The Must-Read Book Club
Stephanie Tang: The book was initially recommended to me by my birth doula, yoga teacher and friend Caprice Abowitt before I gave birth to my daughter, Keira, two years ago. I re-read it before giving birth to my son, Quinn, just 12 days ago!
YCNYC: Favorite quote?
ST: “Remember this, for it is as true and true gets: Your body is not a lemon. You are not a machine. The Creator is not a careless mechanic. Human female bodies have the same potential to give birth well as aardvarks, lions, rhinoceri, elephants, moose, and water buffalo. Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you learn to think positively about your body.”
YCNYC: What one person would you recommend this book to?
ST: I would recommend this book to every woman and man that is expecting, whether they plan to have a natural birth or not! The media portrays birth as risky, dramatic and painful,
and there is evidence that this portrayal has a negative effect on childbirth in society. Not only does this book provide the history of and facts about childbirth, it also shares real, positive birth stories by women that chose to have natural, unmedicated births.
YCNC: What moment or part resonates with you the most?
ST: I distinctly remember a story during which a woman envisions her cervix opening like a flower, and recalled this vision during the birth of my daughter. Although I labored for 20 hours with my daughter and 11 with my son, I pushed for 10 minutes with my daughter and 15 with my son!
You can purchase Ina May's Guide to Childbirth here.
Have a Must-Read book to recommend? Email us here.
