instruction, but overall a good book. A good follow up to The Bradley Method. Thank you.

Amazing

Highly recommend for new mommas! We can have a euphoric birth experience, and this book has lots of examples.

loved it!

so informative, but also so empowering! I loved how the empowering stories made me feel. The stories are so beutiful it gave me contractions, because I became more open, willing and excited about my upcoming birth.

BEST BOOK EVER

This book was everything and more. I am so excited for birth now and actually feel prepared.