The Gentle Greeting
An Obstetrician's Guide to Planning a Loving Pregnancy and Birth Experience
Not so long ago, anyone perusing the shelves of a bookstore would have noted a philosophical split in available information on pregnancy and childbirth. Few, if any, books offered by traditional medicine practitioners mentioned both the medical and spiritual sides of pregnancy and childbirth let alone a practical plan for creating a birth experience melding these two important aspects of bearing a child. The Gentle Greeting attempts a bridge between traditional medicine and a more holistic approach to childbirth. Of particular note is the advice on interviewing a prospective obstetrician and specific questions to consider about the birth experience to enable a loving and safe outcome. Also helpful is the author’s explanation of various birthing options often viewed negatively from a natural childbirth perspective: the use of forceps, pain medication, episiotomy and cesarean delivery. While not routinely accepting the use of these options, Cole explains when and how they might be used to allow for the safest birth without creating a negative experience. Although Cole touches on physical growth and change of the baby and mother, nutrition, and the stages of labor, this book is not an in-depth resource regarding this information. While appreciating the message and spirit of The Gentle Greeting, readers might find themselves somewhat annoyed by an “enlightened” father-like tone to the book with little acknowledge-ment for the many midwives who have honored both the spiritual and physical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth for centuries.
Reviewed by
Lynn Brach
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
