Spirituality and Childbirth

Taylor & Francis

Highlighting aspects of birth often taken for granted, ignored or left silenced, this book questions the art and meaning of childbirth. Addressing spirituality in and around the start of life from a variety of thought-provoking perspectives, it examines the apparent paradox of impersonal biomedical-technocratic systems operating alongside the meaningful experiences encountered by those involved. Themes covered include: \n\n--Notions of holism and spirituality, culture, religion and spirituality \n--Childbirth significance at societal level \n--Spiritual care in maternity care provision \n--Birth environment, mood, space and place \n--Spiritual experience of all those involved, including health professionals \n--Spiritual experience when birth is complex and challenging \n--When birth and death are juxtaposed. \nAlthough there is considerable literature on spirituality at the end of life, this is the only book that draws together a global and multidisciplinary selection of academic re.