Birth without Violence

A lot of the typical birth experience always seemed wrong to me, and I couldn't really explain why because wanting it to be otherwise seemed silly. Of course birth sucks for both mother and child, isn't that just things are? Now I feel entirely vindicated. I'm so happy I picked up this book and plan to give a copy to all of my pregnant friends. This book is amazing. Don't let the unusual format put you off: the poetic style makes sense for the content and you get used to it quickly. See the picture attached for one of my favorite passages! Beautiful. The thesis of this book is that a typical birth is unnecessarily traumatic and babies' first cries are actually cries of terror, and this "unintentional torture" is completely our fault. Very sobering thought. Dr. Leboyer offers many different (very intuitive) suggestions for techniques and changes you can make to the birth environment. He even describes one of the first times he implemented his techniques—the baby was so calm it barely made a sound, to the mother's alarm! But it's much more than just a bunch of techniques. It describes birth from the baby's perspective in a way that makes the techniques make perfect sense. Of course coming into a noisy, cold, bright room is jarring when you've spent your whole life in utero! It's the baby's first experience with fear. We try so hard to make our babies' lives comfortable because we love them, why wouldn't we try to reduce their discomfort at birth? Now that I've read this book, I plan to implement these suggestions and make sure my birth professionals are fully on board. Just read it, you'll be glad you did! Afterword: "Young women, this book has been written for you. So that you get back your courage. And take the great challenge. Childbirth is the Secret Garden of Women. Protect it. You'll have to make sure that no one enters it having in mind to rob you." Caveat: if you're religious (I am), this book has hints of New Age-y gobbledygook that don't pertain to the central message, but don't detract much from it either, just a heads up.

I like this book. It is written in a poetic style with symbolism and such. It is a very interesting read though. It helps you to see the birth through the eyes of the baby and experience it from that view point. Even though we have all been there and can't recall our own birth--at the time it was very real to us and all the events that come with the birth process and after. I think it's important to minimize trauma and discomfort for the baby and to handle him gently and with respect as with any human life. Highly recommend this book.

Beautiful book. Honestly I need more of these in my life! It was a very short read maybe 2 hours? But walking away I feel so calm and sure of my child’s birth. Like I’ve got this and he and I can bond beautifully even right after birth. I’m doing hypnobabies and they recommend this book, I got it used (saved some money) from here and it’s very much worth it.

love it, deep and amazing

First of all, this book was recommended to me, by a Reiki Master/massage therapist/rebirth practitioner whom I trust immensely. I am considering having a second child, so I got the book, and as a mother, I was deeply moved. Second of all, I have one son whom I delivered naturally. I thought I was doing the best for him by having a natural childbirth and I was simply because I was doing the best I could with the knowledge I possessed at the time. However, when one knows "better" they want to do "better". I say that because I had NO idea that cutting the umbilical cord moments after the baby came out of the birth canal would cause an infant to feel like they had to gasp for air thereby causing the baby to cry because it was in pain. I just really didn't know. What mother would intentionally cause her infant pain? I am just so grateful that I know better now because moving forward, should I decide to have another child, I know exactly how to ensure my baby will experience a peaceful and pleasant birthing process. I am truly grateful this book was written. I highly recommend it to all expecting mothers AND fathers.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Dr. Frederick LeBoyer, M.D. has not only written his theory from the perspective of the child, but the cadence and voice of the book bring forth a theory that can be applied universally to life, not only childbirth. Birth Without Violence is an easy, quick read filled with "people" language, not medicinal jargon. I recommend this book for any woman thinking about or becoming a mother, or who is a mother, or who has a mother. If you are looking for something more from your relationships, this book has it.

I get this book for friends starting to have babies. I'm a big fan of the author's ideas.

Birth Without Violence by Fernand Leboyer is probably the best book ever written on a medical topic. If one starts out right one is unlikely to fall into the wrong path of life. The fact that this book is not required reading in schools and universities for everyone is an indictment of the educational professions. Not only is the book full of obstetrical wisdom, the poetical way the book is written enlightens and expands the soul of human beings, a sore need in our materialistic world.

This book touches so deep, it is a feeling like being in heaven. I read it so often, and yet each time I read it again and understand new things about my own birth. I can feel into what he means by being born with Fear. I was born with Fear, and this fear hasn't ever left me. I am still with it, and all I wished for my son was to be born without fear. I wanted him to be born with Love. To give him the knowing that all is well. And with this book I truly could prepare for birth in a very poetic way, and yet so real, so true to what life is meant to be: full of Love, an expression of Love.

This seminal work by Frederick Leboyer is a life-changing read. I originally encountered it almost thirty years ago when I was pregnant with my first child. The contrasting images of blissed out babies delivered the Leboyer way and their unfortunate counterparts who suffered torment at the hands of uncompassionate obstetricians have never left me. At the time, I found it very disturbing to read of unhealthy medical practices and the consequent suffering of babies and their mothers during the birth process. A few months later, I experienced it first hand when an ill advised medical decision gave my child an unnecessarily difficult and distressing birth... and I didn't have much fun either! The point is, if the visionary Frederick Leboyer had been there, things would have been very different. I'd like to say that current medical practice is closer to his intelligent and compassionate approach but, sadly, this is not the case. A person's birth is arguably the most significant event of a lifetime. It has lifelong consequences and needs to be as safe and pleasant as possible. So, whatever people can do to educate themselves in this important area will be time and effort well spent. And this beautiful book will certainly be a useful aid.

Loved it and gave i as gift to my birth doula, she never shaw something so beautiful and old.Interesting how these ideas were in doctors mind since 70's

I love this book. So much to learn from it for everyone anytime. Similar to Mongan's philosophy/birthing method, Leboyer explores birthing alternatives that are still not widely spread 40 years on. I am preparing myself for my first pregnancy and I found this book enlightening, inspiring and helpful. It is so insightful and talks you through the four important steps minutes/seconds after birthing, and describes the newborn's feelings and sensations in details. I am considering it to guide me through my birth plan. I would like to buy L'Art du Souffle (Breathing method) by the same author.

Fantastic book.