Get Me Out Explores the Sometimes Shocking History of Childbirth

Saturday, January 30, 2010 21:29

Posted in category Books, Pregnancy, Products and Events, Women's Health

As you’ve probably noticed by now, I’ve been a little distracted (perhaps fixated) on when and how our newest addition is going to make his entrance into the world. Fittingly, I received a copy of Get Me Out: A History of Childbirth from the Garden of Eden to the Sperm Bank by Randi Hutter Epstein, MD in the mail this week. Of course, it suited my current obsession, so I dove right in and couldn’t put it down.

In Get Me Out, Epstein looks at childbirth beliefs and practices, beginning with the story of Eve. From medical teachings through the ages to the evolution of pregnancy related superstitions and customs, Epstein explores how childbirth has evolved in the west.

The single thing that I found most fascinating about Get Me Out, is the fact that childbirth has seemingly always been surrounded by controversy. There is nothing new about our current divisions over matters like home or hospital births, or medicated vs. natural childbirth. Once options existed, choices related to birth attendant, interventions and pain relief were ever changing and controversial. As soon as women had what they wanted in one area, the pendulum almost immediately began to swing back the other way.

While descriptions of birthing tools and interventions of the past (DIY forceps anyone??) make it clear that this book is NOT for the squeamish, I thought it was a fascinating read. I’d recommend it to anyone with an interest in childbirth or medicine, as well as to anyone who thinks they know exactly what childbirth should be.

Disclosure: I received a copy of Get Me Out for my review. The content of this post is my own, and no other compensation was received.