Childbirth History Resources by Janet Ashford
Knowing how women traditionally gave birth in the past helps us evaluate the birthing practices of today. The birth history resources listed below and at left are excellent sources of information and inspiration for pregnant women, childbirth educators, midwives and clinics and can be ordered on-line by clicking on the title.
The Timeless Way: A History of Birth from Ancient to Modern Times, a video presentation on the history of birth posture and medical vs. traditional birth practices, is available from InJoy Video
The following are available directly from me:
Natural Love: A Parody, a 25-page booklet presenting a funny and chilling science fiction fantasy on what it would be like to have sex in a hospital under the conditions that now prevail for childbirth, $5.
George Engelmann and "Primitive" Birth, an illustrated 16-page booklet on the upright birth posture as observed among 19th century Native Americans and European settlers, $6.
Birth History Notecards, two sets of 8 cards each (with envelopes) showing historic examples of the upright birth posture in use in Africa and the Americas (Set #1) and in European cultures (Set #2), $15. per set.
Out of print childbirth resources by Janet Ashford
The following are out of print, but you may be able to find copies through the inter-library loan system of your local library or through a used book seller.
The Whole Birth Catalog: A Sourcebook for Choices in Childbirth by Janet Ashford was published by The Crossing Press in 1983.
Birth Stories: The Experience Remembered, edited by Janet Ashford was published by The Crossing Press in 1984.
Childbirth Alternatives Quarterly was edited and published by Janet Ashford from 1979 to 1988. It is archived at The National Library of Medicine and at the Schlesinger Library at Radcliffe University.
Here's part of my extended family on Christmas 2007: from left, brother Doug, daughter Molly, roommate Jon, son Rufus, roommate Tom, daughter-in-law Tasha, granddaughter Aftan and Janet. My husband Gerardo and daughter Florrie were out of town!
My Personal Story
In 1976 I gave birth to my first child at home and this wonderful experience led to 12 years of writing and lecturing about the history of childbirth, midwives and home birth. My second and third children, born in 1980 and 1988, were also born at home. In 2005 I was privileged to attend the hospital birth (with a midwife, no drugs) of my first grandchild, Aftan, daughter of my firstborn Rufus and Tasha.
I believe that home birth is the safest and best way for healthy women with normal pregnancies to give birth. All the statistics compiled on birth in this country since the turn of the last century confirm that home births attended by midwives are safer for both baby and mother than hospital births attended by physicians.
Over the years I've produced educational resources on the history of birth and midwifery, especially as it is shown in artwork through the ages.
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