Birth Without Violence by Frederick Leboyer 1974, 2002
Originally written and translated in the 1970s, Birth Without Violence was a revolutionary book in its time advocating for gentler births. With a beautiful mix of poetry and photographs, Leboyer opens the reader’s eyes to Baby’s experience during birth. He speaks of the importance of dimmed lights, quiet voices, gentle handling, and soothing baths for this brand-new-to-the-world being. While the circumstances of birth are sometimes beyond our control, Leboyer makes a beautiful case for doing our best to ensure a proper welcome for Baby. “What more can be said? Only one more thing. Try.”
”Speak… the language of love…to a newborn!
Why, yes, of course!
How else do lovers communicate?
They don’t say anything, they simply touch.”
Part 3, 2
“If there is such a thing as a sanctified place, surely
it is the room the child is about to enter.”
Part 3,6