A Midwife's Stories of Birth, Life and Speaking Up for Women
A midwife's stories of birth, babies and learning how to stand up for what she believes – and the women she supports.
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A deeply human and powerfully feminist book that shows how conversations about birth, respect and consent are inextricably entwined.
‘At home. In the bath. On the floor. Birth happens everywhere. In operating theatres ,hospital beds, half way up staircases and in the shower. But every single one is remarkable.’
From her first days as a junior midwifery student, through to birthing babies during lockdown measures, Labour of Love follows Australian midwife Oceane Campbell. In her first eight years catching babies she finds the courage to advocate for mothers, save lives, and soothe, grieve with, and celebrate new parents.
As a feminist, woman, mother and midwife, Oceane keenly observes the impacts of birth, and the power dynamics of a system that doesn’t always support women when they’re most vulnerable. 1 in 10 women in Australia report obstetric violence, and 1 in 3 report trauma from their birthing experience. Something needs to change.
Labour of Love explores issues of consent, risk, misogyny and autonomy that surround the monumental transition from woman to mother. Oceane’s stories will leave you in awe of the human body and the miracle of witnessing a baby’s first breath.
