A Passion for Birth. My Life: Anthropology, Family and Feminism.

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 · 54 ratings  · eleven reviews

First your review of A Passion for Nativity: My Life - Anthropology, Family unit and Feminism

Mar 08, 2016 Jennifer rated information technology it was amazing

I was shocked recently when some well-read mothers did not know who Sheila Kitzinger was. And then perchance 'for Birth' is not every bit superfluous as I came to feel equally I read her autobiography which revealed her passion for everything, non but the important work in improving the nascence experience for women for which I thought she was famous, at least in birth circles. Perchance the very fact that younger women had no idea who she was is a testament to what she has achieved and what they can, fortunately, take I was shocked recently when some well-read mothers did not know who Sheila Kitzinger was. Then perchance 'for Birth' is non as superfluous as I came to experience as I read her autobiography which revealed her passion for everything, not merely the important work in improving the nativity experience for women for which I idea she was famous, at to the lowest degree in nascency circles. Perchance the very fact that younger women had no idea who she was is a testament to what she has achieved and what they can, fortunately, take for granted.

I was though a little wary. Reading an autobiography is a little like meeting your heroes, and the timing of this book'southward publication meant information technology could easily accept felt thrown together. It was certainly an eerie experience reading such a lively, current, book which includes a photo of the author'southward coffin, quite possibly with her within it given the appointment in the explanation.

I have no doubt that she had plenty more to say, in a sense the book *was* thrown together but in the mode that some of the best autobiographies are, not tied to a plodding timeline. I did not expect recipes! I did one time encounter Sheila, at her home, for ane of her Birth Crunch workshops, and it is remarkable reflecting on the way that experience mirrored and so much of this book - the obvious importance of art and creativity, her eclectic taste, her bookish interests, her pride, joy and involvement in her own family... and her love of good food cooked by others and of cooking herself.

It was fascinating to read about her babyhood in Taunton. It turns out that it was her mother who was the midwife, and she grew up in a very socially engaged family... one which might have had the potential to brand her feel as though her needs didn't matter very much as an individual, but she appears to have been very secure in the dearest of her family and embraced the values by which she was surrounded equally a child. She also appears to have had a remarkable resilience and ability to take more than than her fair share of hard, sorry experiences in her pace.

Other things are hinted at... she recounts a dispiriting feel of a conventional academic chore, frustrated by the obligation to reach internal consensus on everything yet being discouraged from making the connections exterior the institution she found relevant. There is a suggestion her marriage was sustained by the spice of regular separations and not feeling obliged to enter any further into her husband'south world than suited her (there's a lovely painting of him naked in the bath though). It is also implicit that existence comfortably off was a help in achieving all she did, although I note that her cleaner comes loftier up in her list of thanks. I doubtable she was difficult to say "No" to, even when you didn't share her tremendous energy and enthusiasm, but inspired loyalty. One of the most moving parts of her story is her account of being given the news of impending grandmotherhood, with her girl concerned that a choice to become a mother might be seen as less worthwhile than the academic career pursued by several of her siblings: "I felt rather ashamed about that" Instead of paw wringing though, she goes on to consider why her daughter might have reached that conclusion.

A force of nature who allowed and so many women to experience the force of nature in a positive way for themselves.

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Sep 12, 2020 Sarah rated information technology liked it

As well bitty for me. Also for a volume with my life in the title you learnt remarkably footling about her life. Her husband lost an eye at some point, learnt from photos, and this is never mentioned in the writing. Some of the birth stuff was interesting which is why the book didn't go two stars but fifty-fifty this was very disjointed.

Aug 03, 2019 Giselle rated it information technology was amazing

What a remarkable trail-blazer Sheila was. A true champion of women.

Jul 09, 2015 zespri rated it it was amazing

For anyone having children in the lxx's, Sheila Kitzinger was a champion. Her radical ideas struck a chord with women wanting more choice and flexibility in their pregnancy and birth experiences, and also gave u.s. the backbone to ask for more understanding from the medical profession. Hard to imagine in this twenty-four hour period and historic period when choice is much more than readily available and welcomed.

And then, reading well-nigh Sheila'south extremely interesting and colourful life was fascinating. She was a non-stop dynamo. Not only did

For anyone having children in the lxx's, Sheila Kitzinger was a champion. Her radical ideas struck a chord with women wanting more than choice and flexibility in their pregnancy and birth experiences, and also gave the states the courage to inquire for more understanding from the medical profession. Hard to imagine in this day and age when choice is much more than readily bachelor and welcomed.

And then, reading almost Sheila's extremely interesting and colourful life was fascinating. She was a non-stop dynamo. Not simply did she have five children too as her very total and rich career, she besides wrote, and involved herself in the lives of women all over the world.

A dandy read.

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Aug 14, 2015 Avni rated information technology it was amazing

I highly recommend this volume to anyone interested in nascence, feminism and culture. Sheila Kitzinger was a rare person, and she seemed to have the ability to call back differently from the norm, however retain a deep empathy and power to connect with people. Her volume was cosy and inviting, as well equally a whistle-stop of the many places she lectured and shared knowledge. It's a stunning book and I am already planning to re-read it. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in nativity, feminism and civilization. Sheila Kitzinger was a rare person, and she seemed to take the ability to think differently from the norm, yet retain a deep empathy and ability to connect with people. Her book was cosy and inviting, likewise every bit a whistle-stop of the many places she lectured and shared knowledge. It's a stunning book and I am already planning to re-read it. ...more

Jun 22, 2015 Jax rated it actually liked it

Started reading a sample on Kindle on 22 June 2015. Always been fascinated by this lady since I was first meaning in 1980. Had 4 good for you babies by natural childbirth following her advice and strategems. I call back I will need to buy the book version equally it is illustrated.

Aug 02, 2015 Molly rated it it was amazing

Loved it. Compelling, inspirational, funny, straightforward, assertive, honest, and dedicated.

Apr 19, 2017 Rachel rated it really liked it

Very interesting. If I had a criticism information technology is that it is a bit scrappy, a fleck of a brain-dump.

Sheila Kitzinger M.B.E, M.Litt is a social anthropologist of birth and writer of 24 books published internationally, most on the emotional journey through this major life experience. At Oxford in the 50s she discovered that the social anthropology of that time was well-nigh entirely well-nigh men. She decided she would exercise research to notice what was important in women's lives, and focused on pregnancy, Sheila Kitzinger 1000.B.Due east, M.Litt is a social anthropologist of birth and author of 24 books published internationally, most on the emotional journeying through this major life experience. At Oxford in the 50s she discovered that the social anthropology of that fourth dimension was most entirely about men. She decided she would do research to discover what was important in women'south lives, and focused on pregnancy, nascence and breastfeeding.
Her five children were all born at home. She lectures widely in different countries and has learned from mothers and midwives in the United states and Canada, the Caribbean area, Eastern and Western Europe, Israel, Australia and New Zealand, Latin America, Due south Africa and Nihon, and from women in prison and those who have had a traumatic birth experience. ...more

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