Childbirth without Fear: The Original Approach to Natural Childbirth Paperback – 1 June 1987

In 1971 when I was pregnant with my first ( of seven) children I went to the same doctor who had delivered all my mother's children. I and my husband had one childbirth education class with him and were basically told not to worry he had everything under control. He even gave all his patients a box full of different colored pills to keep at home and said if I had any problems he would let me know which ones to take. To this day I don't know what they were, but when I went into labor and called for advice he told me to take the yellow one. Long story short is that I blindly followed his directions including having a caudal anesthetic which resulted in a "drugged" baby pulled out with forceps because I couldn't even feel when to push and an episiotomy. For my next baby I wanted to know what was going on and be in charge of my own birth experience. Reading Dr. Read's book started me on the road to reaching that goal. I especially like the inclusion of his autobiography in the second half of the book. To see the evolution of his philosophy of childbirth and his persistence in helping women achieve natural childbirth even though society at the time was anything but supportive. I personally related to his kindness and humility towards women and the tremendous work they accomplish in giving birth and the profoundly spiritual experience it can be for the family. I went on to become a Bradley certified childbirth educator and have my remaining six children naturally. It is unfortunate that this book seems to be out of print, because the principles are timeless and possibly more relevant and needed in this day and age where media distorted views of childbirth have deprived this generation of the beauty and joy found in the natural process (and work) of giving birth.

Only reason not to give 5 star is the language is somewhat complicated, but the content is brilliant. Every expecting mother or father should read this book. And all doctors and midwifes and everybody related to childbirth!

This book has been around for ages and is often over-looked. I first read it back in the 1960's when I was expecting my first child. I have since given it as a gift to many expectant women, especially those who feared labor and delivery based on experiences they heard from others.The book touches on every aspect of pregnancy but the section on labor and delivery was what successfully guided me through the process six times, granted with some minor discomfort but without pain or fear.

This is the classic book that introduced modern women to the concept of natural childbirth, and to the idea that childbirth does not have to be "scary" or "too painful to bear." Thank you, Grantly Dick-Read!

I had my baby at home. I read this book a week before I had him. Did it help me at all? No. And it's pretty hard to read (text book style). I will say this - I didn't have any fear, I just experienced so much pain I thought I was going to die (literally thought I was going to die). But never once did I fear it, I just knew only pain. So..I guess it helped me not fear death during childbirth.