Still Relevant
Although the book is over 23 years old, it still has a lot to offer would-be mothers and fathers and the general public. One can say that "gentle-childbirth is old-hat" in that it is common knowledge and incorporated in medical practice. But this is not so, judging from the rapid rise in mental disturbances that are occurring in this country: violence towards oneself and others, the utter dependency on psychotropic medication and so-called genetics, and the general decline in the sense of well-being, are all directly related to violent births. Odent takes the position that birth should not be interfered with, but solely supported by a safe and caring community such as his clinic in France. Being a surgeon who became an obstetrician later, Odent has been able to keep an open mind and maintain his own gentleness toward women and birth. He has the makings of a psychologist and sociologist since he has not forgotten the human factor during gestation and delivery. He is also not afraid to compare birth to sex in their both being pleasurable and life-changing events.
Highly recommended and pleasant reading; hopefully it allows the reader to wake up from the medically induced trance state which defines birth as a disease in its harshest words to a "hassle" in its kindest gesture. This book is really an indictment on how we treat women, children and sexuality.
