CBI Review:
An interesting insight into the cultural aspects of childbirth
in several different cultures. Well researched although a little
heavy to read in places.
CBI Ratings:
Supportive of choice:
Easy to read:
Evidence based:
Editorial Reviews: "The photographs are
remarkable for their intimacy and beauty, but what is important
about her books is Jan Reynolds's sincere sense of the majesty of
the world's people. By sharing an empathetic and unsentimental
glimpse of them, she gives us all a great gift." --The
New York Times
"Reynolds' respect for both the indigenous peoples and the
land itself is evident as she shares her discovery of how a deep
connection with the natural world strengthens the primal nature of
the mother-child bond. . . . This little book is a treasure. A
delight to look at, a pleasure to read--and to share with your
children." --The Wellspring Guide
Amazon Review:
Small asserts that our ideas about how to raise our kids are as
much a result of our culture as our biology, and that, in fact, many
of the values we place on child-rearing practices are based in
culture rather than biology. Small writes, "Every act by parents,
every goal that molds that act, has a foundation in what is
appropriate for that particular culture. In this sense, no parenting
style is 'right' and no style is 'wrong.' It is appropriate or
inappropriate only according to the culture." Our Babies,
Ourselves is a wonderful read for anyone interested in the
social sciences, and will be especially meaningful to those swept up
in the wild adventure of parenting.
Amazon Review:
Hrdy's passion for this material is evident, and she is
deeply aware of the personal stake she has here as a woman,
a mother, and a professional. This highly accomplished
author relies on her own extensive research background as
well as the works of others in multiple disciplines
(anthropology, primatology, sociobiology, psychology, and
even literature). Despite the exhaustive documentation given
to her conclusions (as witness the 140-plus-page notes and
bibliography sections), the book unfolds in an exceptionally
lucid, readable, and often humorous manner. It is a truly
compelling read, highly recommended.
Editorial Review: "Where her previous
book explored the way culture shapes parenting during an infant's
first year, this sequel examines the impact of culture on children's
development of language, knowledge, moral reasoning, social roles
and gender identity. She observes some disparities between "expert"
and parental knowledge: apparently child development researchers
assume "that kids all over the world are essentially the same," yet
even among parents in the West, "[t]here is no consensus on the
nature of the child." Although Small's book is admirably
ambitious, it is science lite and may frustrate any reader who has
given serious thought to its subject." --Publishers Weekly
Editorial Review:
"This unusual compilation makes for much more
fascinating reading than would a strict narrative about
international child-rearing practices. The editors (Univ. of
Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) present seven societies by way of
fictional childcare manuals in the manner of Dr. Spock's Baby and
Child Care. Some of the imaginary advisers cited are based on real
people (e.g., grandmothers) whom new parents might consult. In some
cases, the authors present their own field studies while cautioning
that these are "in no way intended to advise members of these
societies on how to raise their children." The point is not to
prescribe from the conceit of Western society but to report how
different cultures view child rearing." --Library Journal
Editorial Review:
"This is an extraordinary book--the result of a
carefully nurtured process of cross-cultural collabouration and
consultation. As such, it is a unique resource on one of the most
challenging and contentious social issues of our time. The voices
and experiences of women, their strengths and diversity, are
captured here." --Adrienne Germaine, International Women's
Health Coalition
Amazon Description:
This comprehensive guide provides an understanding of the impact
of social circumstances on women giving birth, their babies, and
families in the 21st century. Written by a team of experienced
midwives and health professionals, it also covers contentious areas
of maternity care, such as new reproductive technologies and the
concept of fetal surveillance. Overall, it provides an essential
understanding of how social issues can affect the birth process, and
will be invaluable reading for pediatricians, obstetricians,
midwives, public health specialists.
Amazon Description:
In this new book, Dawn Hillier compares the
experiences of mothers and midwives in America and England with
those in Africa and Malaysia. Through vivid descriptions of actual
births and careful examination of the local, national and
international contexts in which they take place, she explores the
roles of culture, policy and the academy in the promotion of
political ideals about how human beings should come into this world.
Childbirth in the Global Village will resonate with the
experiences of midwives everywhere and makes a strong case for
redesigning the midwifery curriculum to reflect the
interconnectedness of childbirth, midwifery education and practice
around the globe.
"I really thought it was very in-depth and educating. I was
surprised how in-depth some of the information was,
especially concerning the physiology manual. Who knew there
were so many parts to a pelvis?!" - Kacy, Tennessee
