Most women giving birth in rural communities throughout the Third World cannot enjoy the 'benefits' of modern medical assistance. They are usually too expensive and too far away. This book is the result of journeys and conversations between the author, traditional midwives and mothers which took place over several years in Malaysia and Indonesia. It describes traditional birthing practices and the communities in which they have arisen. For normal births the safety record is impressive, but so too is the reassurance of ritual and the incorporation of birthing into family and society. It is...

Most women giving birth in rural communities throughout the Third World cannot enjoy the "benefits" of modern medical assistance. They are usually too expensive and too far away. This book is the result of journeys and conversations between the author, traditional midwives and mothers which took place over several years in Malaysia and Indonesia. It describes traditional birthing practices and the communities in which they have arisen. For normal births the safety record is impressive, but so too is the reassurance of ritual and the incorporation of birthing into family and society. It is...