Immaculate Deception II: Myth, Magic and Birth
by Suzanne Arms
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Book Summary Information
Author: Suzanne ArmsEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1994-09-01
ISBN: 0890876339
Number of pages: 302
Publisher: Celestial Arts
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Book Reviews of Immaculate Deception II: Myth, Magic and Birth
Book Review: The book that changed my life
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the first edition of this book in 1975, days after the birth of my first child.
I had desperately wanted a homebirth but was unable to locate a midwife during my pregnancy, so after a prolonged labor I reluctantly went to the hospital to "be delivered." I was laid out and draped in the traditional lithotomy position where I received a pudendal block, an episiotomy through the anal sphincter, and the threat of low-outlet forceps (I was able to push my son out before these could be applied to his head). They suctioned him, wrapped him up in a blanket, and gave me a brief glimpse, but when I reached out to touch him the nurse slapped my hands and told me I was contaminating the sterile field. We were essentially separated from each other for three days and nights, other than for brief nursing periods, so the bonding experience never happened and I went home with a stranger. I was told most women aren't capable of successfully breastfeeding, and I found out after acquiring my medical records years later that he had received formula in the nursery around the clock.
I developed postpartum depression and a profound sense of grief and loss almost immediately after the birth. I had a beautiful, healthy child and felt guilty that it wasn't enough to heal my emotional pain. While wandering among the book aisles at a local department store a few days later I came upon Immaculate Deception.
The most intense emotion this book provoked in me was anger. I knew my feelings of loss were valid and that I had been cheated, like millions of women everywhere, out of the most sacred, spiritual and empowering experience one can have. I knew I would not be victimized by medical propoganda again, and I knew I wanted to help other women and babies avoid having experiences like mine.
Yes, this book did change my life. In an instant it brought me to the realization that I wanted to be a midwife. It laid the groundwork for my practice and rekindled my faith when I gave birth again myself. I've read it numerous times over these past 30 years and still believe it should be required reading for every pregnant woman.
I can tell you as well that those reviewers who have questioned Suzanne's expertise are way off base. Although she considered herself a photojournalist, I've known and worked with many midwives, nurses, and even doctors who would choose her as their primary birth attendant!
And now.. I'm here to buy a new copy of Immaculate Deception for my pregnant daughter, who thankfully will have childbirth choices that some of us didn't have. Happy birthing to all of you!
Summary of Immaculate Deception II: Myth, Magic and Birth
In this intimate perspective on birth, renowned author and photographer Suzanne Arms conveys the inherent wisdom in this natural process, through her eloquent words and pictures.Pregnancy & Childbirth Books
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