For far too many, pregnancy and birth is still something that happens to them rather than something they set out consciously and joyfully to do themselves
Sheila KitzingerAll that is needed for the majority of labors to go well is a healthy, pregnant woman who has loving support in labor, self-confidence , and attendants with infinite patience.
Sheila KitzingerIn most societies birth has been an experience in whichwomen draw together to help each other and reinforce bonds in the community. Now that eradication of pain with effective anesthesia is often the only issue in any discussion of birththe sacramental and social elements which used to be central to women's experience of birthseem, for an increasing proportion of women, to be completely irrelevant.
Sheila Kitzinger